CFI Finance (an independent SME and franchise specialist lender) has appointed former SilverChef NZ General Manager Trent Parkinson to head up its New Zealand business. Trent was instrumental in the growth of that business from 2012-2019, particularly across New Zealand’s hospitality industry.

CFI Finance Group CEO Phil Chaplin said the appointment reflects the lender’s continuing growth in New Zealand and support of the country’s underserviced business finance space.

“New Zealand business lending landscape has historically been very bank-centric, but those larger lenders often have little appetite to fund those businesses that can’t be categorised into neat boxes,” Phil said.

“We’re delighted to be able to support small businesses, particularly franchise networks, and their franchisees, across both sides of the Tasman. I’m confident that Trent’s experience and passion for small business lending will be core driver of growth for us over the coming years.”

About CFI Finance

CFI finance is a small business lender operating across Australia and New Zealand, offering business loans, acquisition, and equipment finance. Established in 2014, CFI has provided over $100 million in franchise funding, and has been a driver of growth for many of Australasia’s largest franchise networks. For more information visit www.cfifinance.com.au or www.cfifinance.co.nz