Ep.116 | Scaling a Private Lending Business to $25M AUM: Systems, Risk & Real Talk

In Episode 116 of the Canadian Private Lender's Podcast Ryan and Neal break down what it really takes to scale a private lending business from $10M to $25M in assets under management in just over two years.They go beyond surface-level growth talk and dive into the realities of scaling: operational strain, investor confidence, underwriting discipline, capital flow challenges, and why saying no becomes more important than saying yes. From team expansion and MIC structuring to managing risk in a shifting market, this episode is packed with practical insight for anyone serious about building a sustainable private lending operation.Plus, some strong opinions on chocolate bars, Dairy Queen blizzards, and secret menus along the way.Show Notes:00:00 - Chocolate bars & holiday chaos06:46 - Dairy Queen blizzards & secret menu09:13 - Scaling from $10M to $25M AUM12:46 - Team growth & admin pressure16:00 - Raising capital & launching a MIC19:59 - Product mix & construction lending22:53 - Underwriting discipline at scale26:02 - Risk awareness & saying no29:59 - Admin, outsourcing & buying back time33:36 - Podcast as credibility & deal flow36:19 - Advice by AUM stage41:16 - Final takeaways & sustainable growthResources:Keystone Capital GroupCPLP Instagram: @cplpodcastKeystone Instagram: @keycapgroupFind Neal On:Instagram: @neal.andreinoLinkedIn: Neal AndreinoFind Ryan on:LinkedIn: Ryan MacNeilE-mail: [email protected]