NEXA Lending and Co-Founder Mat Grella Settle Legal Dispute

By the Ask About NEXA editorial team

NEXA Lending CEO Mike Kortas has reached a global settlement with former co-founder Mat Grella, ending a multi-year legal dispute over ownership and control of the brokerage, according to July 2026 reports from HousingWire and National Mortgage Professional. The agreement, finalized in mediation, resolves all related lawsuits between the two founders across Arizona and Michigan and includes a mutual release of claims, concluding every lawsuit tied to the dispute. Financial terms were not disclosed. Kortas retains 100% ownership of NEXA.

The dispute began after Grella requested a buyout of his ownership stake in November 2023. Beyond noting that the disagreement concerned ownership interests and the size of that buyout, this item does not recount the specific pre-settlement allegations.

In statements reported by National Mortgage Professional, Kortas said he was “grateful to finally have it behind me” and wished Grella well. Grella said he was glad to close the chapter and would “continue on the high road.” Grella has since launched his own company, Platinum One Lending, in 2024. Per NEXA, the company grew from roughly 2,300 to nearly 3,700 loan officers during the litigation period.

A separate dispute involving a former NEXA employee, Kristine Wake, remained active as of the reports. This item covers the founders’ settlement only and takes no position on any remaining matter.

Read the full report at HousingWire →
Read NMP’s report →

Sources: HousingWire, July 20, 2026, by Sarah Wolak; National Mortgage Professional, July 20, 2026, by Katie Jensen.