How it all began

Founded by Ray O'Neill in 1952, who held the belief that home ownership was the foundation of all financial independence. "The opportunity to acquire your own home is a central tenet of our economic freedom and a measure of our success as a country" (RK O'Neill 1982). Sixty-five years later, our cause has never changed and remains the cornerstone of all employee training. It's through this belief in homeownership that La Trobe Financial is now one of Australia's leading non bank credit specialist & funds managers.

An insight into Ray's approach can be found in his book “Job Fever – Breaking the Job Shackle”, his personal journey from wage earner to financial independence written when he was 78 years of age.

Company Wiki Page
2018 onwards

2018
La Trobe Financial announces a strategic partnership with Blackstone Group Nyc. Under the deal, Blackstone, one of the world’s leading asset management firms based in New York took an 80% equity stake in the La Trobe Financial group in partnership alongside the existing shareholder. Read full media release >
Corporate Years (2002 - 2017)

2017
La Trobe Financial celebrates 65 years in business. For the 8th consecutive year, renowned finance journal, Money magazine, recognised La Trobe Financial's 12 Month Term Account as the "Best Mortage Fund" in Australia. In addition, La Trobe Financial was awarded Asset Manager of the Year (Asia Pacific) and Non-Bank Lender of the year from IAIR in Hong Kong. La Trobe Financial opened office in Hong Kong

2016
For the 7th consecutive year, renowned finance journal, Money magazine, recognised La Trobe Financial's 12 Month Term Account as the "Best Mortage Fund" in Australia. La Trobe Financial named as Best Investment Managment Company for the third year in a row by International Finance Magazine as well as Best Specialist Lender - Australia. La Trobe Financial was also awarded Asset Manager of the Year - Mortgage Funds (Asia Pacific) for the fourth year by IAIR in Hong Kong as well as Best Specialist Lender (Australia). La Trobe Financial also launched the new and innovative Aged Care Loan, further cementing its broad specialist product suite credentials.

2015
La Trobe Financial finalist for Innovation Max Awards for P2C® Parent to Child Loan. La Trobe Financial's 12 Month Term Account recognised for the 6th consecutive year as Australia's "Best of the Best Mortgage Fund" by Money Magazine. Best Non-Bank Lender - Finalist: best turnaround times, best self-employed, best commercial lender, best SMSF lender, best BDM support. Australia's Lending Awards - Finalist Best Specialist Lender. Awarded "Best Mortgage Fund Asia Pacific" by IAIR in Hong Kong, and "Best Funds Management Company - Australia" by International Finance Magagzine.

2014
La Trobe Financial's 12 Month Term Account is recognised for the fifth year in a row as Australia's "Best of the Best Mortgage Fund" by Money magazine. Additionally awarded "Best Mortgage Fund Asia Pacific" by IAIR Awards in Hong Kong, and also awarded "Best Funds Management Company - Australia" in London by Internation Finance Magazine

2013
International recognition for excellence in Funds Management and excellence in Mortgage Asset Management from IAIR Awards presented in Hong Kong February 22nd. La Trobe Financial's 12 Month Term Account was also recognised for the fourth consecutive year (2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013)

2012
La Trobe Financial celebrated 60 years' in business and La Trobe Financial's 12 Month Term Account recognised for the third consecutive year (2010, 2011, 2012) as the "Best Mortgage Fund in Australia" by Money magazine.

2011
La Trobe Financial's 12 Month Term Account received Gold Medal for the second time (2010, 2011) for "Best Mortgage Fund in Australia" by Money magazine. La Trobe Financial also won Innovation in Funds Management award (ACFS). ASIC again worked with La Trobe Financial to achieve compliance for investors in property development. ASIC Statement: 22 Aug 2011

2010
La Trobe Financial's 12 Month Term Account received Gold Medal from Money magazine for "Best Mortgage Fund in Australia".

2008
The La Trobe Financial Australian Credit Fund was a finalist in two categories in the 2009 "Best of the Best" Money magazine awards. The 12 Month Term Account won second place for Best Mortgage Fund and 3rd place for Best Cash Management Trust for the Cash and Mortgages Option. La Trobe Financial received second in Best Cash Management Trust - Non Bank in Australia, awards from Money magazine. La Trobe Financial opened office in Shanghai China.

2006
Money magazine awarded La Trobe Financial second in the national "Best of the Best" for the best Cash Management Trust - Non Bank in Australia. We reconfirmed our 4 Star rating from PIR, and obtained a new 3 Star rating from Standard and Poor's on our Credit Fund operation. Mortgage Loans originated $2.799 Billion (2005: $2.525 Billion) being a record year.

2003
Money magazine awarded La Trobe Financial third in the "Best of the Best" for Cash Management Accounts in Australia. La Trobe Financial Credit Fund received independent Investment Grade Rating.

2002
La Trobe Financial celebrated 50 years' of operation. La Trobe Financial was also appointed under contract to a WA Liquidator to assist wind down operations of a large $120 million loan portfolio in Perth.
Teen Years (1975 - 2001)
2001 ASIC appointed La Trobe Financial under Supreme Court Directions to take over a Queensland Loans Portfolio. ASIC Statement: 17 May 2001

1997
La Trobe Financial sought and obtained a Securities Dealers Licence from ASIC for retail investment offering.

1994
First non-bank "Reverse Mortgage" documented and settled, product trade marked "Seniors Mortgage". Read article >

1990
La Trobe Financial pioneered "Lite Doc" loan product, a first in Australia. Reinvestment by Group to retail funding arm through the creation of a specialised Funds Management Division.

1986
National Award for "Innovation in Housing Finance" presented by Australia's Prime Minister the Hon. R J Hawke.

1984
First large wholesale funding line negotiated lending to a $55 million institutional funding facility for 95% ratio loans.

1978
La Trobe Financial Foundation Trust was formed to assist the community through junior education grants. La Trobe Financial acquired several smaller loan management operators during period of tight credit domestically.

1975
The Group's retail deposit taking operation ("La Trobe Permanent") was acquired by Hotham Permanent Building Society (later Challenge Bank, now Westpac) to focus exclusively on wholesale mortgage banking operations.
Early Years (1952 - 1974)
1972 Key sponsor to Jesus Christ Superstar Australian production and La Trobe Financial rated one of the fastest growing non-banks in Australia.

1968
La Trobe Financial Permanent Building Society formed in September 1968. Subsequently the permanent building society operation was acquired in 1975 by Hotham Permanent Building Society (La Trobe Permanent Building Society Asset size $33 Million in 1975).

1967
National & General Insurance Australia Limited signed Heads of Agreement for La Trobe Financial to offer property and contents insurances to La Trobe Financial customers.

1962
La Trobe Financial continued successful fund raising and commenced managing several key funding lines and institutional investors to its business.

1952
Founded on Wednesday 6th August 1952 following registration of specialist lending entity at Corporate Affairs Victoria. La Trobe Financial is derived from the name of the first Victorian Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe, recognised for his fair dealings and decisive leadership and vision. One hundred years later in 1952, La Trobe Financial was formed to bring the same characteristics to mortgage and funds management.