Australian fintech launches alternative fund
Australian fintech and fully licensed marketplace lender, Zagga has launched its Alternative Growth Fund aimed at wholesale investors, including self-managed super funds (SMSFs), which will target net returns of 6.5 per cent per annum.
The fund, which would have the minimum investment for wholesale investors of $50,000, was designed to add scale to the Zagga business model which uses a bespoke algorithm to match wholesale investors with borrowers, the firm said.
The fund would aim to offer wholesale investors an exposure to a range of loans secured by registered mortgages over real property located across Australia.
Also, the fund would be entirely invested in the firm’s approved marketplace lending deals.
Zagga’s chief executive, Alan Greenstein said: “We launched this business earlier this year believing we could capitalise on the demand by successfully matching investors looking to diversify their investment portfolio within Australia and increase returns, without a direct increase in risk, with quality borrowers hampered by cumbersome application processes and feeling the pressure of tighter credit conditions.
“The fund will enhance our offering to investors who are increasingly seeking stable and determinable income-generating and portfolio diversification opportunities, which they are struggling to find via traditional channels, through their participation in a range of first-mortgage secured lending opportunities in which the fund will invest.
Recommended for you
Despite ASIC concerns about private credit funds being accessed via the advised channel, there are questions regarding how high its usage actually is among financial advisers.
Challenger has looked to the superannuation industry for its appointment of a group chief investment officer, a newly-created role.
Perpetual has confirmed it has entered into an exclusivity agreement with a US private equity firm to progress discussions regarding the sale of its wealth management division.
Paradice Investment Management has become the latest fund manager to launch an active ETF version of its managed fund, placing greater emphasis on retail distribution.

