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The history of Squirrel
2021 - Thirteen years on
Squirrel's been around for 13 years now and it's been a journey, growing from just JB to over 70 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 $8 billion of home loans and $100 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.
2020
The year of the pandemic. Squirrel continued to grow, despite a year of uncertainty and turmoil we stayed true to our purpose. Growing our staff by around 50% and doubling our P2P lending, we launched some exciting new products that benefited both investors and borrowers alike including term investments into residential mortgages and bridging finance.
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.
Sharmaine
New Zealand
I am happy with my advisor. He moved to Squirrel and followed him but i have yet to get to know the company itself.S
Angus
Auckland, New Zealand
Both Alex and Eleanor were fantastic. I have used a mortgage broker in the past - with mixed results. They both were amazing. Would 100% use again. Very happy with the outcome.A
Katie
Whangarei, New Zealand
Jessica was amazing! While other advisors told me I wasn't in a financial position to buy my first house, Jessica worked with me to make it happen. Thanks to her, I am now in my own home. Thank you so much Jessica, I loved working with you!K
Vishal
Auckland, New Zealand
Alex was very helpful. Being first home buyers, we had endless number of questions. He was always patient, forthcoming and calm. I am happy to say Alex helped us more than our solicitor did. Thank you Alex and Squirrel for helping us buy our first home.V
Miriam
Auckland, New Zealand
Excellent service from Eleanor. Great communication and follow up. I got the results I wanted with no fuss. I would happily use Squirrel Mortgages again.M
Christian
Auckland, New Zealand
Very good. Brad made a small mistake but it was rectified quickly. Still he was a pleasure to deal with with fast and efficient communication and would recommend him and Squirrel to others.C
Paul
Wellington , New Zealand
Worked with Squirrell with commercial funding where we were having issues elsewhere and JB made it happen. Communication was excellent. Thanks youP
Millie
New Plymouth, New Zealand
I found my adviser very knowledgeable and helpful. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to friends and familyM
