The Adviser Podcast Network: Recent Episodes
Momentum Media
The Adviser Podcast Network brings together the best of the Australian broking industry within one dedicated platform – delivering brokers professional development advice and top tips on running a successful broking business.
Lead by editor Annie Kane, The Adviser Podcast Network includes a number of focused programs, including:
Elite Broker: Interviews with Australia’s leading brokers to uncover their career progression, how they’re operating a busy broker business, and their top tips for brokers looking to run a successful brokerage.
In Focus: Looking at one particular theme, segment or trend impacting the broking industry, In Focus aims to help brokers keep across the latest developments in the space.
Also discover what’s impacting the property market in What’s Making Headlines and tune in to discover more about leading brokers in the Awards Finalist Showcase!
Subscribe today and receive each new podcast direct to your podcast player.
For further information visit www.theadviser.com.au or email editor@theadviser.com.au.
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The best interests duty audit from ASIC.
- Changes to how HELP debt is applied.
- Problems with the Consumer Data Right.
And much more!
An avid interest in property and wealth creation spurred Peter Savage to try his luck as a mortgage broker and, in no time at all, he turned his passion into a thriving business.
In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the founder of Savage Money – who is on track to settle $145 million this financial year – to unpack his approach to broking and learn how he’s been able to achieve such a significant volume so quickly.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he opened his own brokerage rather than operating as a franchise.
- Where he found his first clients and how he brings leads through the door.
- What’s next for his business and how he plans to grow in the next 12 months.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The closure of the Advantedge business.
- Third-Party Lending Report: what brokers think of the lenders.
- New leaders at the aggregation groups.
And much more!
The asset finance space has been on a roller-coaster ride, but what does the future trajectory look like?
In this episode of In Focus, we sit down with Andrew Wagg, head of broker sales at Shift, and Mark Rayson, head of COG Aggregation, to unpack the recent trends that have characterised Australia's asset finance sector and examine best practice tips for writing these loans.
Tune in to find out:
- The headwinds challenging the asset finance space.
- What brokers need to know in the run into EOFY, including the instant asset write-off.
- How to build enduring relationships with asset finance clients and the benefits of a long-term versus short-term approach.
And much more!
What would elite brokers do differently if they had their time again? To find out, we asked some of our Elite Broker guests their top advice for new brokers.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we’ve compiled some of the top tips for success from recent guests on The Adviser’s Elite Broker podcast.
Tune in to find out:
- What they think is the key to their success.
- What they wish they knew when they first started.
- How new brokers can hit the ground running.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The details of systemic misconduct in mortgage lending at RAMS.
- How far will broker market share go?
- NextGen’s new report on how brokers approach loan processing.
And much more!
ApplyOnline is the cornerstone lending platform for the Australian mortgage and finance industry, used by thousands of brokers daily. But what do brokers really think of it?
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane sits down with Renee Blethyn, head of broker partnerships at NextGen, to unpack the findings of the 700 broker respondents to the inaugural Industry Insights Report.
Tune in to find out:
- What brokers think of ApplyOnline.
- How NextGen is updating the system to reflect broker feedback.
- How open banking tools are accelerating the lodgement process.
And much more!
In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Maulik Chaudhary from Brokio and Matt Turner from GSC Finance Solutions to discover how they work together as mentor/mentee.
Tune in to find out:
- Their top tips for choosing the right mentor.
- The problems with differentiating mentoring and business coaching.
- Why they think industry needs to do more on mentoring standards.
And much more!
Momentum Media was thrilled to host the Women in Finance Network Lunch in Sydney on 2 May, run with the support of principal partner ANZ. In this episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series, host Annie Kane is joined by Natalie Smith, general manager for retail broker, at ANZ to discuss Natalie’s path to senior leadership, as well as how the bank is advocating for greater gender balance and fostering leadership pathways for women. Tune in to find out:
- The importance of being challenged in your thinking.
- How the industry can better support female talent.
- Why ANZ started its Doyenne program to support women in broking.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- Details of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s broker strategy.
- The new finance ministers in the shadow cabinet.
- What’s driving optimism in the SME space.
And much more!
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is Australia’s largest lender but has the smallest proportion of new broker flows of the major banks. But why? And what is the bank’s broker strategy?
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by CBA, we speak with the general manager of third-party banking, Baber Zaka, to explore CBA's broker strategy and their plans for growth in the channel.
Tune in to find out:
- How CBA is working to strengthen relationships with brokers.
- How the bank is changing its broker offering.
- CBA’s investment in technology and support for brokers.
And much more!
Scaling a high-performing business without sacrificing personal life is notoriously difficult, but the key might be ensuring you stay true to your core values.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with Aaron Christie-David, broker director of Atelier Wealth, to discuss how he’s built a successful brokerage with his wife Bernadette and how they’ve adapted business growth as their family has grown.
Tune in to find out:
- How he’s navigated aggressive business growth with personal wellbeing and family priorities.
- The strategies behind their successful pivot to a niche in property investment and wealth creation.
- Why he believes a broker’s role extends beyond loans.
And much more!
Related links:
- A husband and wife team on why brokers need more education
- How the Best Residential Broker 2017 made it to the top
- Jeremy Fisher charts his journey from novice to number one
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- All the fallout from the RBA’s latest interest rate decision.
- The broking industry hits back at a controversial column.
- Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ response to LRBA speculation.
And much more!
Chris Bates took out the top spot in The Adviser’s residential Elite Broker ranking 2024, having settled $329 million across 412 loans in the financial year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the CEO and broker principal of Alcove to find out how he’s built an efficient brokerage.
Tune in to find out:
- How he structures his team for optimal efficiency.
- How he navigated rebranding his brokerage.
- Why he believes the role of brokers is evolving.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The new political leaders in Australia.
- Alexis George's defence of AMP's 10-year IO loan.
- Flint’s expansion following a new merger.
And much more!
Aussie is one of the most recognisable brands in broking but recently underwent a brand evolution. Here, we find out how and why the brokerage is helping Australians Find.Buy.Own property.
In this episode of In Focus, we sit down with Brad Cramb, CEO of distribution at Lendi Group, to unpack how and why the household brand is evolving.
Tune in to find out:
- Why Aussie is moving to become a property ecosystem.
- How the evolution streamlines the property journey for Australians.
- The new services and support available to its brokers.
And much more!
After a diverse career, including working on a blast crew in Western Australia, Sam McDonald made the move into commercial broking and hasn’t looked back since.
In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane finds out how the Atlas Broker has navigated from blasting to broking to put commercial finance broking on the map.
Tune in to find out:
- His strategies for building strong relationships with accountants and equipment suppliers.
- Insights into the intricacies of structuring complex equipment finance deals.
- The current challenges and opportunities within the commercial finance industry.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The diverging broker flows at the major banks.
- The reasons why aggregators drop lenders.
- A groundswell in broker tech.
And much more!
Non-bank lenders form an increasingly important part of the mortgage market, particularly when it comes to servicing clients with specialist finance needs, such as the self-employed.
In this episode of In Focus, we sit down with Tony MacRae, chief commercial officer of Bluestone Home Loans, to unpack the current lending market and discuss how brokers can grow their business by supporting clients who have specialist finance needs.
