Meet Peter Stevens: The Credit Expert Working Behind the Scenes to Deliver Funding Solutions

We sat down with Peter to learn more about his role, his approach to credit decisions, and why private lending can be a valuable option for borrowers who have exhausted traditional avenues.

What motivated you to become part of PMA's Credit team?

I've always worked in credit, so joining PMA was an opportunity to continue doing something I have extensive experience in.

What appealed to me was the ability to work within a smaller team without the red tape that often comes with a major bank. It allows us to make decisions more efficiently and focus on finding solutions for borrowers rather than getting caught up in unnecessary processes.

What's the biggest misconception business owners have about getting a loan?

One misconception is that speaking with a lender is difficult.

Many business owners assume the process will be complicated or that they won't qualify before they've even had a conversation. In reality, having a discussion about a funding scenario is often the first step towards identifying a solution.

What kind of businesses do you typically help?

We help any business that needs finance and may be in a position where a traditional bank is unable to assist.

There can be many reasons for this. Sometimes the transaction doesn't fit a bank's policy requirements, sometimes timing is an issue, and other times the borrower simply needs a more flexible solution.

Our role is to assess each situation individually and determine whether there is a viable funding pathway available.

Can you share a recent client success story?

One recent example involved a large property developer who required funding for a specific component of a project that sat outside the scope of their primary lender's approval.

We were able to provide finance for that portion of the project, allowing the development to continue progressing while complementing the existing funding structure.

It's a good example of how private lending can fill gaps that traditional lenders are sometimes unable to accommodate.

What sets PMA apart from other private lenders?

We're relatively small, even by private lending standards, and that allows us to be flexible.

Because we're not constrained by large corporate structures, we're able to consider bespoke solutions and look at each transaction on its own merits.

That flexibility can be extremely valuable when dealing with complex or unique lending scenarios.

How do you stay ahead in a fast-changing finance environment?

I regularly read finance articles and keep up to date with developments across the industry.

The lending landscape is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay informed about market conditions, emerging trends, and changes that may impact borrowers and lenders alike.

What advice would you give a business owner thinking about getting a loan?

If a first-tier or second-tier lender has declined your application, don't automatically assume the loan can't happen.

Private lending can often provide solutions where traditional lenders cannot, particularly when there are unique circumstances involved. It's worth exploring all available options before concluding that funding isn't possible.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

I enjoy being part of the solution.

Every funding scenario is different, and it's rewarding to help borrowers achieve an outcome that allows them to move forward with their plans, whether that's completing a project, growing a business, or securing an important opportunity.