In this episode of the Canadian Private Lenders Podcast, Ryan MacNeil and Neal Andreino sit down with Taylor Little (CEO) and Jared Stanley (SVP of Originations) from Neighbourhood Holdings to unpack one of the most significant moments in Canadian private lending history, Neighbourhood’s acquisition of Fisgard Asset Management. Together, they walk through how the deal came together, why consolidation is accelerating across the MIC and private lending industry, and what this merger means for brokers, borrowers, investors, and the future of alternative lending in Canada. Taylor and Jared dive deep into valuation, culture integration, expanding credit boxes, increased LTVs, new alt products, securitization readiness, and the role of technology in scaling originations. They also explore the regulatory pressures driving consolidation, the importance of strong processes and disciplined underwriting, and the strategic evolution of both brands, including why Fisgard’s EMD will remain and how both teams are joining forces. The episode wraps with advice for smaller lenders and insight into how the industry can become more efficient through national regulatory harmonization. This is a masterclass in deal-making, market strategy, and the future of Canadian private lending.

Show Notes:

05:25 — Introduction to the Biggest Acquisition in Private Lending

05:50 — Meet Taylor Little & Jared Stanley

06:12 — Jared’s Background & Early Career

08:57 — How Neighbourhood Holdings Was Founded

10:15 — Naming the Company: “Neighbourhood Holdings”

13:15 — How the Fisgard Acquisition Started

14:57 — Why Consolidation Is Accelerating in the Industry

16:11 — Deal Courtship Story: Project Beacon

19:06 — Deal Structure & Valuation Approach

22:10 — Leadership Integration: Who’s Staying On

25:01 — Why Fisgard Remains the EMD Brand

29:07 — New Products & LTV Expansion to 75%

31:38 — Alt Program & Expanded Geographic Reach

33:01 — Surging Originations After MPC Announcement

36:02 — Why the Pipeline Exploded

39:07 — More M&A Expected Across Canada

43:56 — Buying Mortgage Books & Future Opportunities

46:02 — Securitization & Institutional Capital Readiness

49:02 — Educating Brokers on Short-Term Alt Lending

50:54 — CAMLA’s Role & Industry Advocacy

54:26 — Advice for Smaller Lenders: Survive & Stay Disciplined

59:03 — What Needs to Change: National Harmonization

62:09 — West Coast Bonus Question

Resources:
Keystone Capital Group
CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast
Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup

Find Neal On:
Instagram: @neal.andreino
LinkedIn: Neal Andreino

Find Ryan on:
LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil
E-mail: [email protected]