Tune in to find out:
- The growing importance of specialist lenders in Australia.
- Scenarios that require an open-minded approach.
- How Bluestone Home Loans assesses income differently.
And much more!
After two decades in IT, Arnab Baral made the leap into broking to transform the client experience, but he’s still harnessing his obsession with tech to escalate his brokerage.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane speaks with Arnab Baral – CEO and managing director of Cinch Loans and recipient of the Editor’s Choice Award Vic/TAS at the 2025 Better Business Awards – to find out how he’s building Cinch Loans with technology, the principles that guide his team, and the lessons new brokers need to hear.
Tune in to hear:
- Why he left tech to start a career in broking.
- The tools and tech he uses to scale his business (without losing human touch).
- Why “start slow, but start deep” is his top advice for new brokers.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join commercial content writer Ben Squires and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The federal election 2025.
- House prices and inflation data.
- The latest ADI statistics.
And much more!
As Australia’s small and medium-sized enterprises navigate myriad challenges, brokers are playing an important role in charting a course to finance solutions.
In this episode of In Focus, we sit down with Guy Callaghan, chief executive officer of Banjo Loans, to unpack key insights from the SME lending specialist’s latest SME Compass report, and what’s keeping the engine room of the Australian economy turning.
Tune in to find out:
- What’s next on the horizon for Australia’s SMEs.
- The opportunity for brokers to help support this segment.
- How to leverage networks and partnerships to win more deals.
And much more!
After a decade in banking, Estelle Dejean and her husband Devon Mohi started their own brokerage last year and have been rapidly growing their Queensland-based brokerage.
In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Dejean to find out how she’s been building an aspirational brokerage and lifestyle brand, FINANS Brokers, for her clientele and how she serviced 90 clients in her first 12 months of business.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she’s expanding into commercial and asset finance.
- The importance of building a brand that stands out
- Why she’s targeting influencers for referrals.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join commercial content writer Ben Squires and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- New data showing housing affordability levels are now near record lows.
- Election policies announced by the major parties.
- The latest mergers in the mutual bank space.
And much more!
Finance broker Gus Gilkeson is well known for helping SMEs go from seed to scale with his brokerage Grow Capital.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the Sydney-based broker to find out how he’s cultivating capital for his business clients and ensuring they’re well-rooted for growth.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he moved from commercial banking to broking.
- How he’s structured his five-person brokerage.
- Why he’s written a book on how businesses can fund growth.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The fallout from the political pledges for first home buyers.
- The details of alleged fraudulent activity at RAMS.
- Yet another mutual merger voted through.
And much more!
The relationship you have with your business development manager can be the key to ensuring loans are processed quickly and efficiently. But how do you build a good relationship? In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by NAB, we find out.
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by NAB, we sit down with Adam Brown (NAB's executive, broker distribution) and NAB's award-winning BDM Kelly Beer (recently crowned the Best Lender BDM [Bank] South Australia/the Northern Territory) to find out how brokers can get the most from their BDMs.
Tune in to find out:
- What you should expect from a good BDM.
- How NAB is supporting brokers and their clients.
- Top tips for brokers on getting the best out of their BDMs.
And much more!
Queensland-based Spencer Clarke made the move from sales into broking three years ago, joining the award-winning brokerage Cube Home Loans, and has been thriving ever since.
In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the regional broker to find out how he’s successfully navigated his first three years of broking and his top tips for new brokers.
Tune in to find out:
- The importance of finding the right brokerage and mentor.
- Why he chose a niche of acreage properties.
- How he navigated his first clawback.
And much more!
Related links:
- How this broker guarantees satisfaction
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The ongoing tariff turmoil and its impact to the cash rate.
- Why the Coalition wants to get rid of the CSLR.
- Industry wish lists for the next government.
And much more!
As housing affordability issues persist, home buyers are increasingly asking about lenders mortgage insurance (LMI) and how it can let them achieve their home ownership goals sooner. But what is fact and what is fiction? In this episode of In Focus, we sit down with Greg McAweeney, Helia’s chief commercial officer, to bust some of the most-common myths that brokers and home buyers hold around LMI. Tune in to find out: Tune in to find out:
- The growing issue of housing affordability and accessibility.
- The evolving role of LMI in enabling home ownership in today's economic climate.
- How LMI is enabling brokers to service a wider client base - including upgraders, refinancers, and investors.
- Helia's new LMI Lets Me In campaign that puts brokers in a starring role.
And much more!
Discover how one broker successfully transitioned from Melbourne to Byron Bay and built a thriving business serving high-net-worth clients in a new community. In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live at the Better Business Summit NSW/ACT, host Annie Kane catches up with the Byron Bay-based broker to learn more about how she’s running a brokerage in the NSW coastal town.
Tune in to find out:
- How she established herself in a new community.
- How she harnesses technology and BDM knowledge.
- How she manages her remote team.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser's What's Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week's biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss:
- Highlights from the Better Business Summit and Awards roadshow.
- The changing trajectory for Australia's cash rate.
- The Coalition's moves on housing and lending policies.
And much more!
With a focus on culture and support, South Australia-based broker Scott Bament has created an environment where brokers can thrive at Mortgage Choice Morphett Vale. In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live at the Better Business Summit South Australia, host Annie Kane catches up with Bament to learn more about his journey and approach.
Tune in to find out:
- How he approaches hiring and retention.
- Why he chose the franchise route.
- Tips for generating new business.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join commercial content writer Ben Squires and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The timing of the federal election announcement and first reactions.
- Key broker takeaways from the federal budget and opposition reply.
- Aussie’s pivot to become a ‘fully integrated property ecosystem’.
And much more!
Brisbane-based broker Shelley McGinty has been building her brokerage, Preston Point Capital, with a specialist focus on SMSF lending but is now breaking into commercial. In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live at the Better Business Summit Queensland, host Annie Kane catches up with the leading broker to find out her journey to where she is today.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she loves SMSF loans.
- How she’s evolving her brokerage.
- Why she wants to maintain a boutique-sized brokerage.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join commercial content writer Ben Squires and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The latest from Bank Australia and Qudo Bank’s merger plans.
- A senior leadership shake-up at a major lender.
- ASIC’s new review and what it means for brokers.
And much more!
In this special episode, host Annie Kane sits down with Anja Pannek, the CEO of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia, to unpack the big issues and opportunities facing the mortgage and finance broking industry in Australia.
Tune in to find out:
- Why the payroll tax issue is threatening industry and borrowers.
- The value of brokers to the economy and borrowers.
- Why she believes minimum broker education standards need to be raised.
And much more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live on stage at the Better Business Summit 2025 Western Australia, we catch up with the leading broker about how she’s successfully building her growing brokerage. After a career in business banking, Bunbury-based Nicole Kennedy started her own brokerage, Verity Finance Group, eight years ago and has built a multi-site brokerage servicing clients across Western AustraliaWA and beyond.
Tune in to find out:
- Why and how she specialises in construction loans.
- Her top tips for building strong referral relationships.
- The importance of always asking for business.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- A renewed call for brokers to be on the watch for inflated income declarations.
- The surge in pre-approvals.
