Expert Author.

CurrentlyChief Executive and Managing Director of Avanti Finance

ResidesAuckland, NZ

Mark Mountcastle

Mark Mountcastle has over 30 years' experience in financial services and leadership, managing numerous projects, risks, and cultural changes.

Expertise

Mark is an expert in strategic development and governance. He has knowledge in credit and operational risks, financial and credit analysis, business relationship management, liquidity risks, SME banking, cash-flow lending, loans, retail banking, and portfolio management. As CEO and Managing Director of Avanti Finance, he is responsible for the company's strategy development and execution.

Experience

Mark began his career at Westpac, progressing through a variety of roles in retail banking. Since then, he has held multiple leadership positions - developing, configuring, and deploying numerous projects and risk-management frameworks for ensuring financial performance and compliance. Mark joined Avanti in 2015 as CEO and has led the company through periods of significant change and growth, building Avanti into an enduring diversified finance business that offers customised non-bank financing solutions. Mark is also Chairman of Financial Services Federation's Executive Committee.

Mark Mountcastle's latest articles

Non-bank lending: A future cornerstone of NZ credit?

Non-bank lending is booming in New Zealand. According to the latest release of Reserve Bank lending figures in April 2022, non-bank lending in New Zealand has skyrocketed over the last few years, outpacing the major banks’ growth by a significant margin. Is it COVID? Is it the major banks interpretation of the CCCFA?

New home vs existing home – which way should you go?

Choosing whether to build from scratch or buy an existing home is a question that many Kiwis struggle with. The decision outcome is highly individual. It depends on where in New Zealand you live, how much you want to spend and your ability to be approved for a home loan of the required size. Personal