Private Lending: 7 Simple Ways Semper Makes It Transparent

If you care about the borrower, you should care about the lender. 

And this is because, contrary to common perception, the vast majority of our clients are high-flyers. They have accumulated high wealth property portfolios and require capital to either downsize, unlock equity for growth, make new acquisitions, or pay down business debt before refinancing. 

Yet, despite the nature of the client, right across Australia brokers keep telling the same stories: Deals that should have settled but don’t, rates that changed without warning, and borrowers that were left exposed when lenders played games with terms and conditions. 

Too often, what starts as a good deal turns into frustration. Rates that looked competitive rise at the last minute, choking the deal or trapping the borrower. Default rates and fees are suddenly imposed when a loan term stretches, or a minor ‘technical default’ occurs. It’s not just the borrower who suffers, it’s also the broker who trusted the wrong lender. 

At Semper, we believe private lending should be predictable, transparent, and built on trust. Over the past 25 years, we’ve proven that it’s possible to create a lending partnership where every party knows exactly where they stand. 

What Brokers Tell Us They’re Tired Of 

It’s worth repeating these frustrations:

• Deals that collapse at the eleventh hour. Promised funding never materialises, leaving the broker to pick up the pieces and the client stranded at settlement.

• Rates that shift midstream. A sharp headline rate becomes something very different once the fine print arrives, forcing awkward conversations and damaged credibility.

• Hidden fees that appear out of nowhere. As ASIC’s recent case against Cigno Australia underscores, deals that seem straightforward can suddenly include unexpected additional costs between the indicative and formal offer.

• Large non-refundable upfront fees. Thousands paid upfront for “processing” or “assessment” — gone if the lender’s credit team later walks away.

• Default interest weaponised against the borrower. Instead of working with clients through short-term challenges, some lenders use default clauses to trap borrowers and inflate profits.

• Unreasonable exit fees or penalties. Added just when borrowers are most vulnerable — when they’re trying to refinance or finalise a project.

These practices damage everyone: borrowers, brokers, and the reputation of our entire industry.

How We’re Different 

Rates that can be trusted. When we quote a rate, it’s accurate from the very first offer, no mid-process hikes or last-minute surprises. You can present our terms to your clients with confidence knowing that what we quote is what we fund. 

No large upfront fees. We don’t charge big, non-refundable fees that disappear if a deal doesn’t proceed. A simple processing fee for searches is enough. We value long-term relationships, not short-term revenue. 

Transparent and disclosed costs. Every cost is clearly written and agreed to before a borrower commits. There are no unexplained exit or admin charges, and no fine print waiting to catch anyone out. 

Supportive default management. Lending doesn’t always go to plan. When circumstances change and a borrower is actively working to resolve issues, we work with them to preserve value rather than exploit distress. That’s what genuine partnership looks like. 

Reliable funding. Our capital base isn’t a patchwork of contributors or dependent on raising money after the fact. If we issue a term sheet, the funds are ready to deploy, it’s as simple as that. 

Direct access to decision-makers. When you need an answer, you’ll speak directly to the people who make the calls, not a call centre, not a group of investors, and not an intermediary. We believe in being responsive, human, and accountable. And this is the same when things don’t go as planned, we’re here to listen! 

Ultimately, everything we do is guided by one idea: long-term relationships are worth more than short-term wins. 

Why This Matters to You 

When a lender fails to deliver, the borrower blames the broker, even when it isn’t your fault. But when your lender performs predictably and communicates clearly, your reputation grows stronger with every deal. 

That’s why brokers across the country choose Semper. They know that when they present our terms, they can trust them. Our credit team stands behind every offer, ensuring a genuine commitment before you go to your client. 

We move quickly. Indicative offers within 24 hours and settlements in as little as a few days. But we never compromise on clarity or professionalism. You’ll receive consistent updates throughout the process, with conditions that don’t shift and no hidden surprises. 

And when a loan needs to roll over, refinance, or extend, we continue to support both broker and borrower through the full lending cycle. That’s how we’ve built partnerships that last decades, not just transactions that last months. 

Real-World Example 

The loan was small — $700,000 — and the term selected by the client was 8 months. From the outset the client requested changes to the Offer to accommodate an increase in funding and assistance to reduce cash flow commitments. There was also a request to reduce PPSR charges (to free up opportunities to obtain debtor finance). Semper agreed. 

We communicated with the client in the months leading up to expiry and it soon became clear the loan would run long. The client was committed to refinance, but the offer received fell short of the payout figure, being the original loan sum. They asked for a month to seek a rearrangement of bank funding to raise the additional sum. We agreed — no default rates, no legal fees, not even an extension fee. The client paid interest for two months, at the lower rate as agreed, which enabled them to achieve the extra funding. 

Had Semper applied a default rate the client would not have been able to afford the extra cost, and if we had commenced legal action they would have been forced to sell properties under the worst possible circumstances, and the refinance would have failed. 

A collaborative, soft approach proved best for all concerned, enabling a worthwhile client to exit in good order. No fuss, no falling out. In fact, we made a friend in a growing business who knows where to come, and where to send others, for a respectful relationship. 

 A Better Way Forward 

Private lending doesn’t have to be a gamble. It doesn’t need to be opaque, unpredictable, or adversarial. It can be transparent, consistent, and fair, for both broker and borrower. 

At Semper, we’ve built our reputation on that principle. For over 25 years, we’ve shown that private lending can work for everyone involved, by funding on time, keeping our word, and treating every deal like the beginning of a partnership, not the end of one. 

If you’re tired of the private lending games, it’s time to work with a lender who plays it straight. Contact Semper today to see how we can help.