LenderMAC Enters into Strategic Relationship with Ares to Expand Origination and Non-QM Capabilities

Rhea-AI Summary

LenderMAC entered a strategic relationship with Ares on October 17, 2025 under which Ares will purchase a significant portion of LenderMAC's Non-QM production and provide strategic capital to support origination and growth.

Since new ownership in May 2025, LenderMAC expanded into more than 20 states, launched a fully operational wholesale channel, reached its first $100 million in funded loans, and refined AI tools including a bank statement analyzer. Legal counsel: Mayer Brown for LenderMAC and Winston & Strawn for Ares.

Positive

• Ares to buy a significant portion of Non-QM production
• Raised strategic capital to support LenderMAC origination and growth
• LenderMAC reached $100 million in funded loans since May 2025
• Expanded lending footprint to more than 20 states
• Established a fully operational wholesale channel

Negative

• None.

Insights

Strategic Capital & Execution

LenderMAC secured a structured financing and purchase arrangement with Ares to scale Non‑QM origination and backfill capital needs.

Ares provides structured debt and will buy a significant portion of LenderMAC’s Non‑QM production, directly supporting originations and freeing management to prioritize growth and product expansion.

The arrangement hinges on continued production quality and loan performance; repayment and profitability depend on the actual volume and credit characteristics of the sold Non‑QM loans and on the contractual purchase terms.

Watch execution over the next year, especially production ramp to sustain purchases, the maintenance of underwriting standards, and progress against the 2026 plan (2026). The company already cites a milestone of $100 million in funded loans and a multi‑state footprint of 20+ states as immediate baselines.

Origination Capacity & Operational Risk

The deal increases distribution capacity but raises dependency on third‑party funding and operational controls.

LenderMAC gains liquidity and a sales outlet for Non‑QM loans while it expands wholesale channels and refines an AI‑driven operating stack, which should lower costs per loan if implemented correctly.

Key risks include concentration from selling a "significant portion" of production to one counterparty, integration of AI tools into underwriting controls, and sustaining loan volumes across 20+ states without weakening credit standards.

Monitor contractual purchase terms, any covenants tied to the structured debt, and quarterly production metrics through 2026 to judge whether scale improves margins or introduces concentration and performance risk.

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgeway Lending Partners LLC d/b/a LenderMAC ("LenderMAC" or the "Company") today announced it has entered into a strategic relationship with Ares Alternative Credit funds ("Ares") in the form of a structured debt investment and buying arrangement whereby Ares will purchase a significant portion of LenderMAC's Non-QM production and provide strategic capital for LenderMAC's origination and growth efforts. This transaction is another indicator of the rapid growth of LenderMAC as CEO Kenny Jo continues his build out of LenderMAC into a preferred provider of national mortgage solutions.

"At LenderMAC, we are focused on providing our customers with the most efficient mortgage products in the market," said Kenny Jo, Owner and CEO of LenderMAC. "Entering into a strategic relationship with Ares allows us to focus on expanding our product offerings and grow our customer base, all while maintaining a relentless focus on keeping costs down for homeowners. We are excited to work with Ares as we grow LenderMAC into one of the largest national providers of mortgage solutions."

The Company started in 2021 in Duluth, Georgia and was purchased in May 2025. Since its new beginning in May, LenderMAC achieved significant growth milestones, including the establishment of a fully operational wholesale channel, expansion of its lending footprint to more than 20 states, and reaching its first $100 million in funded loans. The Company also refined its AI platform, including a bank statement analyzer and other AI-driven initiatives, to enhance operational efficiency and streamline the loan process. Looking ahead, with the addition of its strategic relationship with Ares, LenderMAC aims to accelerate its growth trajectory in 2026.

"Having worked with Kenny for years and seen LenderMAC continue to rapidly grow its market share, we are thrilled to be able to collaborate more meaningfully with the company," said Michael Flynn, Managing Director in Ares Alternative Credit. "We look forward to working with the Company's management team to capitalize on the opportunities ahead."

Mayer Brown LLP served as legal counsel to LenderMAC. Winston & Strawn served as legal counsel to Ares.

About LenderMAC

Bridgeway Lending Partners LLC d/b/a LenderMAC is a privately held mortgage company headquartered in Cypress, California. We are a full-service mortgage bank specializing in a diversified portfolio of mortgage products and services, strategically designed to address evolving market demands. LenderMAC is committed to driving growth and value through innovative lending solutions that empower wholesale lenders, non-delegated correspondents, and correspondent partners. Its integrated platform provides access to a broad range of mortgage offerings, including proprietary non-QM and alternative loan products that differentiate LenderMAC in a competitive marketplace.

About Ares Management Corporation

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to advance our stakeholders' long-term goals by providing flexible capital that supports businesses and creates value for our investors and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of June 30, 2025, Ares Management Corporation's global platform had over $572 billion of assets under management, with operations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Projections and forward-looking statements are not reliable indicators of future events and no guarantee or assurance is given that such activities will occur as expected or at all. Actual events or conditions are unlikely to be consistent with and may differ materially from those assumed.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lendermac-enters-into-strategic-relationship-with-ares-to-expand-origination-and-non-qm-capabilities-302587995.html

SOURCE LenderMAC

FAQ

What did ARES and LenderMAC announce on October 17, 2025?

They announced a strategic relationship where Ares will purchase a significant portion of LenderMAC's Non-QM production and provide strategic capital.

How much lending has LenderMAC funded since its May 2025 ownership change?

LenderMAC reached its first $100 million in funded loans since May 2025.

How will the ARES relationship affect LenderMAC's origination capacity in 2026?

Ares' purchase of Non-QM production and strategic capital is intended to support expanded origination and accelerate growth into 2026.

Which states does LenderMAC operate in after the expansion announced in 2025?

LenderMAC expanded its lending footprint to more than 20 states as of the announcement.

What technology improvements did LenderMAC report alongside the ARES deal?

LenderMAC refined its AI platform, including a bank statement analyzer and other AI-driven initiatives to improve efficiency.

Who served as legal counsel for the ARES-LenderMAC transaction?

Mayer Brown served as legal counsel to LenderMAC and Winston & Strawn served as legal counsel to Ares.