- Major banks expanding LMI waivers.
And much more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live on stage at the Better Business Summit 2025 Victoria/Tasmania, we chatted with the leading broker about how she’s built a thriving business.
Victoria-based broker Melissa Gielnik may have started her broking career 25 years ago, but she’s been aware of the industry since its infancy, with her father also being a broker.
Tune in to find out:
- Why and how she’s both upsized and downsized her brokerage over the years.
- The importance of having a workflow manager.
- The biggest challenges and opportunities she’s faced as a broker.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join commercial content writer Ben Squires and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- New data from the MFAA on mortgage broker market share.
- ASIC updating its guidance on the treatment of student loans.
- The key factors behind the RBA’s decision to cut rates.
And much more!
As the broking industry continues to grow, Lendi Group continues to invest in systems, support, and innovative technologies that help brokers expand their businesses and provide an enhanced service proposition for their customers. In this episode of In Focus, we sit down with Sam Hyman, Lendi Group’s new general manager, national sales, to find out:
- How Lendi Group’s distribution structure helps their brokers grow.
- The advantages of a centralised support model for brokers.
- Why innovation is so important in the competitive broking industry.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join commercial content writer Ben Squires and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- ASIC’s warning that ‘failures are on the horizon’ for the private credit market.
- New research on the personal and professional impact of clawbacks.
- Heightened levels of mortgage stress across Australia.
And much more!
After joining Aussie and going through its graduate program, Jordan Hagicostas joined Aussie’s number one store, Aussie Prospect, and accelerated his path to success. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the South Australian broker to find out how he’s been tracking in his first seven months of broking and how he plans to keep growing his volumes.
Tune in to find out:
- How he wrote $60 million in his first year of broking.
- How he aims to write $70 million in his second year.
- How burnout changed the way he approaches work.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The first rate cut for four years and why the easing cycle might be shorter than expected.
- Industry’s response to the NSW payroll tax review.
- The government and Coalition’s moves on lending.
And much more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with Legal Home Loans’ broker and director of sales, Cullen Haynes, to find out:
- How and why the brokerage carved a niche writing loans for lawyers.
- How he’s harnessed LinkedIn to build the brokerage’s brand.
- Why they’re opening a second brokerage.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The launch of the Value of Mortgage Broking report and why it has the industry talking.
- Brokers’ reactions to the Treasurer’s call for rule changes and APRA’s presales announcement.
- Trends in lending: investment home loan drops, personal lending surges, and the commercial lending outlook from Judo Bank.
And much more!
As a leading SME challenger bank, Judo Bank has been integral in supporting brokers and business customers with their banking and finance needs. We find out what challenges and opportunities they see in SME lending environment this year. In this episode of In Focus, we sit down with George Obeid, Chief Third-Party Officer at Judo Bank, to find out:
- The importance of character-first and judgement-based lending.
- Leverage Judo's cross-sector knowledge and expertise to assist brokers and customers in business finance.
- Differentiate yourself as a specialist SME broker and capitalise on opportunities to scale and grow.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser's What's Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week's biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join senior journalist Will Paige and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- How Macquarie is shaping up compared to the major lenders.
- The latest data regarding home values and consumer confidence.
- Big announcements from two industry bodies.
And much more!
In this special episode of Mortgage and Finance Leader, host Annie Kane sits down with John Ruddick, libertarian member of the NSW Legislative Council and former broker, to explore the pressing issue of payroll tax and its implications for the broking industry in NSW.
Tune in to find out:
- The motivations behind Ruddick’s push for a parliamentary inquiry into the Payroll Tax Act 2007.
- Why he believes this tax burden threatens the very fabric of the industry.
- What he thinks brokers could be doing to raise awareness about this core issue.
- The timelines for the NSW Legislative Council’s review findings.
And much more!
Sydney-based brokerage Flint recently reshaped its ownership structure and leadership team following a merger with brokerage Confidence Finance.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with Flint directors Christian Stevens and Redom Syed to find out:
- Why they’ve merged their businesses
- Why and how Flint aims to support broker growth
- What’s on the horizon for the brokerage
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- Increasing optimism for rate cuts to come in February
- How and why brokers are growing their businesses
- More mergers in the non-major banking space accelerate
And much more!
When former AFG state manager Joseph Khal made the leap into broking last year, he set himself some formidable goals, including writing $40 million across 122 loans in his first year. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the broker director at The Lending Alliance to find out how he’s been tracking in his first seven months of broking and how he plans to keep growing his volumes.
Tune in to find out:
- How he’s found the transition from aggregation to broking.
- How he lodged $2.8 million in his first month of broking.
- The tools and technology he uses to make his life easier.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- The beginning of the end for Heritage-branded home loans.
- What's driving AFG's record loan lodgements.
- Why brokers are loving credit assessors at the moment.
And much more!
With eight years of broking experience, Natalie Denyer has been spreading her wings as a mortgage broker at award-winning brokerage Birdie Wealth. Having spread her wings from banking to broking, Denyer now focuses on financial literacy education and ensuring her clients are empowered in their home loan decisions.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the NSW-based mortgage broker to find out:
- Why she dedicates 90 minutes to each client appointments.
- Why she thinks 2025 will be a bumper year for brokers.
- What she loves most about broking.
And much more!
Related links:
- Creating a winning partnership
- How this best new office took flight
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane and commercial content writer, Ben Squires, as they dive into the many appointment changes and the new Facebook advertising rules brokers need to be across.
This week, they cover:
- Who the new heads of broker are at the major banks.
- The changes for brokers advertising on Facebook.
- Why the Better Business Summit 2025 is a must-attend event for brokers.
And much more!
Regional broker Steven Toome was named the SA/NT Broker of the Year at the Better Business Awards 2024, recognising his efforts delivering outstanding service to the seafood capital of Australia and beyond. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with Loan Market Link broker Toome to find out:
- Why he’s decided to become a branded broker.
- Why he’s hosting Australia’s largest tuna fishing competition.
- His plans for scaling his business this year.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Will Paige as they dive into the key developments shaping 2025.
This week, they cover:
- What brokers, non-majors, mutuals, and non-banks are focusing on this year.
- House prices drop for the first time in two years – how long will the downturn last?
- The first bank CEO appointment of the year.
And much more!
Commercial broker Isabella Constantinou dominated the awards scene in 2024, winning multiple accolades including Commercial Broker of the Year at the inaugural Commercial Finance Awards 2024 and the Women in Finance Excellence Award. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane chats to the Simplicity Loans and Advisory broker to learn more about her journey and success in commercial broking.
Tune in to find out:
- How she transitioned from receptionist to leading commercial broker.
- The types of development and construction finance deals she’s working on.
- How she manages 60 deals at a time.
And much more!
Related links:
- How the Commercial Broker of the Year 2023 built his business
- How this broker runs two commercial businesses
- Brokers reveal their plans and predictions for 2025
- Winners revealed for Commercial Finance Awards 2024
Having become a broker in April 2022, Queensland-based broker Cathie Gandy’s enthusiasm and expertise in broking has made her a successful broker, very fast.
In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Madd Loans broker to find out how she wrote $87 million in her first financial year of broking and how she’s managed to triple that since then.
