Canadian Private Lenders’ Podcast

Neal Andreino and Ryan MacNeil
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The #1 Podcast on Private Mortgage Lending in Canada. Ryan MacNeil and Neal Andreino of Keystone Capital Group outline their private mortgage lending experience and help you grow your mortgage business, while focusing on the importance of the growing Canadian Mortgage Broker channel. 

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep.122 | Nova Scotia’s 2% Down Payment Program: Smart Solution or PR Stunt?

    Nova Scotia has launched a new 2% down payment pilot program for first-time homebuyers, and it’s making headlines across the mortgage industry. But when you break down the math, does this actually help buyers… or does it increase long-term costs, tighten affordability through stress testing, and expose taxpayers to more risk? In this episode, Ryan and Neal unpack: How the new 2% program compares to Nova Scotia’s existing 0% down programThe impact of higher interest rates and stress testingWhy monthly payments may be significantly higher than expectedThe provincial loss guarantee and what it means for lendersWhether buyers are better off waiting, renting, or using traditional insured mortgagesIf you’re a broker, investor, lender, or first-time buyer in Atlantic Canada, this episode breaks down what actually matters behind the headlines. Show Notes: 00:17 – Introduction & overview of the 2% down program 02:45 – Breakdown of Nova Scotia’s existing 0% down program 05:22 – Key details of the new 2% pilot (income caps, credit score, price limits) 09:46 – Why the hosts aren’t sold on the program 13:21 – Stress test implications and affordability challenges 19:49 – Real payment example: $400K purchase scenario 22:46 – What other provinces are doing differently 27:15 – Private lending implications 28:18 – The real issue: housing supply and subdivision barriers 32:38 – Final thoughts & call for industry feedback Resources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup Find Neal On: Instagram: @neal.andreino LinkedIn: Neal Andreino Find Ryan on: LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca

    34 min

  2. FEB 18

    Ep.121 | The Black Belt Broker: Jack Cameron on Discipline & Private Lending

    In this episode of the Canadian Private Lenders Podcast, Ryan and Neal sit down with Jack Cameron, 24-year mortgage veteran from The Way Home Mortgage at Premier Mortgage in Halifax. Jack shares how he left the bank in 2002 with no ringing phone and built one of the most respected careers in Atlantic Canada’s broker space. We dive into: The evolution of broker market share in Atlantic CanadaWhy private lending took so long to develop in the East CoastThe discipline behind building elite mortgage brokersConsumer spending, car debt, and financial blind spotsThe Nova Scotia Down Payment Assistance announcementRegulatory frustrations in Canada’s fragmented mortgage systemAnd how judo and jiu-jitsu shaped Jack’s coaching philosophyIf you want to understand longevity, leadership, and how to build a real book of business that lasts decades, this episode is for you. Show Notes: 00:00 – Introduction to Jack Cameron (24 years in the mortgage business) 00:30 – Leaving the bank in 2002 and starting from zero 01:48 – “Make the phone ring” — building a broker business from scratch 02:33 – Bank vs. broker: freedom, income & fear 04:40 – The move to Premier Mortgage (acquisition story) 07:49 – Mentoring Cyrus & developing high performers 10:04 – What Jack looks for in mentees (discipline & accountability) 14:17 – The early days of private lending in Atlantic Canada 16:35 – Why private lending lagged in the East Coast 18:05 – Broker market share growth (8% → 30–40%) 25:22 – Rental portfolio strategy & payment-first mindset 28:27 – Consumer debt, car culture & financial discipline 36:26 – Regulatory frustrations in Canadian mortgage brokering 40:12 – What’s next: coaching, leadership & “On the Mat with Jack” 42:11 – Judo, jiu-jitsu & the black belt mindset Resources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup Find Neal On: Instagram: @neal.andreino LinkedIn: Neal Andreino Find Ryan on: LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca Jack Cameron: Associate Mortgage Broker E-mail: jack@thewayhome.caWebsite: www.thewayhome.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.mortgage.guy/?hl=enLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayhome/

    48 min

  3. FEB 11

    Ep.120 | From Dishwasher to Top Broker: Alex Lavender on Building Trust, Alternative Lending, and Halifax’s Housing Market

