Prospa adds two New Zealand BDMs

The online lender has hired Karmen De Wet and Cristina Barandiaran to build on its growing presence in New Zealand, after launching late last year.

The duo is tasked with building new partnerships and building on existing market relationships. 

De Wet formerly held sales and development roles at vehicle and fleet leasing company Eclipx Commercial, as well as financial services company FlexiGroup. She will be based in Auckland. Barandiaran was promoted internally, having worked with the company since its NZ launch.

Adrienne Church, general manager of Prospa New Zealand, said: “We’re delighted to further expand our local team with two stellar appointments. Karmen and Cristina bring strong industry knowledge to these roles and share our vision of keeping small business in New Zealand moving. Their proven dedication to customer experience will deliver outstanding results for those adviser partners, both new and existing, who are looking to diversify and capitalise on the massive opportunity in small business lending.”

The hires come after Prospa listed on the Australian stock exchange last week, raising more than $100 million for expansion. Prospa said a "significant portion of funds raised will go toward investing in new products and growing the New Zealand market".