Tune in to find out:
- How she writes 80 loans a quarter.
- What she attributes to her success as a broker.
- The power of role-playing client scenarios.
And much more!
Related Articles:
- George Samios on how he develops his 'x factor'
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they unpack the biggest news stories of the year 2024. This week, they cover:
- What’s been driving record broker market share.
- The big payroll tax decisions.
- The Senate home ownership inquiry.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane and senior journalist Will Paige as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- Who’s who on the two new RBA boards.
- Allegations being levelled at HSBC Australia.
- An early Christmas present from ASIC.
And much more!
In this special episode, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic sits down with Luke Howarth, the shadow financial services minister and shadow assistant treasurer of Australia, to deep dive into the world of financial services, touching upon regulatory challenges, political accountability, and the future of financial advice in Australia.
Tune in to find out:
- His thoughts on what should be done about the serviceability buffer.
- The problems with the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR).
- What the Coalition would like to see happen in advice and super.
And much more!
As we head into the holiday season, we catch up with Bronwyn Penhaligon to uncover her practical tips for managing burnout, setting purposeful goals, and finding balance.
In this episode of In Focus, we catch up with the strategic psychotherapist to find out:
- How to navigate the holidays without succumbing to exhaustion.
- Advice for planning and preparation.
- Simple exercises for when you need a reset.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week.
This week, they discuss:
- Why the RBA decided to hold the cash rate for December–January.
- A flurry of aggregator announcements.
- The megatrends brokers should be on the lookout for.
And much more!
Former banker-turned-broker Ben Finis may have won several awards for residential broking, but he’s increasingly being celebrated as a commercial broker, too. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the FINANCIA director to find out how he does it all.
Tune in to find out:
- How he’s structured his team and process.
- The types of loans he’s writing in South Australia.
- The big plans for the brokerage in 2025.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Will Paige and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they unpack the latest shake-ups in the lending and broking space.
This week, they cover:
- The new CEO appointments at ANZ and Resimac.
- Record broker market share.
- Senator Andrew Bragg’s breakfast meeting with brokers.
And much more!
Momentum Media was thrilled to host the Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards in Sydney on 15 November.
In the ninth episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series for 2024, sponsored by Mortgage Choice, host Annie Kane is joined by the recent winner of the Mortgage Broker of the Year award from the Women in Finance Awards, Deslie Taylor (Mortgage Choice Ormeau & Yarrabilba).
Tune in to find out:
- How she went from a one-woman brokerage to a team of 15.
- Why she involves her whole team in her six-monthly business planning meetings.
- How she has found the right coach for her as a business owner.
And much more!
Simon Tessmann emerged as a mortgage broker at Queensland-based brokerage Emerge Finance two years ago and now writes around nine loans a month. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Tessmann to find out why and how he joined the broking industry in the first place and how he’s built his client base.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he became a broker.
- The types of loans he’s writing in Queensland.
- What he thinks brokers should look for in a mentor.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane and commercial content writer, Ben Squires, as they unpack the big themes in the news as Parliament concludes its final sitting week.
This week, they cover:
- The key recommendations from the Senate inquiry into home ownership and financial regulation.
- AFG’s acquisition activity.
- The inaugural Commercial Finance Awards.
And much more!
Momentum Media was thrilled to host the Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards in Sydney last Friday (15 November).
In the eighth episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series for 2024, sponsored by Westpac, host Annie Kane is joined by Westpac’s NSW/ACT state general manager for mortgage broker distribution, Sarah Willsallen, to find out how the major bank is creating better gender equilibrium and her path to senior leadership.
Tune in to hear about:
- The importance of “showing up”.
- Why we need more women in broking.
- Networking tips for those who aren’t natural networkers.
And much more!
Former financial planner Son Pham wrote his first mortgage about 13 years ago and quickly realised that broking was his calling.
For the past seven years, Pham has been leading the rapidly growing broking arm of buyer’s agency Rethink Financing, spearheading a team of 14 brokers and six administrative staff.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the brokerage’s managing director to find out:
- Why the group specialises in property investors.
- The next phase of growth for the group.
- Top tips for writing commercial.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane as she unpacks the big themes in the news. This week, she covers:
- AMP Bank becomes the latest lender to change clawbacks.
- Another major pushes back rate cut forecast.
- The broker winners of the Women in Finance Awards 2024
And much more!
Momentum Media was thrilled to host the Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards in Sydney last Friday (15 November), in partnership with principal partner Mortgage Choice.
In the seventh episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series for 2024, host Annie Kane is joined by colleagues Imogen Wilson ( journalist, accounting) and Meg Benson (partnership manager, mortgages) to unpack all the key takeaways from this year’s summit and awards.
Tune in to find out:
- What they most loved about the Women in Finance Summit and Awards.
- The lessons they learned from the summit.
- The winners from the Women in Finance Awards 2024.
And much more!
The NSW city of Newcastle has been one of the boom markets in recent years, with prices having jumped 25 per cent in the last three years. But why? In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Newcastle-based broker Joel Archer to find out more about what’s driving demand in the Hunter area and how Ascension Finance is fulfilling the rising need of borrowers in the area. Tune in to find out:
- The trends and flows he’s seeing in the Novocastrian market.
- The tools and tech he uses to drive business.
- The benefits of working in a referral partner’s office.
And much more!
As the year draws to a close, businesses are busy preparing for the festive season, with many needing finance, and fast. Here, we explore the trends in SME finance and how a brand-new AI tool is helping hasten business finance.
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Prospa, we sit down with Roberto Sanz, Prospa’s general manager of sales and partnerships, to find out:
- How Australian businesses are faring at the moment.
- How AI is revolutionising the SME finance space.
- The opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane as she unpacks the big themes in the news.
This week, she covers:
- NAB’s surprising move to focus on proprietary lending.
- How the major banks are changing lending strategy.
- Why is hope is fading for a February rate cut.
- The conclusion of Loan Market’s payroll tax case.
And much more!
The first year of broking is arguably the most difficult, but Samantha Barnett from Loan Market Scenic wrote a remarkable 100 deals – or an average of $6 million a month – in her first 12 months as a broker. In this episode of the New Broker podcast, host Annie Kane catches up with the new broker to find out:
- How she managed to write 100 deals in her first year.
- How her background in banking and aggregation has informed her career.
- What she has planned for her second year in broking.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane and commercial content writer, Ben Squires, as they discuss the big themes in the news.
This week, they cover:
New statistics showed that broker numbers are at a record high. The areas of opportunity that need more brokers. Predictions for the RBA’s November cash rate call. New innovations in SME lending.
And much more!
Momentum Media is thrilled to be hosting the sixth annual Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards in Sydney on 15 November.
In this fifth episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series 2024, sponsored by AMP Bank, host Annie Kane chats to CEO Sean O’Malley to learn how the industry can continue to move towards gender equality.
Tune in to find out:
- How to foster a supportive community.
- Why a multifaceted approach helps.
- How diversity can drive innovation.
And much more!
While he may be widely known for his stint as an AFL umpire, Ray Chamberlain – or Razor Ray – has also made a mark as a broker. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Chamberlain + Co founder to learn how he made the transition from one competitive field to another.
