We are your
Finance Partner
Let’s take the red-tape off that opportunity.
We get it. Bad finance isn’t good for anyone.
We get it. Bad finance (or ‘dumb debt’ as we put it) isn’t good for anyone – for the lender or for the business.
Through our experience and working with many New Zealand businesses, we know that there are countless good, sound, well considered ideas and projects that deserve a little more lateral thinking and support than is often afforded them.
Which is what drives Merx. We’ve been working in Business Finance for over 20 years, and have been lending direct to clients for over 10. We couple our focus on providing purpose-fit finance, with our ability to spot and assess a sound property project or business growth plan, to deliver funding resources that make goals a reality.
If you’re seeking a finance provider who is an expert in supporting sound business or property plans, and happy to invest in creating more New Zealand success stories, contact Merx today.
Looking for a finance provider to bring your dreams into reality?
Contact Merx today and discover how we can help
REQUEST A CALLMeet the experts behind Merx.
Andrew Dunning
Managing Director
Founder of Merx, Andrew is a highly experienced business lender who specialises in helping business owners and property developers realise goals, overcome challenges and reach their potential.
Andrew has over 22-years experience in the finance sector, commencing with a 10-year career at ANZ where he held roles including Regional Director Property Finance, and Senior Manager Commercial and Agri Banking.
During his time in the banking sector, Andrew recognised that many New Zealand businesses were not being well served by the mainstream banks. His interest in finance solutions for SMEs and property developers grew, and in 2013 he made his move and started investing his own capital in the alternative business finance sector.
In 2016, Andrew launched Merx, and since then has built a highly regarded business, known for smart, fit-for purpose finance for businesses and property developers.
As a business owner, and lender who backs client’s with his own funds, Andrew stresses the importance of working with a finance expert who understands the intricacies of commercial activity and how to structure finance to specific business needs.
“In business, whether starting, growing or maturing, smart finance is a crucial factor in achieving what you set out to. And to secure smart finance – when you need it and on terms that make sense – you need to work with an experienced lender who can see past the checklist and find solutions. You want a lender who thrives on working directly with clients to make their goals a reality.”
As an experienced business lender, Andrew applies his banking and finance background to a wide range of business finance scenarios, from helping clients ease cash flow obstacles, to finance for property development projects.
“In business, whether starting, growing or maturing, smart finance is a crucial factor in achieving what you set out to. And to secure smart finance - when you need it and on terms that make sense - you need to work with an experienced lender who can see past the checklist and find solutions."
Garrick Wynne
Director
A seasoned expert in Commercial and Property Finance, Garrick Wynne brings over 15 years of invaluable experience to Merx.
Starting his career with a focus on Business Development, Garrick has cultivated a keen eye for opportunity in finance and investment, helping him to spot trends and identify profitable avenues for growth. His hands-on approach and comprehensive knowledge of the finance sector has allowed him to establish an extensive network of clients and intermediaries, with a deep understanding of the intricacies of funding in different markets.
This journey has led Garrick to Merx, as a valuable addition to the directorial team. His vast experience and commitment to client service align seamlessly with Merx’s mission of providing smart, fit-for-purpose finance for businesses and property developers. Working closely with clients, he strives to ensure their needs are not only met, but exceeded.
Beyond his professional life, Garrick cherishes his time with his wife and young daughter, and he firmly believes in the importance of a healthy work-life balance. An entrepreneur at heart and avid lover of the outdoors, when he’s not running his Vintage Guitar business, you may find Garrick in the great outdoors, recharging his batteries and finding inspiration in New Zealand’s beautiful scenery.
"Success in finance isn't just about numbers, it's about building relationships. At Merx, I'm committed to helping businesses thrive by delivering tailored financial solutions that respect their unique journey and aspirations.”
Chris Swasbrook
Director
Chris Swasbrook is an experienced investor, company director, and financial markets professional.
He is currently a Board Member of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), and has previously served on the NZX Listing Subcommittee and the New Zealand Markets Disciplinary Tribunal for over a decade.
