Cash Converters

History

Cash Converters was founded in Perth, Western Australia, in 1984 by Brian Cumins and a group of partners. Within four years, it had opened a further seven outlets across Perth, with the first two franchised outlets opened in 1988.

The company commenced its international expansion in the mid-1990s establishing operations in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Spain, South Africa, and other markets. As of 30 June 2025, Cash Converters operates 659 stores across 15 countries, with some non-Australian stores managed through master franchising agreements.

The group listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) in 1995 and was then granted a dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in February 1997. In 2001, Cash Converters migrated its primary listing location to the ASX and subsequently delisted from the LSE on 19 February 2013 based on the composition of its share register and low trading volumes in the UK.

Cash Converters made two acquisitions in 2006. The first, Safrock Finance Corporation, was completed on 29 September for a $17.5 million and the second was financial software platform MON-E for $15 million. Both acquisitions were funded through a combination of cash and shares (scrip).

Cash Converters acquired 80% of vehicle financing company Green Light Auto in September 2013 through the conversion of a $4 million loan previously provided to the business. In November 2014, Cash Converters acquired the remaining 20% of Green Light Auto, becoming a wholly owned subsidiary. Cash Converters ceased this lending operation in June 2024.