Tune in to find out:
- How he balanced umpiring duties with learning the ropes as a broker.
- What attracted him to broking and managing the transition.
- Why he’s excited to see what the future holds.
And much more!
Momentum Media is thrilled to be hosting the sixth annual Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards in Sydney on 15 November. In this fourth episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series 2024, sponsored by outsource Financial, host Annie Kane chats to CEO Tanya Sale to learn how we can create a more inclusive financial services industry.
Tune in to find out:
- How we can be creating more female CEOs.
- How to create an inclusive workplace.
- Why we should stop focusing on being ‘busy’.
And much more!
After a corporate career in e-commerce and retail, Melbourne-based Vaughan Clark decided to trade in his focus on aisles for assets, starting his broking career in 2016. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Vaughan Clark, senior mortgage broker and founder at Clark Finance Group, to find out how he made the move from retail to broking.
Tune in to find out:
- How he went from new broker to writing more than 170 loans a year.
- The importance of knowing your business’s ‘numbers’.
- What he loves most about being a broker.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane as she breaks down the big themes in the news.
This week, she covers:
- Another mutual merger is announced.
- Broking industry members front the Senate home ownership inquiry.
- AFG brokers lodging near record-high volumes
And much more!
Momentum Media is thrilled to be hosting the sixth annual Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards in Sydney on 15 November.
In this third episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series 2024, sponsored by fintech lender MoneyPlace, host Annie Kane chats to MoneyPlace CEO Kylie Waldock to find out her insights on fostering a mentoring culture and better supporting diversity and inclusion in the fintech industry.
Tune in to find out:
- How she builds a strong company culture.
- The importance of resilience and continuous learning.
- Her advice for younger women entering the field.
And much more!
With the Consumer Data Right having been ‘reset’ and artificial technology becoming more mainstream, we find out how these technologies are innovating lending.
In this episode of In Focus, we catch up with NextGen’s head of broker partnerships Renee Blethyn and the product lead for data at Frollo, Maëlle Debeugny, to find out:
- What the CDR ‘reset’ means for the progression of open banking.
- How open banking and AI can enhance the accuracy of loan assessments.
- What brokers should be on the lookout for in open banking.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights.
Join host Annie Kane as she breaks down the key issues shaping the property landscape.
This week, she covers:
- An overview of the recommendations put forward by the broking industry to the Senate’s home ownership inquiry.
- The Connective National Conference 2024.
- Why more bodies are joining the fight against broker payroll tax.
And much more!
Momentum Media is thrilled to be hosting the sixth annual Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards – run with the support of principal partner Mortgage Choice – in Sydney on 15 November.
In this second episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series 2024, host Annie Kane sits down with Sally Chadwick, executive manager of corporate communications at Mortgage Choice, and two Mortgage Choice brokers Kelly Carter (Port Macquarie) and Chantelle Rangel (Marrickville) to find out:
- How they are building their businesses.
- How they are building a network and community.
- Overcoming feelings of isolation through connection.
And much more!
Canberra-based broker Aimee Bergan from APC Home Loans has only been broking for a year, but has already settled $20 million in loans. As she ramps up for her second year, we find out how she’s going to build her business. In this episode of New Broker, we catch up with the banker-turned-broker to find out:
- Why she set herself a target of writing $20 million in her first year.
- How she’s helping clients who have been rejected by the banks.
- Why she’s already thinking about building her team.
And much more!
Momentum Media is thrilled to be hosting the sixth annual Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards – run with the support of principal partner Mortgage Choice – in Sydney on 15 November.
In this first episode of the Women in Finance Podcast series 2024, host Annie Kane reveals why the Women in Finance Summit and Awards will be bigger and better than ever this year.
Tune in to find out: * The amazing line-up of speakers at the Women in Finance Summit. * How the summit aims to create more female leaders in finance. * The powerful networking opportunities.
And much more!
With their client lists comprising many high-net-worth individuals, Pristine Finance broker Marinko Radomir and Parras & Associates accountant Nick Parras often find themselves leaning on the other’s expertise. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by Miranda Brownlee, editor of Accountants Daily, as they sit down with the broker-accountant duo to find out how they work together to make sure they’re always getting the best possible outcome for their clients.
Turn in to find out:
- Shared and unique challenges in each profession.
- How they work with high-net-worth clients.
- Why referral partners are crucial and where to find them.
And much more!
Welcome to The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast, your go-to source for the week’s biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. Join host Annie Kane and Juliet Helmke from Momentum Media’s property brands as they break down the key issues shaping the property landscape.
This week, they cover:
- The renewed focus on negative gearing and what the industry thinks about it.
- The latest RBA cash rate decision and why it’s unlikely the cash rate will drop soon despite inflation being within the target band.
- How the rising cost of living has surpassed housing affordability as the main barrier to home ownership.
And much more!
Investor lending has been growing apace over the past year, with more borrowers seeking more opportunities in market and turning to brokers to access the finance to do it.
In this episode of In Focus, we catch up with NAB’s executive, broker distribution Adam Brown and the head of research at CoreLogic Australia, Eliza Owen, to find out:
- Why investor lending has been growing so rapidly.
- The opportunity emerging for brokers.
- What the spring selling season has in store.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join host Annie Kane and The Adviser’s commercial content writer Ben Squires as they discuss the big themes in the news.
This week, they cover:
- What stopped the P&N and Beyond Bank merger?
- Inside the Finsure payroll tax case.
- All the drama unfolding in Senate.
And much more!
It might seem counterintuitive for brokers to help Australians get rid of their mortgage debts, but for Crown Money, it’s the be-all and end-all of their business. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with South Australian-based broker Craig Parry to find out how and why they’re helping borrowers pay down their mortgage faster.
Tune in to find out:
- How he helps borrowers pay down their debts.
- Why ‘proximity is power’.
- Why brokers shouldn’t take clawback personally.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join host Annie Kane and The Adviser’s commercial content writer Ben Squires, as they discuss the big themes in the news.
This week, they cover:
- The FBAA’s new wellness hub.
- Brokers continue to dominate new lending.
- A new CEO at Westpac
And much more!
Over the past 28 years, Phil Rice has been building his broking business writing both residential and commercial loans and now he’s coaching other brokers on how to do it. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the EZ Finance broker to find out:
- Why he thinks having an ACL is beneficial.
- Why he thinks clawbacks are illegal.
- Why he’s launched a broker coaching business.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join host Annie Kane as she unpacks some of The Adviser’s top news stories including changes to broker clawbacks.
Tune in to find out:
- NAB’s new clawback structures.
- Commercial lending accelerates in broker channel.
- The SME Bootcamp, run in partnership with Dynamoney.
And much more!
Ten years after starting his own brokerage, Dylan Salotti has been mastering the art of running an endurance broking business while running an endurance sport. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Salotti from Divitis Finance to find out how he’s built his brokerage over the past decade as well as:
- The ‘game changers’ he’s implemented in his business.
- The big opportunity he sees for brokers at the moment.
- How he finds the time to be an Ironman (and be a World Championship contender!).
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join host Annie Kane as she runs through some of the major headlines impacting mortgage and finance broking.