    In Episode 120 of the Canadian Private Lenders Podcast, Ryan and Neal sit down with Alex Lavender of the Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team to unpack his journey of becoming one of Atlantic Canada’s top mortgage brokers. Alex shares how starting with zero network in Halifax forced him to master alternative lending, why unbiased advice and client-first service became the foundation of his success, and how mentorship, marketing, and persistence shaped his career. The conversation also dives deep into Halifax’s real estate market, the renewal wave, private and alternative lending trends, and what investors should expect over the next few years. This episode is packed with practical insights for brokers, lenders, investors, and anyone navigating today’s mortgage landscape. Show Notes: 00:00 – Intro to Episode 120 and guest Alex Lavender01:18 – Alex’s background and how he entered the mortgage industry02:07 – Starting in the restaurant business at age 1203:05 – Getting declined for a mortgage and discovering brokerage licensing04:08 – Completing his first mortgage deal and early lessons learned05:17 – Why Alex chose Halifax without ever visiting before06:25 – Joining the Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team with no local network07:29 – The toughest early years and going months without income08:22 – Why unbiased, honest advice became the core of his business09:49 – The first “impossible” deal that shaped his career10:55 – The importance of persistence over product knowledge12:12 – Growth and evolution of the Clinton Wilkins team15:23 – Boutique brokerage model vs. large-volume teams18:41 – How alternative lending prepared Alex for today’s market20:40 – Gaps in the lending market and challenges in rural areas22:18 – The corner office story and hitting a massive production goal24:41 – Halifax housing market outlook and price stability27:12 – Multi-unit investing, supply concerns, and vacancy risk33:15 – Mortgage renewals and why the “renewal wave” isn’t a crisis36:16 – Marketing, credibility, and giving away free education37:30 – Writing Mortgages for Millennials and educating clients40:55 – One thing Alex would change about the mortgage industry Resources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup Find Neal On: Instagram: @neal.andreino LinkedIn: Neal Andreino Find Ryan on: LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca

    49 min

  4. FEB 4

    Ep.119 | The Future of Private Lending in Canada (AI, Renewals, Regulation & Risk)

    In Episode 119 of the Canadian Private Lenders Podcast, Ryan and Neal break down how mortgage renewals, higher rates, AI, open banking, fraud controls, and regulation are reshaping private and alternative lending across Canada. They explain why more borrowers are moving into private lending, how underwriting is evolving, and what lenders, brokers, and investors need to understand as they head into 2025–2026. This episode covers: • The mortgage renewal wave and rising payment shock • Why the private lending market share is growing • AI’s real role in underwriting and fraud detection • Regulation, MICs, and institutional capital • Construction financing and market volatility • What the future borrower actually looks like Ideal for mortgage brokers, private lenders, real estate investors, and anyone following Canadian housing and credit markets. Show Chapters: 00:29 – Welcome to Episode 119 05:09 – What does the future of private lending look like? 05:48 – Why Canada’s banking system is vulnerable to disruption 06:15 – Alternative lending shifts beyond bad credit 07:39 – Traditional mortgages are becoming commoditized 08:09 – Will big banks acquire private lenders? 09:40 – Mortgage renewals are pushing borrowers into private lending 11:24 – Why high-LTV private lending is disappearing 12:42 – Renewal payment shock explained 15:29 – Private lending now makes up ~20% of Ontario mortgages 16:51 – Volatility as the engine of private lending growth 17:26 – Who the future private lending borrower is 19:11 – Private lending is a timing tool, not a credit issue 20:28 – Regulation is coming — what changes first 21:14 – FSRA, disclosures, and broker responsibility 25:39 – MICs, capital, and transparency expectations 28:43 – Will fraud reduction push borrowers into private lending? 31:14 – How AI actually fits into underwriting 32:20 – The end of “trust-me” lending 33:35 – Construction financing opportunities for private lenders 37:13 – Three future scenarios for private lending in Canada 39:11 – Final takeaways for lenders, brokers, and investors 39:58 – Closing remarks and compliance disclaimer Resources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup Find Neal On: Instagram: @neal.andreino LinkedIn: Neal Andreino Find Ryan on: LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca

    41 min

  5. JAN 28

    Ep.118 | Why Montreal’s Housing Market Is Beating Toronto & Vancouver

    In Episode 118 of the Canadian Private Lenders Podcast, Ryan and Neal break down the latest Canadian jobs data and what rising unemployment means for interest rates and mortgage strategy heading into 2026. They then turn their attention to a market that rarely gets the spotlight: Montreal. With home sales up, prices rising, and inventory remaining tight, Montreal is emerging as one of Canada’s most resilient major housing markets, especially when compared to Toronto and Vancouver. The episode wraps with a deep dive into commercial real estate, exploring why office vacancies are finally declining, what’s driving the return-to-office trend, and how lenders and brokers should think about risk, repositioning, and rate structure across asset classes. Show Notes: 03:17 – December jobs data, rising unemployment, and what it means for rates07:28 – Fixed vs. variable mortgages: why sentiment is changing11:59 – Why Montreal stands out in today’s housing market13:04 – Quebec housing data: prices up, sales strong, inventory tight17:31 – Toronto & Vancouver cooling: higher prices, weaker demand20:24 – Calgary & Halifax normalize after post-COVID booms24:52 – Office market comeback: falling vacancies and return-to-office trends33:06 – Mortgage strategy heading into 2026: regional risk mattersResources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup Find Neal On: Instagram: @neal.andreino LinkedIn: Neal Andreino Find Ryan on: LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca

    35 min

  6. JAN 21

    Ep.117 | The 5 Biggest Mistakes Private Lenders Make When Scaling (And How to Avoid Them)

