The Origin Story: From Insight to Impact
Navigating the financial world can feel challenging, with opportunities difficult to spot due to the way traditional institutions are structured. PHL was created from a powerful realization: many individuals and businesses, with real potential, weren’t getting the support they deserved from conventional lenders. This insight, born from the experienced perspectives of co-founders Steve Ponte and Parm Purewall, sparked a vision to build a lending landscape more inclusive and equitable, where everyone has a fairer chance to achieve their financial goals.
During Steve and Parm’s tenure as senior commercial lenders at prominent national financial institutions, they witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional banking practices. They saw how rigid guidelines and inflexible criteria often led to denying mortgages to individuals whose financial strength was clear, yet their circumstances didn’t fit the typical mold. It wasn’t about a lack of financial soundness, but rather a system that struggled to recognize the diverse realities of borrowers.
In 2006, this vision took shape as PHL, a company designed to connect investors with those underserved borrowers through an innovative Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC). PHL’s core mission was and still is clear: to provide alternative lending solutions that prioritize community progress alongside disciplined returns. By offering solutions that empower people and businesses to achieve their goals, like buying a home or expanding a company, PHL is committed to ensuring that money is handled responsibly, so that investors can feel confident in their returns. Driven by a shared commitment to making financial success attainable, Steve and Parm embarked on a journey to redefine lending in Metro Vancouver.
Navigating Growth and Building Trust: The Evolution of PHL
Over the years, PHL has grown from a promising idea into a trusted leader in the Canadian alternative lending market. This growth is a significant measure of the company’s commitment to transparency, reliability, and fostering lasting relationships. Since 2006, PHL has grown to a team of over 30 individuals, with sales and investments teams managing over $780 million in shareholder capital and facilitating over $3 billion in financing. PHL has proven its ability to navigate the complexities of the market, all while delivering exceptional value and building confidence.
Today, PHL serves as a vital connection, linking investors seeking stable, consistent returns with borrowers striving to achieve their dreams of home ownership and entrepreneurship. By understanding that financial success is about more than just numbers; it’s about nurturing relationships, building trust, and empowering communities to thrive together.
A Dual Approach to Learning and Investing
PHL’s operations are built on two specialized MICs: MortEq Lending Corp (“MortEq”) and Oakhill Lending Corp (“Oakhill”), each designed to serve different segments of the market, while staying true to the company’s core values.
- MortEq: represents our dedication to empowering borrowers—often high-net-worth individuals, the self-employed, and entrepreneurs—who need flexible financing solutions beyond what conventional lenders typically offer. We provide the expert guidance needed to navigate these situations. The fund’s adaptability also extends to commercial properties, allowing us to support diverse projects at various stages.
- Oakhill: provides accredited investors with the opportunity to invest in a portfolio of mortgages that has historically yielded strong returns. Embracing a variety of residential real estate investments, such as townhomes, condos, land, and multi-family dwellings, as well as commercial and industrial real estate, this fund includes first, second and occasionally third mortgages. Oakhill serves a valuable purpose of focusing on mortgages that might not align with traditional lenders’ requirements, offering appealing returns and supporting a broader range of investments for borrowers.
Both MortEq and Oakhill operate with a strong commitment to careful underwriting and protecting capital. This approach gives investors access to consistent historical returns built on transparency and a 19 year history of responsible lending. This not only demonstrates the stability and reliability of navigating the Canadian mortgage market, but also PHL’s dedication to the security of invested capital.
| MortEq | Oakhill |
|---|---|
| – Established in 2006 – Returns: 6-10% – Primarily first and second mortgages – Relevant to residential and commercial properties | – Established in 2021 – Returns: 10-14% – First, second and exceptional cases of third mortgages – Relevant to residential, commercial and industrial real estate |
Beyond Financial Metrics
At PHL, our success is about more than just financial figures. We believe what we do has a ripple effect, and we care deeply about making a positive and lasting difference in the communities we serve. It is important to us to offer thoughtful and alternative financing solutions that empower individuals and businesses to build successful futures. By contributing to sustainable economic growth, this strengthens communities and creates opportunities for everyone to thrive. We see ourselves as partners in this process, and we’re invested in the wellbeing of the communities we work with.
Transparency, reliability, and trust aren’t just buzzwords for us; they are fundamental to how we do business at PHL. By building strong relationships with our partners, guided by a strong commitment to integrity and community development, these principles shape everything we do. The PHL team is dedicated to providing everyone we work with an experience that reflects our commitment to ethical, impactful and sustainable growth.
Let’s Grow Together
Whether you are an investor seeking reliable returns through transparent opportunities, or a mortgage broker looking for flexible financing solutions for your clients, PHL partners with you to achieve your financial goals.
Ready to explore how our expert guidance and client-focused approach can help you succeed? Connect with our dedicated teams to start the conversation:
- For Lending Solutions, reach out to our sales team at [email protected]
- For Investment Opportunities, connect with our Dealing Representatives at [email protected]
We invite you to discover how PHL can be your trusted ally in building your legacy. Let us help you invest in your success.