This week, find out:
- Why CBA and Westpac CEOs have incensed the broking industry
- Reaction to BOQ's 'pause' in accepting broker loans
- The winners of the Australian Broking Awards
And much more!
After trading in the motor industry for the world of asset finance, Perseus Finance director Khalil Sader has taken his broking firm from strength to strength.
In this episode of the Australian Broking Awards Finalist Showcase, we catch up with the finalist for Asset Finance Broker of the Year to find out:
- His unique approach to asset finance and what he does to stand out.
- How his ability to adapt has helped him find a place in the broking industry.
- Why knowing how to build relationships has been the key to his success.
And much more!
After seeing their father, Michael Barrett, make a name for himself in broking, brothers Lucas and Elijah Barrett were inspired to open their own Mortgage Choice franchise in 2022. In this episode of New Broker, we catch up with the broker brothers to find out:
- How they built their broking business.
- The things about broking that surprised them.
- Why they’d like to see more transparency from lenders.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join host Annie Kane and Momentum Media’s senior journalist for Cyber Daily, David Hollingworth, as they discuss the importance of Scam Awareness Week.
This week, they cover:
- The prevalence and impact of scams in the financial services industry.
- The action being taken by the lending industry to reduce scams.
- How brokers can improve scam awareness among clients.
And much more!
EXCLUSIVE: Liberal senator Andrew Bragg sits down with The Adviser to reveal what the new housing lending inquiry will look at and why he most wants to hear from the broking industry for it. In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane catches up with the chair of the Senate economics references committee to discuss:
- The big issues the committee aims to address with this inquiry.
- What else could be done to improve first home ownership in Australia.
- Why he wants to hear from the broking industry most.
And much more!
With four decades of finance experience across commercial, residential, and asset finance, Craig Walker from First Finance has seen it all. In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the Victorian-based broker and his son Ben Walker to find out:
- The secrets to long-lasting client relationships.
- Why he switched his focus from commercial to residential broking.
- How they manage the ‘mortgage prisoners’ issue.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join host Annie Kane and Momentum Media’s deputy editor of real estate Juliet Helmke as they discuss the brand-new Senate inquiry into financial regulatory framework and home ownership and what the spring selling season may have in store.
This week, they cover:
- What the new Senate inquiry into home lending seeks to examine.
- What the broking associations would like to see included in the inquiry.
- How the property market is expected to perform this spring.
And much more!
At times, trying to take a broking business to the next level can feel like cycling to the summit of a steep and windy mountain. So, how do good brokers break free from the pack?
In this episode of In Focus, we catch up with Mortgage Choice state manager for Victoria/Tasmania, Tim Schneider, and Mortgage Choice Noosaville and Peregian Beach franchisee Gordon MacVicar to find out:
- How the aggregator has been helping franchisees shift gears and accelerate their businesses.
- The benefits of peer-to-peer learning.
- Key takeaways from the program so far.
After starting in sports podiatry, The Lending Alliance’s Mitch Bath has turned his passion for helping people into a new career as a mortgage broker.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- How he made the switch from treating elite athletes to writing loans.
- The steps he took to find his feet in the broking industry.
- Tools and techniques he uses to find solutions for his clients.
And much more!
As the broker channel works tirelessly to secure competitive rates for clients, innovative platforms such as Sherlok provide a wealth of opportunities.
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Sherlok, we sit down with Adam Grocke, the platform’s founder and CEO, to learn more about the platform and how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning can revolutionise client retention.
Tune in to find out:
- The opportunity for brokers to write significant volumes from existing clients.
- The benefits of leveraging innovations such as AI and machine learning.
- How Sherlok’s retention and refinancing platform works.
And much more!
Seven years ago, Ben and Tom Hawley started their own brokerage, Azura Financial, now one of the Top 25 Brokerages in Australia. In this episode of Elite Broker, we touch back in with the broker brothers to find out:
- How they’ve built a Top 25 Brokerage in just seven years.
- Why education standards need to be lifted in broking.
- Why process is the key to a thriving brokerage.
And much more!
Related article:
- How degrees helped these brokers achieve better client outcomes
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join host Annie Kane and Momentum Media’s managing editor of real estate Grace Ormsby as they discuss the concerning new stats on building commencements and completions jeopardising the government’s 1.2 million homes target.
This week, they cover:
- Why commencements and completions are so low.
- How the property market is faring at the moment.
- The latest in the interoperability furore.
And much more!
As the broker channel continues to evolve, broking groups are offering their brokers new ways of working. We find out how Lendi Group equips its brokers with tools and technologies to stay efficient and productive.
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Lendi Group, we sit down with Aaron Hockey, the group’s general manager, network development, to review the evolution of the broker channel and the skills a modern broker needs to succeed.
Tune in to find out:
- The challenges and opportunities for today’s brokers.
- How Lendi Group is easing broker workload with Platform Plus.
- Why broking is still a relationships-based profession.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join host Annie Kane and The Adviser journalist Charlotte Humphrys as they discuss where the industry is on the payroll tax issue; insights gleaned from The Adviser’s recent webcast on the matter with LMG, MFAA, Dentons, and PwC Australia; and why all brokers should be reviewing their documentation.
This week, they cover:
- Takeaways from the payroll tax webcast.
- The Assistant Treasurer’s meeting on clawback with the FBAA.
- The final step in the ANZ-Suncorp merger.
And much more!
For Queensland-based broker Dan Cooke, mortgage broker at Mortgage Choice in Newstead, a background in sales has helped him hit the ground running as a broker. In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- How his CrossFit gym became a referral hotspot.
- The benefits of providing good service to ‘tyre kickers’.
- How he’s building relationships with new referrers.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join host Annie Kane as she chats to Keith Ford – - the deputy editor of The Adviser sister brand ifa – as they discuss the major new report suggesting ‘ASIC has failed’, the recommendations to reform it, and whether open banking should be scrapped or not.
This week, they cover:
- Senate’s scathing report on ASIC’s performance.
- Why changing ASIC’s funding model would benefit advisers.
- The debate heating up over the Consumer Data Right.
And much more!
With a focus on process, price, and full transparency, private lender Capspace has quickly emerged as a viable alternative for businesses and individuals left frustrated by the major lenders.
We sit down with broker-turned-Capspace director and head of loan origination John Encina to understand more about the lender’s approach and why professionalism means everything in the world of private lending.
Tune in to find out:
- The evolution of commercial broking.
- Why and how Capspace formed to service brokers and their clients.
- Encina’s advice for brokers choosing a private lender for the first time.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic, Annie Kane, and Charlotte Humphrys as they discuss breaking news from ANZ and Suncorp, an aggregator rebrand, and the latest CPI results.
This week, they cover:
- The ANZ/Suncorp merger gets the green light.
- Vow Financial’s rebranding.
- A potential rate hike on the horizon.
And much more!
As one of the first franchise brokers to open up shop in Darwin, Mortgage Choice broker Tony Schelling has seen it all over his 30 years of broking. Now, as he prepares for retirement, we pick his brains about the lessons he’s learned over his career and how he’s preparing for succession planning.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the Northern Territory broker and MFAA Life Member, to find out:
- How mortgage broking has changed over his 30-year career.
