SMS Legacy - Lending Association

A Legacy of Excellence

For over 40 years, SMS Finance has proudly served Australians, building a trusted reputation for helping individuals, families and businesses achieve their financial goals.

Established with a vision to provide tailored lending solutions, our journey has been marked by growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to client success.

Our History: Built on Trust and Relationships

Founded in 1982 SMS Finance began as a boutique lending service dedicated to delivering personalised finance solutions. Over the decades, we have expanded our expertise across residential, commercial and asset finance, becoming a local Queensland household name in the industry.

From humble beginnings, we have stood the test of time by staying true to our core values of integrity, transparency and customer-centric service. This legacy of trust has been built through strong partnerships with clients, brokers and lending institutions nationwide.

SMS Journey

Business commenced by David & Lois Stone as “Stone Goddard & Assoc”.

The business operated from 151 Horton Parade Maroochydore.

David & Lois had a long association with equipment finance clients on the Sunshine Coast and throughout Queensland.

2001

Kevin Shepley, ex Commonwealth Bank executive, joins David Stone and John McNamara to form - SMS Finance (Stone McNamara Shepley).

This business continues to write equipment finance for our clients, but expand into Home Loans and Commercial loans.

2008

Partners added to the business over these years, resulting in 4 partners in 2019:

- John McNamara
- Brenden Brial
- Jonno Scaroni
- Josh Carleton

2022

1982

John McNamara joined the business as a partner, after having had 20 years with the Commonwealth Bank. This new entitt was Stone Mcnamara Finance.

2005

John McNamara takes over 100% ownership of SMS Finance. Eventually the business to our current premises at 13/20 Aerodrome Rd Maroochydore.

Our home loan and commercial loan lending increases significantly, and our team grows to 25.

2016 to 2019

SMS Finance sold to the LA Group, but all partners remain in the business.

Business commenced by David & Lois Stone as “Stone Goddard & Assoc”.

The business operated from 151 Horton Parade Maroochydore.

David & Lois had a long association with equipment finance clients on the Sunshine Coast and throughout Queensland.

1982

John McNamara joined the business as a partner, after having had 20 years with the Commonwealth Bank. This new entitt was Stone Mcnamara Finance.

2001

Kevin Shepley, ex Commonwealth Bank executive, joins David Stone and John McNamara to form - SMS Finance (Stone McNamara Shepley).

This business continues to write equipment finance for our clients, but expand into Home Loans and Commercial loans.

2005

John McNamara takes over 100% ownership of SMS Finance. Eventually the business to our current premises at 13/20 Aerodrome Rd Maroochydore.

Our home loan and commercial loan lending increases significantly, and our team grows to 25.

2008

Partners added to the business over these years, resulting in 4 partners in 2019:

- John McNamara
- Brenden Brial
- Jonno Scaroni
- Josh Carleton

2016 to 2019

SMS Finance sold to the LA Group, but all partners remain in the business.

2022

Joining the Lending Association Family

In 2022, SMS Finance entered an exciting new chapter by joining the Lending Association family. As part of one of Australia’s leading financial services groups, we now combine our rich history with the innovation, resources and expertise of Lending Association.

This partnership ensures that SMS Finance continues to deliver the personalised service we are known for, while also providing clients with access to a broader range of financial products and cutting-edge technology.

Looking Ahead

As part of Lending Association, we remain deeply committed to the principles that have guided us for over four decades. Together, we are better positioned than ever to help clients navigate the complexities of finance, offering solutions tailored to their unique needs and aspirations.

We are proud of our history and excited about our future as part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation.

Discover the SMS Finance difference whether you’re a long-time client or discovering us for the first time, we invite you to experience the same dedication and expertise that has defined SMS Finance for 40 years.

Hear From Our
Clients

At Lending Association, our clients are at the heart of everything we do.
Don't just take our word for it, discover what our clients have to say about their experiences with the LA Team.

It was a very worthwhile journey with Lily as our broker. The team are very professional and they made the impossible possible..We are forever thankful for helping us secure our home in Brisbane.Cheers to more property approval with you guys

Two people sitting together, one adult and one child. The adult is smiling at the camera, while the child is making a playful face.

Diana de leon

Dean and his team exceeded my expectations and met my requirements for a business loan in a timely manner. I strongly recommend them to anyone seeking to borrow finance, particularly in these tough times.

A man with a beard and glasses is smiling at the camera with a body of water in the background.

Jim Getsios

Cannot recommend Peter and the Lending Association team highly enough. They helped us secure a home loan at a great rate and advocated strongly on our behalf throughout the process. Nothing was too much trouble, communication was clear and timely. Would 100% use again!

Young woman in a business suit smiling with buildings in the background, reflecting her expertise in commercial loans.

Sarah Phillips

Personal service is a rare quality to come across these days, especially in this domain. LA's "go the extra mile" approach has won us over as clients. It's been a please to be associated with this company & we look forward to a very long partnership! Thanks guys, we appreciate all your hard work. May your continued success thrive for many years to come.

Two people smiling closely together, one with short dark hair and the other with curly blonde hair, discussing their new construction loan.

Angela Heracleous

Christian Maggio has been an integral part of both my professional and personal financial goals. He is just there every step of the way to make sure things happen and progress smoothly. Highly recommend you reach out to Christian and the team at LA!

A person sits at an outdoor evening event with string lights and tall buildings in the background, smiling and resting their hands on a table, reminiscent of a professional taking a break after discussing investment loans.

Roy N

Jordon Sarraf & his team went above and beyond helping us refinance our new home. I cannot thank them enough for all their help and support during this transition. Jordon was very resourceful, professional and helpful throughout the entire process.Highly recommend LA Insurance for all your finance needs.

Two people smile and pose closely together for a photo, celebrating after securing their home loans.

Ashlee Hidalgo

We just refinanced our home loan and the whole process has been seamless from start to finish. Debbie from Lending Association has been so helpful and made everything so easy. Thank you Debbie!

Black and white image of a person smiling, wearing glasses and a patterned shirt. The individual appears to be in a good mood, perhaps after discussing investment loans.

Helen Williamson