LenderMAC Enters into Strategic Relationship with Ares to Expand Origination and Non-QM Capabilities

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgeway Lending Partners LLC d/b/a LenderMAC ("LenderMAC" or the "Company") today announced it has entered into a strategic relationship with Ares Alternative Credit funds ("Ares") in the form of a structured debt investment and buying arrangement whereby Ares will purchase a significant portion of LenderMAC's Non-QM production and provide strategic capital for LenderMAC's origination and growth efforts. This transaction is another indicator of the rapid growth of LenderMAC as CEO Kenny Jo continues his build out of LenderMAC into a preferred provider of national mortgage solutions.

"At LenderMAC, we are focused on providing our customers with the most efficient mortgage products in the market," said Kenny Jo, Owner and CEO of LenderMAC. "Entering into a strategic relationship with Ares allows us to focus on expanding our product offerings and grow our customer base, all while maintaining a relentless focus on keeping costs down for homeowners. We are excited to work with Ares as we grow LenderMAC into one of the largest national providers of mortgage solutions."

The Company started in 2021 in Duluth, Georgia and was purchased in May 2025. Since its new beginning in May, LenderMAC achieved significant growth milestones, including the establishment of a fully operational wholesale channel, expansion of its lending footprint to more than 20 states, and reaching its first $100 million in funded loans. The Company also refined its AI platform, including a bank statement analyzer and other AI-driven initiatives, to enhance operational efficiency and streamline the loan process. Looking ahead, with the addition of its strategic relationship with Ares, LenderMAC aims to accelerate its growth trajectory in 2026.

"Having worked with Kenny for years and seen LenderMAC continue to rapidly grow its market share, we are thrilled to be able to collaborate more meaningfully with the company," said Michael Flynn, Managing Director in Ares Alternative Credit. "We look forward to working with the Company's management team to capitalize on the opportunities ahead."

Mayer Brown LLP served as legal counsel to LenderMAC. Winston & Strawn served as legal counsel to Ares.

About LenderMAC

Bridgeway Lending Partners LLC d/b/a LenderMAC is a privately held mortgage company headquartered in Cypress, California. We are a full-service mortgage bank specializing in a diversified portfolio of mortgage products and services, strategically designed to address evolving market demands. LenderMAC is committed to driving growth and value through innovative lending solutions that empower wholesale lenders, non-delegated correspondents, and correspondent partners. Its integrated platform provides access to a broad range of mortgage offerings, including proprietary non-QM and alternative loan products that differentiate LenderMAC in a competitive marketplace.

About Ares Management Corporation

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to advance our stakeholders' long-term goals by providing flexible capital that supports businesses and creates value for our investors and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of June 30, 2025, Ares Management Corporation's global platform had over $572 billion of assets under management, with operations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Projections and forward-looking statements are not reliable indicators of future events and no guarantee or assurance is given that such activities will occur as expected or at all. Actual events or conditions are unlikely to be consistent with and may differ materially from those assumed.

SOURCE LenderMAC