A reliably consistent private credit fund

The private credit asset class recently been garnering a good deal of press coverage, potentially causing concern for investors who are trying to determine how – and where – to invest. Here, we explore Thinktank, its history and operations to help investors understand what our fund provides in an evolving and often complex space.

For sophisticated investors, it may be worthwhile considering adding private credit to their portfolio as they assess and formulate their investment and income goals.

It is evident that not all private credit funds are created equal. Depending on an individual’s specific circumstances and risk appetite, some private credit funds will be more appropriate than others while many may not be appropriate at all. Determining the most suitable option requires careful research and an informed understanding of the fund’s product disclosures along with its historical context and performance. 

With nearly two decades of experience, Thinktank Asset Management offers consistently high transparency and stability, while our proven track record serves to substantiate these statements.

Who is Thinktank?

Thinktank is a non-bank property lending specialist founded in 2006 by a group of highly experienced professionals with backgrounds in property finance, business lending, consumer finance, and third-party (finance broker) distribution.

Since then, we have established ourselves as one of Australia’s leading non-bank lenders; a trusted brand offering commercial, residential, SMSF and private loans secured by Australian residential and commercial property.

In 2017, we diversified our lending base, enabling private and institutional investors the opportunity to acquire property secured bonds offering an attractive yield paid monthly.

Through our Income and High Yield Trusts, investors have access to a portfolio of mortgage-secured loans, providing a consistent, reliable, income stream. These income Bonds are floating-rate debt securities that entitle investors to monthly interest payments calculated on a fixed margin above the independently set bank bill swap rate.

Both trusts benefit from our extensive institutionally backed lending operations — giving investors’ confidence in both the quality of the underlying assets and the management of their investments.

How our funds can help

One of the reasons that investors are turning to different segments of private credit is to find new ways to generate safe and steady returns.

Thinktank’s Income Trust is particularly suited to those prioritising income stability and lower risk exposure, with a focus on capital preservation. We have a proven track record of delivering on this as a principle.

Our Income Trust has a low correlation with equities and a low to moderate correlation with both Australian and Global bonds – which is attractive given the ongoing volatility in public markets.

Thinktank’s Income Trust offers investments on a 12 month term, with interest paid monthly, giving investors a reliable, set-and-forget income stream derived from a diverse pool of mortgages with an average loan size of approximately $700,000. These mortgages are secured by existing, income-producing commercial and residential property, diversified across property type, loan type, geographic location and LVR.

Research firm SQM has recently rated Thinktank’s Income Trust Fund ‘favourable’. The report notes positive factors including our long-term record, institutional backing, and the fact we’re well established and resourced – as well as the fact that since inception, we have not missed a single scheduled interest or principal payment to our funders and investors.

SQM also noted that income returns from the trust have been extremely consistent and have matched the target objective, with no losses to date. Also, we do not lend for any purpose related to construction finance, development funding, or land banking.

Our institutional backing and governance

While private credit can often look appealing on paper, assessing the credibility of managers can be challenging. This is especially true when investing in pooled funds, where investors have limited control over the underlying assets. In these cases, the decision around where to invest often comes down to the ethos and track record of the manager.

At Thinktank, the cornerstone of our strength lies in our commitment to robust credit risk and compliance principles which in turn underpins institutional support at scale. We work closely with major global and domestic banks, credit funds, and other financial institutions across our business. This backing not only supports our lending capacity but also serves as a genuine endorsement of our governance, business practices, and risk management frameworks.

Our operational structure is aligned with that of large financial institutions. We engage international auditors (Ernst & Young), independent trustees (BNY Trust Company), and a backup servicer (AMAL Asset Management) rated “Strong” by S&P. Our corporate governance reflects that of a publicly listed company, with a board that includes six independent directors and well-established risk and compliance processes. We are also regulated by ASIC and APRA requiring the maintenance of specific licences and policies that are regularly reviewed and audited.

This institutional framework demands high standards of continual oversight. Our external stakeholders conduct rigorous due diligence, and our funds undergo frequent audits and compliance reviews to align with contemporary regulatory requirements and industry best practice.

Strong governance and ethical conduct have guided Thinktank throughout two decades of operation. We are unreservedly committed to equity, fairness, and transparency in everything we do. In our lending business, we uphold responsible lending principles and maintain the resources necessary to meet the high level of compliance required by our licences and regulatory obligations. Internally, all policies are regularly reviewed and approved by our executive credit committee and board.

This commitment to sound governance not only reinforces our accountability but also offers critical protections for our investors.

In a private credit market that’s endlessly diverse and growing rapidly—yet often lacks transparency—choosing the right manager can be difficult. Many funds may appear similar on the surface, yet differ significantly in experience, governance, and risk management. Thinktank distinguishes itself with a long-standing track record, institutional-grade oversight, and a disciplined approach to lending. For investors seeking consistency, credibility, and clarity in a crowded and complex space, these criteria should be central to any investment decision.