Stephen Koukoulas opens his February update with an important reminder: the economic landscape has shifted quickly since late last year. At that time, “rate cuts were being priced into the market, inflation was nice and low… and there was some sort of a pickup in economic activity.” But as he notes, conditions have now changed decisively.
FORESIGHT ANALYTICS
The Zagga CRED Fund has recently been assigned a VERY STRONG investment rating for the second consecutive year, indicating a strong level of confidence that the fund can deliver a risk-adjusted return in line with its investment objectives. The Fund was additionally assigned as a COMPLEX product, primarily reflecting that the underlying assets require specialist investment skills to acquire, and monitor.
Signs of stronger economic activity have been tempered by softening labour market conditions, on going consumer pessimism and heightened global geo-political issues.
The recent data flow has confirmed a further pick up in economic activity, particularly household spending and dwelling construction. These are welcome outcomes after what has been more than two years of below trend growth. There are early but encouraging signs of a recovery in private sector business investment, which is vital to boost productivity. Growth in government demand is slowing as some key public sector projects are at or near completion.
Stephen Koukoulas kicks off 2026 with cautiously positive news: the economic recovery that emerged in the second half of 2025 “looks to be continuing.” While he emphasises that the pickup is “not a strong economic” surge, conditions are now clearly better than six or twelve months ago.
Zagga concluded the December quarter with $410 million in originations, bringing the FY26 year-to-date total to $663 million. The Zagga Feeder Fund (ZFF) grew by 155% in CY25, now comprising over 85 active investments.
Australia’s SMSF sector has always had a deep affinity with property. Today, SMSF investors have approximately $139 billion invested in the property market, accounting for ~13 percent of total SMSF assets. Yet, with property prices at record highs and traditional income assets under pressure, SMSF trustees are increasingly looking beyond direct ownership to access the strength of Australian real estate. For many, the answer lies in real estate private credit – a segment once seen as niche, now emerging as a critical source of income, diversification, and stability for SMSF portfolios.
STOCKHEAD & THE AUSTRALIAN
Despite increased attention, real estate private credit currently accounts for less than 20 percent of Australia’s commercial real estate lending market*, compared to more established markets like the US, where it represents 50 per cent of funding.
Yet this story is changing, with Australia now attracting the attention of sophisticated global and domestic capital. Zagga has been a beneficiary of this conviction.
As momentum continues to build, it’s imperative that there is a focus on quality – of managers, projects, and counterparties – to protect investors capital and ensure the sustainability of Australia’s real estate private credit sector.
CEO & Co-Founder, Alan Greenstein, reflects on 2025: I am enormously proud of how we have continued to build on the achievements of previous years, adding even more noteworthy accomplishments in 2025. I look forward to the opportunities ahead in 2026 and beyond, and to your continued support of, trust in, and contribution to our business.
INVESTOR DAILY
The oversubscribed corporate note, arranged by FIIG Securities, comes as the firm has recently surpassed $1 billion in funds under management.
Boutique investment manager and non-bank lender Zagga has secured $65 million through a corporate note arranged by fixed income specialist, FIIG Securities.
With an initial target figure of $50 million, the four-year, senior secured note closed 30 per cent oversubscribed. It provides investors access to a fixed income investment with a current yield of ~7.85 per cent per annum or Bank Bill Swap Rate (BBSR) + 4.2 per cent.
FINANCIAL STANDARD
Zagga, a real estate private credit investment manager, has secured $65 million through an oversubscribed corporate note arranged by FIIG Securities.
Zagga will allocate the funds to mid-market residential development projects along Australia’s eastern seaboard, predominantly focused on Sydney.
The four-year, senior secured corporate note exposes investors to fixed income with a current yield of 7.85% per annum. It closed 30% above its target of $50 million.
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We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, seas, and communities in which we provide our services. We would also like to pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, and the continuing cultural influence they have on Australia.
Zagga Market Pty Limited (Australian Credit Licence 490904) ACN 611 662 401 acts as the Servicer of loans acting on behalf of the credit provider, Zagga Investments Pty Limited (AFSL 492354) ACN 615 154 786, trustee of the Zagga Investments Lending Trust
All portfolio numbers quoted correct as at 31 December 2025.
*Average investor return across the active portfolio as at 31 December 2025.
**Target return is after expenses and any applicable management fees for the year ended 30 June 2026. OCR = Australian Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance, and should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future results. Investments involve risk, fees and costs, and returns are not guaranteed. No representation or warranty is made regarding future performance, and economic conditions may change.
Prospective investors wishing to invest in a Zagga direct investment or a Zagga Fund should fully consider the Information Memorandum, ZFF Fact Sheet and/or ZWF Brochure, available from Zagga, before applying to invest. Investments are subject to risks.
Articles (including white papers and audio or video content) and FAQs on this website have been prepared by Zagga Investments Pty Limited (AFSL 492354) ACN 615 154 786 (Zagga) for general information only. They do not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and are not a substitute for accounting, tax or other professional advice. Nothing in these articles or FAQs is an offer or solicitation to buy or sell a financial product, nor a recommendation to enter into or refrain from any transaction.
Any analysis provided in the articles (including white papers and audio or video content) or FAQs on this website is based on information believed to be reliable, however Zagga does not represent or warrant that it is accurate, complete or up to date. Zagga is not obliged to update the information or opinions contained in any article it. Opinions are those of the author and may change without notice. Readers should exercise their own judgment when relying on information contained in the articles or FAQs. To the maximum extent permitted by law, no member of Zagga accepts liability for any loss arising from the use of such information.
Media coverage featured reflects the independent opinions of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of Zagga.