- What’s involved when exiting your business.
- His advice for building a successful career in broking.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they discuss the latest RBA decision, updated forecasts, and new government measures.
This week, they cover:
- Vigilance and uncertainty from the RBA.
- Dwindling hopes for a rate cut in 2024.
- The government’s long-awaited response to the Home Loan Price Inquiry.
And much more!
Tayla Phillips, mortgage broker at Resolve Finance, entered the industry 14 months ago and has been busy establishing herself as a first-home buyer specialist in Western Australia.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- Why she loves broking.
- Why she thinks broking qualifications should be improved.
- How she’s generating new business.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Charlotte Humphrys as they cover the new stamp duty laws coming into effect, more clawback removals, and the latest from aggregators.
This week, they discuss:
- Stamp duty reforms possibly driving up house prices.
- MA Money dumps clawbacks.
- CEG’s 25th anniversary.
And much more!
The Mortgage Choice Freedom product suite recently celebrated its first anniversary with the news that in its first 12 months Mortgage Choice brokers have settled $1 billion of the Athena-funded white label loans.
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Mortgage Choice, we’re catching up with Mortgage Choice CEO Anthony Waldron and Athena Home Loans CEO and co-founder Nathan Walsh to find out:
- How and why Mortgage Choice Freedom is helping borrowers.
- The value white label loans can provide to the industry.
- The role brokers play in shaping a white label offering.
And much more!
A new borrower cohort of ‘established businesses’ is increasingly seeking finance from brokers, according to SME lender Prospa.
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Prospa, we sit down with Roberto Sanz, Prospa’s general manager of sales and partnerships, to find out:
- How brokers can be tapping into this growing opportunity.
- The types of businesses seeking finance and why.
- How Prospa is supporting brokers in writing more SME finance.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the broker industry hitting back at some recent claims from a major publication, more around banks versus brokers, and the latest market share stats.
This week, they discuss:
- Broker backlash against The Australian Financial Review.
- An aggregator’s CEO’s call to arms against banks taking back market share.
- The most recent MFAA research reflecting good news for the industry.
And much more!
In 2014, Grace Green left her role as an accountant at a big corporate firm to become her own boss as a Loan Market broker. Fast forward 10 years and she’s now established herself as a successful commercial broker.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the accountant-turned-broker to find out:
- Why she transitioned to commercial finance.
- How and when she sets fees.
- The benefits of close referral partnerships.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the latest move by CBA, ASIC’s lender hardship report, and which banks brokers went to the most in April.
This week, they discuss:
- CBA’s new direct-to-consumer product.
- Lender shortfalls in helping customers with financial hardship.
- The latest Broker Pulse survey results.
And much more!
In this special episode, host Annie Kane sits down with Gerald Foley, the managing director of National Mortgage Brokers (nMB), to explore how he helped ANZ launch into broker, how broking has evolved over the years, and what he thinks the future of broking looks like. Tune in to discover:
- Why ANZ decided to start operating in the broker channel.
- Why the banks decided to introduce trail commission.
- The importance of supporting mental health in industry.
And much more!
Being able to generate and convert business quickly is a key part of building a successful brokerage, but so too is finding solutions quickly. In this episode of Elite Broker, we sit down with the founder of finance brokerage LoanOptions.ai, Julian Fayad, to find out how he married his web development and app development skills with his passion for finance.
Tune in to find out:
- How he’s brought AI into the broking process.
- How he leads and trains his growing team of brokers.
- How he’s helping resi brokers diversify their offering.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Charlotte Humphrys as they cover the budget 2024–25, some pain points among mortgage holders and SMEs, and postcode discrimination from lenders.
This week, they discuss:
- The initiatives outlined in the latest budget.
- Mortgage stress research and SME pain points.
- A broker calling out postcode discrimination.
And much more!
Richard (Rick) Garner and his team at Crew Financial have seemingly been working at lightspeed, managing their jobs as airline pilots while seeing their separate careers as mortgage brokers take off. In this cross-collaboration podcast with our sister brand Australian Aviation, hosts Annie Kane and Adam Thorn chat to Garner to find out:
- How he goes from cockpit to closing deals.
- How he avoided the turbulence during COVID-19 to grow his brokerage.
- What he’s doing to see his business soar to new heights.
And much more!
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Banjo Loans, we’re chatting to chief executive Guy Callaghan to unpack the findings of the Banjo SME Compass report and what brokers need to know about small-business sentiment as we head towards the cusp of a new financial year.
Tune in to find out:
- What Banjo’s SME Compass tells us about the direction of travel for SMEs.
- The main business sector that is struggling at the moment.
- The updates to Banjo loans that you need to know about.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the RBA’s May cash rate decision, the associations on a possible shift towards the direct channel from the major banks, and the latest appointments from the industry.
This week, they discuss:
- The RBA’s cash rate decision and the possibility of future hikes.
- Are the big banks moving away from third-party distribution?
- ING’s latest appointments.
And much more!
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by TP24, we sit down with Adam Lane, the managing director of TP24 Australia, to unpack some of the trends and changes in invoice finance and how and why brokers could be writing more of this business this year.
- The trends/changes in invoice finance at the moment.
- How TP24 is changing the invoice finance space.
- Top tips for brokers writing invoice finance.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the latest movers and shakers in the broking industry, potential rate hikes in 2024, and a house looking to sell for a record-breaking price.
This week they discuss:
- An aggregator leader announcing his retirement.
- John Symond’s $200 million home listing.
- Further cash rate hikes on the horizon.
And much more!
In this episode of the In Focus podcast, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic talks to shadow treasurer Angus Taylor about his thoughts on the state of financial services and what the Liberal Party thinks needs to be done to reduce the burden on advisers and improve housing affordability.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he opposes Help to Buy and shared equity schemes.
- His thoughts on allowing Australians to access super for home ownership.
- Why he thinks the government should ‘get out of the way’.
And much more!
James Cerolini, asset finance director of Simplify Asset Finance and director of ROAM Finance, made the move into broking nine months ago, after an eight-year career in aggregation.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- Why and how he decided to focus on asset finance.
- The pivotal role of technology in broking.
- Why he loves soft-touch credit checks.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Charlotte Humphrys as they cover the latest quarterly CPI data, mortgage stress levels and some rumours from a non-major bank
This week, they discuss:
- The next move for the RBA following the March quarter CPI data release.
- Lowest levels of mortgage stress for 2024.
- The latest from non-major banks.
And much more!
Turnaround times have been at record speeds in recent months, with lenders adopting more technology and AI in the mortgages space. We catch up with Bendigo Bank to find out more about how tech is accelerating the home loan process.
In this episode of the In Focus podcast, sponsored by Bendigo Bank Broker, we catch up with the bank’s national manager of broker distribution Natalie Sheehan to find out:
- The importance of technology in improving service propositions.
- The role of AI in enhancing efficiencies without replacing human interactions.
- Bendigo Bank’s transition to a new lending platform for brokers.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week into bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the decision from a landmark payroll tax case and more on lender turnaround times as they continue to adopt new technology.
This week, they discuss:
- Loan Market versus Revenue NSW.
