Cameron Stephens Surpasses $100M in CRE Lending, Filling Funding Gap for Developers

TORONTO, ON – November 20, 2025 – Cameron Stephens Mortgage Capital Ltd. is rapidly gaining ground in the Canadian commercial real estate (CRE) lending landscape, having surpassed $100 million in loan commitments through its Accelerated Lending Program. The program, launched in the summer of 2025, offers developers fast-track financing for a variety of projects, from residential inventory and land acquisition to bridge loans and commercial developments. This milestone comes as traditional lenders increasingly exercise caution, creating a funding gap that alternative lenders like Cameron Stephens are strategically positioned to fill.

Addressing a Tightening Market

For years, Canadian real estate developers have relied heavily on the major banks for financing. However, recent shifts in the economic climate and increased regulatory scrutiny have led to a more conservative approach to lending. “Banks are definitely tightening their belts,” notes one industry source. “They’re looking for less risk, and that means fewer loans being approved, and longer wait times for those that are.” This has created a challenge for developers, particularly smaller and mid-sized firms, who may not have the resources to navigate the increasingly complex approval processes.

Cameron Stephens has stepped in to address this challenge with its Accelerated Lending Program, offering commitments in under 15 days and focusing on projects that may not meet the stringent criteria of traditional lenders. The program’s success demonstrates the growing demand for alternative financing solutions in the Canadian CRE market. “Speed is critical in real estate,” explains a developer who recently secured funding through the program. “The ability to close a deal quickly can be the difference between success and failure, and Cameron Stephens delivered on that promise.” The program supports a diverse range of projects, catering to residential and commercial assets in various stages of development.

Internal Funding Model Drives Efficiency

A key differentiator for Cameron Stephens is its internal funding model. The Accelerated Lending Program is backed by up to $500 million in discretionary capital sourced from the firm’s mortgage funds, including Cameron Stephens Mortgage Trust (CSMT), Bay Street High Yield Fund (BSHY), and Western Canada High Yield Fund (WCHY). This allows the firm to make quicker decisions and deploy capital more efficiently than lenders who rely on external funding sources.

“Having that capital readily available gives us a significant advantage,” says a source within Cameron Stephens. “We don’t have to go through lengthy approval processes or wait for funding to become available. We can assess a project and make a decision quickly.” This streamlined approach has proven particularly attractive to developers who need to move quickly to capitalize on market opportunities. The firm has now committed over $12 billion in loans over the past 20 years.

Beyond Speed: A Growing Market for Alternative Lending

Cameron Stephens’ success is not an isolated incident. The Canadian private credit market is experiencing significant growth, with alternative lenders gaining market share from traditional banks. This trend is being driven by a number of factors, including the increasing complexity of the regulatory environment, the demand for faster financing solutions, and the willingness of alternative lenders to take on more risk.

“We’re seeing a fundamental shift in the lending landscape,” explains a financial analyst specializing in the Canadian real estate market. “Traditional banks are becoming more selective, and that’s creating opportunities for alternative lenders to step in and fill the void. It's not about replacing banks; it's about complementing them and offering a different type of financing solution.”

Industry experts predict that this trend will continue in the coming years, with private credit funds poised to play an increasingly important role in the Canadian economy. While banks currently control 61-90% of the lending market, private lenders are gaining traction by offering unique services. Banks are also increasing loan loss provisions, signaling a decreased risk appetite for new loan growth. Cameron Stephens, with nearly $4 billion in Assets Under Administration, is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing demand and continue to provide developers with the funding they need to build the future of Canadian real estate.