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The history of Squirrel
2020 - Twelve years on
Squirrel's been around for over a decade now and it's been a journey, growing from just JB to over 50 strong and counting. But throughout it all, we've never lost sight of what we're all about - getting a better, fairer deal for our clients.
We have written over $7 billion of home loans and $50 million in peer-to-peer loans – helping out a lot of Kiwis in the process. Scroll down to go back through the years and see how we started.
2016
Squirrel was the first to offer a secondary market to their P2P investors, offering them a way to sell their investments in the marketplace allowing them to get out early if they need to. Continuing to strive to offer a customer-centric service.
Squirrel Mortgages acquires Aspire Advisers, almost doubling the size of the company overnight.
2015
Squirrel Money peer-to-peer (P2P) lending launches. The first NZ P2P lender to be solely funded by Kiwi retail investors, lending to Kiwi borrowers. No institutions involved. Also the first to use a reserve fund to cover any losses meaning the investors get their monthly payments even if one of our borrowers misses a payment.
Squirrel takes all 27 employees on a trip to the Gold Coast, our first company conference. What goes on tour, stays on tour.
2008
On 29th January, John Bolton (aka JB) founded Squirrel during the midst of the GFC. Never one to shy away from a challenge, JB was sick of seeing the same old issues coming up again and again for home buyers. Nobody was in their corner, everyone was working on behalf of the seller.
JB felt it was time to even up the playing field so that's what he did with Squirrel. Squirrel is all about the buyer.
Zahid
Takanini, [New Zealand]
Had a great experience with squirrel Sam was very helpful and made sure we where updated and knew what was happening every step of the way. Would highly recommend!Z
Liqi
Kumeu, New Zealand
I would like say Peimin was very helpful and patient with me as i had a lot of questions to ask especially with being the first time i used squirrel.L
James
Auckland, New Zealand
My mortgage was quite complicated and especially during Covid-19 , Kyle had his work cut out for him and he got it sorted for me!J
Geraldine
Auckland, New Zealand
I was very impressed with Eleanor, she guided me through the whole process and was very supportive, and really helped me on my journey as a first time home buyer in New Zealand.G
Dan
Paraparaumu, New Zealand
We had a really complicated transaction and we had never done this before. BUT, Kyle and his ability to negotiate and deal with ASB bank was absolutely amazing!D
Dean
Invercargill, [New Zealand]
squirrel done a great job and got the finance we needed after having trouble ourselves so we couldnt have done it without youD
Hakeai
Auckland, [New Zealand]
My wife and I had a great experience getting a home loan JB & Elleanor. Great boss and staff!!! Keep up the great work.H
Alexandra
Auckland, New Zealand
Eleanor was great deal with. Everything moved very quickly and as first home buyers Eleanor helped us through each step and made it very easy.A
