Perpetual Acquires 70% of Interfi to Enhance Corporate Trust Digital Services
Perpetual Limited is set to acquire a majority stake in loan servicing technology firm Interfi Systems, enhancing its Corporate Trust division’s digital capabilities while targeting a 15% reduction in gross debt by June 2026.
- 70% acquisition of Interfi Systems strengthens Corporate Trust
- Interfi manages $55 billion in non-bank loan assets
- Acquisition funded from internal cashflows, completion expected June 2026
- Perpetual targets 15% gross debt reduction by June 2026
- Option to acquire remaining 30% by FY31
Strategic Acquisition Targets Digital Expansion
Perpetual Limited (ASX:PPT) is acquiring a 70% stake in Interfi Systems, a Victorian-based loan servicing technology provider, marking a significant step in expanding its Corporate Trust and Digital and Markets division. Interfi administers around $55 billion in assets for the non-bank lending sector, offering a comprehensive servicing platform that spans loan settlement to discharge.
CEO Bernard Reilly emphasised the deal aligns with Perpetual’s long-term growth strategy, expecting the acquisition to contribute positively from FY27 onward. Interfi’s platform complements Perpetual’s existing Perpetual Intelligence system, aiming to deliver a more integrated, automated end-to-end solution for clients, from lending through securitisation.
Financial Position Strengthened Amid Acquisition
The acquisition will be funded entirely from Perpetual’s internally generated cashflows, with completion anticipated before the end of June 2026, subject to customary conditions. Alongside this, Perpetual has made strides in reducing its gross debt, which stood at $742 million as of 31 December 2025. The company now expects to lower this by approximately 15% by 30 June 2026, reflecting ongoing debt facility repayments and the impact of this transaction.
Interfi’s founder Michael Dilworth will remain at the helm, ensuring continuity as Perpetual integrates the business. The agreement also includes an option to acquire the remaining 30% stake by FY31, providing flexibility for future consolidation.
Building on Digital and Markets Momentum
Perpetual’s Corporate Trust division has been steadily growing, with recent updates showing assets under administration expanding despite challenges in other parts of the group. This acquisition builds on a series of bolt-on deals aimed at accelerating growth in the Digital and Markets segment, which remains a key focus area following Perpetual’s recent decision to sell its Wealth Management business to Bain Capital.
The integration of Interfi’s technology is poised to enhance Perpetual’s competitive positioning in the loan servicing and debt markets, potentially enabling more efficient and automated client solutions. However, the full impact will depend on successful platform integration and market adoption over the coming years.
Bottom Line?
Perpetual’s Interfi acquisition and debt reduction targets signal a calculated push to sharpen its Corporate Trust digital edge while improving financial resilience.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Perpetual integrate Interfi’s platform with its existing technology infrastructure?
- What market response can be expected as Perpetual expands its non-bank loan servicing capabilities?
- Will the option to acquire the remaining 30% of Interfi be exercised, and under what conditions?
