Prospa's first year in New Zealand

Bertoli said Prospa has lent over $40 million to small businesses in New Zealand, with an average loan size of $30,000 in the NZ market. 

The lender believes there's plenty of opportunity for specialist lenders in New Zealand as SMEs remain "under-served" by the banks. 

"We've got about 1,200 small businesses now, out of an economy of 450,000 small businesses. It's great stuff but it's early days."

Bertoli said advisers have a key role to play in helping small businesses secure finance: "We think it could be a $4 billion market. This industry is in its infancy. For those advisers thinking about diversifying their revenue, there's never been a better time to jump into a new asset class."