Rapid Loans reshapes leadership with new CEO & CFO

Rapid Loans has promoted Kane Jones to Chief Executive Officer and Lois Zhang to Chief Financial Officer as the alternative finance lender reshapes its senior leadership team and increases its focus on risk, compliance and governance.

The company said the appointments form part of its plans for sustainable growth and reflect increased attention on regulatory requirements as competition and scrutiny intensify across consumer lending.

Jones joined Rapid Loans as Chief Operating Officer in late 2025. He now moves into the top role and takes responsibility for the company's strategic direction, culture and operations. He will oversee the executive team.

Zhang takes the Chief Financial Officer post after leading financial strategy, planning and budgeting since March last year. Rapid Loans said she has worked across Australia, China and Europe and has experience in financial operations and funds management.

The company also confirmed a change at board level. Founder Russell Birse will move from Chief Executive Officer to Executive Chair. Rapid Loans said Birse will provide continuity and strategic oversight.

Leadership shift

Rapid Loans described Jones as a risk and compliance specialist with more than two decades of experience across Australasia. The company said his background covers enterprise and operational risk, credit risk, regulatory compliance and risk transformation.

Before joining Rapid Loans, Jones served as Chief Risk Officer at The Mutual Bank, according to the company.

"Rapid has a strong foundation and a clear opportunity to lift how we operate in an increasingly complex regulatory environment," said Kane Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Rapid Loans. "My focus is on embedding stronger risk and compliance frameworks across the business, while ensuring we continue to grow responsibly and deliver straightforward, supportive finance solutions for customers. With the right leadership, governance and systems in place, 2026 is about building confidence, capability and momentum."

The company said Zhang has worked in project finance, mergers and acquisitions and consultancy. It also said she held roles at Aurum Capital and GHD.

Growth agenda

Rapid Loans said Jones and Zhang will work with Chief Growth Officer Geoffrey Keir. The company said the executive team will assess new revenue opportunities and product verticals alongside its work on risk management and regulatory compliance.

The lender positioned the reshuffle as a response to a "complex operating environment". It pointed to evolving regulatory requirements as a key issue for the business.

Rapid Loans operates in the non-bank lending segment and offers personal and auto loans. The company said it has operated since 2003.

The company provided differing figures for its customer base. It said it has supported more than 100,000 Australians with auto and personal finance solutions. It also said it has helped more than 50,000 Australians. Rapid Loans did not reconcile the numbers.

Rapid Loans described its loans as "straightforward and flexible" and said it runs a secure online application process. It also said it plans further investment in governance, technology and people.

Birse said the appointments strengthen the business for the year ahead.

"Kane, Geoff and Lois bring deep expertise, strong leadership and a shared commitment to building a sustainable, compliant and customer-focused lender. As regulatory expectations continue to evolve, their experience will be critical to strengthening our foundations while enabling smart, scalable growth. With our executive team in place, we are confident 2026 will be a pivotal year for the business," said Russell Birse, Executive Chair, Rapid Loans.

Rapid Loans said the senior team will pursue new product verticals and revenue opportunities as it develops its governance and compliance approach.