Luke Jackson to lead Resimac NZ

Jackson told TMM Online he was "enthusiastic for new business" from advisers and would look to build on Resimac's regional presence across New Zealand.

Jackson said there were "huge opportunities for non-banks and we want our fair share of that". Jackson is open to further hires within the business, including BDM roles across the country.

One of the biggest changes for Resimac will be an increased focus on credit decisions in New Zealand. Jackson said this would provide the NZ operation with "more autonomy".

The hire comes after TMM Online revealed Jackson had left Southern Cross, after building the peer-to-peer lender's nationwide presence between 2015 and 2019. 

He is a direct replacement for Adrienne Church, Resimac's former NZ figurehead, who left earlier this year to join online lender Prospa. Jackson started in his role this week. 

In a statement, Resimac said Jackson would help to "drive the company’s ambitious nationwide growth strategy". 

Before joining Southern Cross, Jackson held roles with BNZ and ASB. 

Resimac CEO Scott McWilliam praised his new hire, and said Jackson’s "deep knowledge of the New Zealand mortgage market and lending experience made him well qualified for the position".

McWilliam added: “We are delighted to welcome Luke to the organisation. He is a respected leader in the financial services industry in New Zealand with the perfect skill-set to leverage Resimac’s growth in New Zealand and lead it through the next phase.”

The hire comes at a crucial time for Resimac as it competes with a host of non-bank rivals to win customers that have been turned away from the banks. Resimac recently slashed mortgage rates across the board in an effort to lure high quality borrowers. 

Jackson added: "There will be plenty of market share for us and it's all about capturing a good chunk of that. We want to get the message out there to advisers that we have got money to lend," he said.