Rapid Lending Group is a boutique, Australian investment group challenging conventions in the lending sector. With over 15 years of success and growth behind us, we know our market because we helped create it. It’s more than just our proven methodology and systems that are firmly geared towards delivering results – it’s our insights and long term thinking that allow us to thrive in an ever-changing environment.
Rapid Lending Group provides a number of opportunities to senior funders across our investment stack. Our bankruptcy-remote entity channels funds to our wholly-owned subsidiary lending companies operating in the consumer and auto finance space, with the view to expand into asset finance.
Rapid Lending Group is an established funding platform with a market-standard securitisation warehouse and master trust program, with AMAL providing trustee and trust management functions.
We are Rapid Lending Group, revolutionising non-bank lending
RUSSELL BIRSE
Executive Chair
Russell is the Founder of Rapid Group and brings over 28 years of experience in financial services, with a strong track record in building and scaling non-bank lending businesses.
Prior to establishing Rapid Group in 2003, Russell played a pivotal role within Cash Converters International, where he was instrumental in developing and expanding franchised territories, including France and Queensland, as a sub-franchisor. He later served as International Director of Operations, supporting master licensees and driving the company’s global expansion strategy across multiple jurisdictions.
Since founding Rapid, Russell has successfully grown the business into an established non-bank lender, demonstrating deep expertise across credit risk, operations, collections, and funding structures.
RYAN DONNAR
Director
Ryan has over 18 years of experience in Corporate, Institutional and Investment Banking across Australia and the EMEA region. His core area of focus is corporate development and assisting in the capital funding programme of Rapid. Ryan is a Principal and Investment Committee member of Privity Credit with responsibility for the key investments of the fund. He has extensive credit risk, syndications and deal origination experience and was formally a senior director within the Infrastructure & Utilities business at Westpac Institutional Bank and mid-market Leverage Finance Loans & Syndications within Barclays Capital.
Ryan holds a Bachelor of Business (Economics & Finance) 1st Hons from RMIT University and Master of Business Administration from Melbourne Business School.
ADAM HOWELL
Director
Adam has over 20 years of experience in structured and corporate finance as well as funds management across Australia and the EMEA region. He has extensive experience in structuring and executing transactions and has been a partner of a global and Australian law firm. His core area of focus is corporate development and assisting in the capital funding programme of Rapid. Adam is Principal and Investment Committee member of DCF Asset Management with responsibility for the key investments of the fund. He has extensive experience in relation to governance and establishing and operation of funding programmes.
Adam holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accountancy major) Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from University of Wollongong, a Post Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance from Financial Services Institute of Australia and was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales and Victoria.
LOIS ZHANG
Chief Financial Officer
As CFO, Lois is responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial strategy, governance, and performance, with a focus on driving sustainable growth and capital efficiency.
Since joining Rapid in early 2025, she has led a comprehensive transformation of the finance function, including the implementation of enhanced financial and accounting systems, strengthening of reporting frameworks, and development of more robust data-driven decision-making capabilities. Her initiatives have significantly improved financial transparency, operational efficiency, and management insight across the business. Lois holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Technology Sydney and brings nearly 18 years of international experience across Australia, China, and Europe. Her expertise spans financial operations, funds management, project financing, mergers and acquisitions, and consultancy.
Throughout her career, Lois has played a pivotal role in securing funding for major projects, navigating complex financial landscapes, and fostering strong, trust-based relationships with key stakeholders to support long-term business success.
ISAAC LEGGE
General Manager
Isaac Legge is General Manager at Rapid, where he leads the company’s day-to-day operations and plays a key role in executing its strategic growth objectives. Working within the executive team, he is focused on driving operational excellence, strengthening business performance and fostering a high-performing culture.
Isaac joined Rapid as Head of Portfolio Management and was appointed General Manager following his significant contributions to the business. He brings more than 20 years of experience in credit risk, operations, governance and technology, with proven expertise across regulatory compliance, digital transformation and operational improvement. He previously held senior leadership roles at ACL Group (Affordable Car Loans), including General Manager, where he was responsible for leading projects that resulted in both commercial and cultural benefits.
Throughout his career Isaac has led major technology and business uplift initiatives, developed credit risk frameworks and acted as a Responsible Manager across multiple Australian Credit Licences. His extensive leadership experience within non-bank lending environments provides a strong foundation for supporting Rapid’s continuous improvement and sustainable growth.
PHILIP MCEWEN
Treasurer
Philip is the Treasurer at Rapid Lending Group and is responsible for overseeing the financial administration of Rapid Loans, advising the board on financial strategy, and fundraising. Philip’s experience spans over 30 years in the finance industry holding various positions, including 18 years at Westpac. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance and Accounting), is a member of both the Australia Institute of Company Directors and the Financial Service Institute of Australia.
Rapid Lending Group 