Online lender Spotcap hires NZ managing director

Keast joins the online platform to head up operations on both sides of the Tasman, as customers seek non-bank alternatives in the face of credit tightening. 

Keast was previously head of small business designs and Solutions at Macquarie Group, customer operations and improvement senior manager at IAG, and most recently ran an independent consultancy for major financial services companies.

He joins in April and will be tasked with leading the business through a regional expansion. The company, based in Berlin, has operated in New Zealand since 2017, and started lending in Australia two years before. It also has a presence in the Netherlands and UK.

Keast said: I’ve worked with small businesses throughout my career and know how driven they are. They see possibilities and work to make them happen. They have a vision, they’re just missing the finance and often don’t have assets to secure a loan. I’m excited to join a growing company which is empowering them with simple, swift unsecured finance.”

Jens Woloszczak, Founder and CEO of Spotcap: "I'm delighted to welcome Simon to Spotcap at this stage of our development. Simon has an in-depth understanding of the local lending market and a clear passion for supporting businesses. We are confident he can continue to establish Spotcap as a trusted, leading player in business lending in Australia and New Zealand.”