Chris has held a range of governance roles across NZX-listed companies, and community organisations.
He is the Founder and Director of Elevation Capital Funds Management Limited and Co-Founder and Director of the NZX-listed New Zealand Rural Land Company. He also serves as Chair of the Auckland Future Fund and Executive Chair of McCashin’s Brewery Limited.
Earlier in his career, Chris became a Foundation Broker of the New Zealand Exchange (NZX) and a Full Member of the former NZSE. In 2003, he was appointed Partner and Co-Head of Institutional Equities at Goldman Sachs JBWere (NZ). In April 2025, Chris was appointed as Chair of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.
We see Chris’s involvement as an enhancement to our capabilities and an important marker on our journey as a Private Credit provider within New Zealand’s financial markets.
"Merx has a great track record and a strong alignment of interests with investors. Private Credit is a growth area of the financial markets, and I wanted to partner and invest with a proven team in this space."
Brett Martelli
Director
An experienced lawyer, Brett knows it is important for businesses to get the detail right – whether for business contracts or finance.
Over the past 21 years, Brett has worked as a solicitor for large firms in Sydney, London and Auckland. For the past ten years, at Heaney & Partners, Brett has specialised in dispute resolution, helping borrowers, lenders and building companies to resolve disputes about breaches of contract, security priorities, payment defaults and helping to negotiate settlements acceptable for all parties.
Having obtained considerable knowledge regarding business finance through his work with lenders and borrowers, Brett sought an opportunity in the business finance sector, and in 2015, began working with Andrew Dunning (Merx Director).
Brett commented: “I was looking for a financial services venture which suited my existing skills and knowledge. My experience advising borrowers and lenders meant Merx was an ideal fit. In my six years working in the business finance sector, it has been a real pleasure to provide finance to businesses for them to complete all kinds of property projects, purchase machinery and import/export stock to far off places like China and Peru. Partnering with business owners to help them grow and take advantage of opportunities has been very rewarding.”
“I was looking for a financial services venture which suited my existing skills and knowledge. My experience advising borrowers and lenders meant Merx was an ideal fit."
Craig Brown
Consultant
You would be hard-pressed to find someone with both Craig’s experience and passion for alternative business finance. He quite simply thrives on helping businesses succeed and grow through access to sound finance for their goals and vision.
With over 30 years in the finance sector, which started with a 14-year career at Westpac, for the past two decades Craig has specialised in alternative finance for New Zealand business. In the alternative business finance sector Craig’s roles have included Business Development at both Scottish Pacific and Lock Finance, and General Manager, also at Lock Finance.
Over his career, Craig has worked with businesses seeking working capital finance, property development finance, business funding for growth, import and trade finance and much more. But whatever the reason for finance and business objective, Craig applies an important principle:
“It is crucial to consider finance from multiple perspectives and, in doing so, ensure that you structure it the right way for your business needs and plans. What is the flow on affect of the finance? What is the exit strategy? What facets of your business need to be considered? There is a stark difference between lenders who simply facilitate transactions and lenders who help business owners properly and expertly consider their finance structures and the impacts of those on their goals and the bottom line.”
Which, Craig says, is one of the reasons he chose to be a consulting partner for Merx: “I’ve known Andrew Dunning (Merx Director) for many years, and have always been impressed by the smart, strategic approach Merx applies to their clients’ finance needs: for Merx, it is not merely a transaction; It is about fit-for-purpose funding that delivers value for the business or property developer.”
Widely considered one of the most experienced alternative finance experts in New Zealand, Merx is very pleased to be partnering with Craig. His depth of knowledge and experience is a considerable asset, as his obvious zeal for helping Kiwi businesses succeed.
“It is crucial to consider finance from multiple perspectives and, in doing so, ensure that you structure it the right way for your business needs and plans. What is the flow on affect of the finance? What is the exit strategy? What facets of your business need to be considered?"