    In Episode 117 of the Canadian Private Lenders' Podcast, hosts Ryan and Neal break down the five most common and costly mistakes private lenders make when scaling their businesses. Drawing directly on their experience growing Keystone past $25 M in AUM, they unpack real-world lessons on infrastructure, software, deal quality, hiring, and recognizing early market cracks before they turn into serious problems. This episode is a must-listen for: New and emerging private lendersMortgage brokers working with private capitalInvestors evaluating lending platformsAnyone preparing for a shifting real estate marketShow Notes: 06:19 – Episode focus introduced: the 5 biggest scaling mistakes private lenders make07:07 – Mistake #1: Scaling too fast without proper infrastructure09:41 – Importance of deal flow quality and broker relationships11:32 – Why Excel breaks down as loan books grow14:47 – Mistake #2: Not using proper loan-management software19:34 – How platforms like Mortgage Automator reduce operational risk21:58 – Mistake #3: Chasing volume instead of improving deal quality28:11 – Why better loans beat more loans in the long run31:04 – Mistake #4: Waiting too long to hire and leverage a team33:30 – Mistake #5: Ignoring early market cracks because defaults are still low37:52 – Key takeaway: Risk shows up quietly — until it doesn’t38:58 – Rapid-fire advice for lenders under $5M, $15M+, and investors41:18 – Where to follow and watch the podcast (YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn)Resources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup Find Neal On: Instagram: @neal.andreino LinkedIn: Neal Andreino Find Ryan on: LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca

    42 min

  7. JAN 14

    Ep.116 | Scaling a Private Lending Business to $25M AUM: Systems, Risk & Real Talk

    In Episode 116 of the Canadian Private Lender's Podcast Ryan and Neal break down what it really takes to scale a private lending business from $10M to $25M in assets under management in just over two years. They go beyond surface-level growth talk and dive into the realities of scaling: operational strain, investor confidence, underwriting discipline, capital flow challenges, and why saying no becomes more important than saying yes. From team expansion and MIC structuring to managing risk in a shifting market, this episode is packed with practical insight for anyone serious about building a sustainable private lending operation. Plus, some strong opinions on chocolate bars, Dairy Queen blizzards, and secret menus along the way. Show Notes: 00:00 - Chocolate bars & holiday chaos 06:46 - Dairy Queen blizzards & secret menu 09:13 - Scaling from $10M to $25M AUM 12:46 - Team growth & admin pressure 16:00 - Raising capital & launching a MIC 19:59 - Product mix & construction lending 22:53 - Underwriting discipline at scale 26:02 - Risk awareness & saying no 29:59 - Admin, outsourcing & buying back time 33:36 - Podcast as credibility & deal flow 36:19 - Advice by AUM stage 41:16 - Final takeaways & sustainable growth Resources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup Find Neal On: Instagram: @neal.andreino LinkedIn: Neal Andreino Find Ryan on: LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca

    46 min

  8. JAN 7

    Ep.115 | Fix & Flips in 2026: Market Reality, Risk, and Where the Opportunities Actually Are

    Welcome back to Episode 115 of the Canadian Private Lenders Podcast! Ryan and Neal kick off 2026 by breaking down what fix-and-flip investing really looks like in today’s more balanced Canadian real estate market. With buyer behavior shifting, inventory rising, and exits becoming less predictable, this episode dives into where opportunities still exist, and where lenders and investors need to be far more conservative. The conversation covers real-world market conditions in Halifax, the GTA, and Calgary, how underwriting standards should evolve in 2026, and why making money on the buy, not the market,  matters more than ever. Whether you’re a private lender, broker, or active real estate investor, this episode is a practical reset on risk, expectations, and disciplined deal analysis for the year ahead. Show Notes: 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 115 & kicking off 2026 02:18 – Are fix & flips “back” in 2026? Setting the stage 03:54 – Halifax market update: inventory, pricing & buyer behavior 05:09 – Sold-to-list ratios signal a shift to a balanced market 07:11 – Where fix-and-flip opportunities are re-emerging on the buy side 09:27 – Off-market deals: what’s happening and where they still exist 11:38 – The biggest risk in 2026: uncertain exits & longer hold times 14:21 – Why cosmetic flips no longer work without real value-add 16:43 – Lender perspective: cutting losses before deals go sideways 17:03 – GTA market overview: nuance, sub-markets & investor vs end-user demand 18:34 – Why investment-grade properties are getting hit harder than single-family homes 23:45 – Calgary market insights: pricing, build costs & borrower strength 29:41 – Private lending structures: LTVs, draws, reserves & holdbacks 33:55 – Underwriting checklist: ARVs, contingencies & exit strategies 36:10 – Real Halifax case study: tight margins and stress-testing returns 38:19 – Final takeaways: disciplined underwriting wins in 2026 Resources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroup Find Neal On: Instagram: @neal.andreino LinkedIn: Neal Andreino Find Ryan on: LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeil E-mail: ryan@keycap.ca

    42 min
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About

The #1 Podcast on Private Mortgage Lending in Canada. Ryan MacNeil and Neal Andreino of Keystone Capital Group outline their private mortgage lending experience and help you grow your mortgage business, while focusing on the importance of the growing Canadian Mortgage Broker channel. 

Information

  • Creator
    Neal Andreino and Ryan MacNeil
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Canadian Private Lenders’ Podcast
  • Show Website
    Canadian Private Lenders’ Podcast

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