Athena Home Loans is a digital non-bank lender founded in 2017 by former NAB executives Nathan Walsh and Michael Starkey and launched to the public in 2019. This page is a factual profile to help borrowers understand who Athena is and where its home loans may fit. However, it is not an assessment or a recommendation.
Athena Home Loans at a Glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lender type | Non-bank lender (digital, online only) |
| Owned by | Privately held; investors include Square Peg, AirTree, AustralianSuper, Hostplus and Macquarie, with REA Group holding a 19.9% stake announced in 2024 |
| Founded or established | Founded 2017; launched February 2019 |
| Regulated by | ASIC Australian Credit Licence 502611 (Athena Mortgage Pty Ltd); not an APRA-regulated bank |
| Listed on the ASX | No |
| Home loans for | Owner-occupiers and investors, for purchases and refinancing, including self-employed borrowers |
Ownership and History of Athena Home Loans
Nathan Walsh and Michael Starkey, both former NAB executives, founded Athena in June 2017, and it launched its first home loans in February 2019, when Australian Broker described it as an entrant that was proudly not a bank. Its legal entity is Athena Mortgage Pty Ltd, which holds Australian Credit Licence 502611, as shown on Athena’s own site. APRA has not authorised Athena as a deposit-taking institution, so it does not appear on APRA’s register of banks.
As a non-bank, Athena funds its loans through wholesale markets rather than customer deposits. According to KangaNews, it uses warehouse facilities with domestic and foreign banks, whole loan sales and public residential mortgage-backed securities under its Olympus program.
Athena’s backers include venture and superannuation investors such as Square Peg, AirTree, AustralianSuper, Hostplus and Macquarie. Later, in September 2024, ASX-listed REA Group announced it would acquire a 19.9% interest in Athena, as reported by The Adviser. In addition, Athena holds B Corp certification and has settled more than $8 billion in home loans.
Where Athena Home Loans May Suit
- Borrowers focused on paying the loan down. For example, Athena’s variable loans allow unlimited extra repayments and redraw, and it describes its goal as helping customers get rid of their loan faster.
- People who want multiple offsets and splits. Eligible Athena loans offer several offset accounts and loan splits, so borrowers can structure their lending.
- Investors. Athena lends for investment property purchases and refinances, and also offers interest-only repayment options. See our investment loans page.
- Refinancers. Athena lends for refinancing as well as purchases, and applies a rate match policy so existing customers receive the same rates as new customers on comparable loans. Our refinancing page explains the process.
- Broker clients, including self-employed borrowers. In particular, Athena distributes through brokers via aggregator partnerships with LMG and Mortgage Choice, and in 2024 launched a broker product suite that includes a self-employed lite doc option, subject to eligibility and lender criteria.
Home Loan Types Athena Home Loans Offers
- Owner-occupied home loans
- Investment property loans
- Refinancing and new purchases
- Fixed and variable rate loans, with split options
- Principal and interest or interest-only repayments
- Tailored broker products for self-employed borrowers
Getting an Athena Home Loan Through Ingram Financial
Of course, every lender has its own policies, processes and quirks, and they change often. Rather than working through them on your own, let Ingram Financial help you navigate the maze and compare Athena Home Loans with the other lenders on our panel.
Shannon Ingram, our principal broker, compares Athena’s home loans with the rest of the panel based on your goals, income and deposit. We also work with clients across the Sutherland Shire and, by phone and video, across Australia. Ingram Financial holds accreditation with Athena, so we can lodge Athena applications directly. In the meantime, to see current Athena Home Loans products, use the lender filter in our comparison tool. Then contact us to talk through the options.
Athena Home Loans FAQs
No. Athena is a non-bank lender. ASIC regulates Athena Mortgage Pty Ltd, which holds an Australian Credit Licence. However, APRA has not authorised it as a deposit-taking institution.
Athena remains in private hands. Its investors include Square Peg, AirTree, AustralianSuper, Hostplus and Macquarie, and REA Group announced in September 2024 that it would take a 19.9% stake.
Athena funds loans through wholesale markets, such as warehouse facilities with banks, whole loan sales and residential mortgage-backed securities issued under its Olympus program.
Yes. Athena distributes through brokers via aggregator partnerships with LMG and Mortgage Choice. Ingram Financial also holds accreditation with Athena, and it is one of the lenders on our panel.
Athena has a broker product suite that includes a self-employed lite doc option. However, the lender sets its own eligibility and documentation requirements.
Ingram Financial has no ownership ties to Athena Home Loans. Athena Home Loans is simply one of the lenders on our panel. We checked the lender information on this page in September 2026. However, it may change, and the lender sets product availability, policies and eligibility criteria.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Lending criteria, fees and charges apply. Consider whether it is appropriate for you and speak to us for advice specific to your situation.