- Westpac turning on opening banking for brokers.
- More Australians wanting to become “property pals”.
And much more!
Western Australia-based broker Jill Fleck may have begun her career in asset finance 30 years ago, but she’s been embracing change as the director of Nu-Age Vehicle & Asset Finance.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the asset finance broker to find out:
- How asset finance has changed over the last 30 years.
- What her role as an FBAA board member entails.
- How she structures her team.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the calls for a simplified accreditation process, a record in turnaround times, and an association’s recommendations for the home loan discharge process.
This week, they discuss:
- Calls from members of the industry to simplify broker accreditation.
- The MFAA’s new white paper.
- Findings from AFG’s latest AFG Index.
And much more!
Lisa Bridgett from Stellar Finance has been broking for seven years and has been constantly evolving her brokerage over that time. In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the Sydney-based broker to find out how and why momentum is key to her success.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she’s starting a mentoring program.
- The hardest parts of changing aggregators.
- How and why she’s introducing asset finance into her business.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the latest mortgage broker market share figures, what the RBA has been up to, and new recommendations for the mortgage industry brought to the government. This week, they discuss:
- The record-high broker market share figures.
- The RBA’s uncertainty.
- AFCA’s concerns about hardship requests going unheard.
And much more!
Following on from the Better Business Summit and Better Business Awards roadshow, partnered by NAB, we’re sitting down with the recently crowned Broker of the Year for Western Australia, Balpreet Bal, and NAB’s executive, broker distribution, Adam Brown, to find out what it takes to run a successful business. In this episode of In Focus, we unpack some of the key takeaways from the Better Business Summit 2024 and learn more about how Western Australia’s Broker of the Year runs his high-volume business.
Tune in to find out:
- How Bal structures his team to write high volumes.
- The importance of investing in yourself and continual improvement.
- Why a successful broker channel is important to NAB.
And much more!
Articles of interest:
- How WA’s Broker of the Year has adapted to a COVID-19 environment
- In Focus: Top 25 Brokerages 2024
- ‘Brokers need to recognise the red flags’ of scams, warns NAB
Property should come before Prada, that’s the mantra of Victorian-based broker Katherine Persoglia.
The founder of the Property Before Prada brokerage and creator of The Brokers’ Bible, sat down with The Adviser live on stage at the Better Business Summit 2024 in Melbourne – run in partnership with NAB – to unpack her secrets to success and why she created a platform to streamline policy research. In this episode of Elite Broker, tune in to find out:
- How she went from broker trainee to running two broking offices.
- The challenges she faces as a young woman in a male-dominated industry.
- What The Brokers’ Bible helps brokers do.
And much more!
Western Australia-based broker Joshua de Buelle has been delighting clients with his exceptional customer service for the past 16 years and made the move to set up his own brokerage, FiNEXT, five years ago.
After picking his brain at the Better Business Summit 2024 in Perth, we caught up with the FiNEXT broker principal to find out:
- Why he made the leap into broking from personal training.
- How he’s structured his growing brokerage.
- His top tips for brokers looking to grow their business.
And much more!
Queensland-based broker Kieran Jefferies has been broking for the past 18 years, but made the move to open up his new brokerage Olleh Lending in 2022. With six brokers and six support staff, the high-volume brokerage has benefited from its strong process and operational management to ensure that the business is running as efficiently as possible. In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live on stage at the Better Business Summit 2024 in Brisbane – run in partnership with NAB – we find out:
- The importance of process in a high-volume business.
- How social media is helping him generate new leads.
- Why he decided to swim shark-infested waters for charity.
And much more!
There are so many amazingly successful women in the finance industry, but only a small number have a strong brand and online presence in this traditionally male-dominated industry. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to help more women raise their profile and showcase the incredible professionals in this space. In this episode, partnered by Mortgage Choice (part of the REA Group), we’re picking the brain of its executive manager, corporate communications, events & franchise marketing, Sally Chadwick, to find out:
- How to build a brand presence.
- The benefits of having a strong brand presence.
- Top tips to help you get started today.
And much more!
With over 15 years of industry experience, Lee Barron made the move to set up his own brokerage, Fox Financial Solutions, in 2020. Over this time, the Adelaide-based broker has been earning a name for himself as a master in exceptional customer service, having won rave reviews from clients and winning a number of industry awards.
In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live on stage at the Better Business Summit 2024 in Adelaide – run in partnership with NAB – we find out:
- How and why Lee started his own brokerage.
- The art of active listening.
- His top tips for brokers looking to gain repeat business.
And much more!
Scott Rumble, the broker director of Yakka Finance, was named Australia’s Asset Finance Broker of the Year 2023 last year and Best Finance Broker NSW/ACT at the Better Business Awards 2024, run in partnership with NAB earlier this month.
In this episode of Elite Broker – recorded live on stage at the Better Business Summit 2024 – we find out:
- How and why he became an asset finance broker.
- The biggest wins and challenges of his career.
- His top tips for success.
And much more!
After a career as a chef, Nectar Mortgages broker Gary Rock has found the recipe for success in serving up appetising mortgage deals for his clients. In this episode of Elite Broker, the seasoned ACT-based broker catches up with host Annie Kane to reveal how he’s carved out a career in the broking space over the last 23 years.
Tune in to find out:
- How he’s mastered the art of making the mortgage process stress-free.
- How he’s structured his team to manage the ebbs and flows of loan writing.
- Why 23 might be his lucky number.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the latest financial results from a major bank, a new financial services alliance, and the Better Business Awards NSW/ACT!
This week, they discuss:
- Australia’s largest lender’s plummeting broker flows.
- When we can expect rate cuts.
- The kick off to the Better Business Awards.
And more!
Alex Gee, director and mortgage broker at Kingfisher Finance Group, entered the broking industry during the pandemic but has already settled more than $100 million.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- How he prepared to make the jump into broking.
- The tech and processes he follows to stay on top of his workload.
- Why he’s already preparing to recruit.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they discuss the RBA’s latest cash rate call, lenders respond to repricing issues, and a big move for a major bank.
This week they cover:
- Cash rate stays on hold.
- New NAB chief executive.
- First country head of a new association.
And much more!
The biggest and most successful brokerages in Australia have been revealed in The Adviser’s Top 25 Brokerages ranking 2024, partnered by NAB.
The results are in for the Top 25 Brokerages ranking 2024, in partnership with NAB!
Despite the strong refinancing and repricing trend keeping brokers busy working on their existing clients last financial year, brokers in the Top 25 Brokerages ranking for 2024 still managed to write a whopping 184,244 loans over the year.
In this episode of In Focus, NAB’s executive, broker distribution Adam Brown joins Annie Kane to unpack the figures behind the top brokerages in Australia and how and why the broker channel continues to be the channel of choice.
Tune in to find out:
- Who the leading brokerages in Australia are.
- How the brokerage landscape is evolving.
- How NAB is supporting brokers.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join your hosts Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they talk about the recent CPI figures, a fall in credit demand from SMEs, and a brand new book by a broker set to help home buyers. This week they discuss:
- Association heads reacting to December CPI figures.
- The upcoming release of the Happy Home Loan Handbook.
- A renewed partnership between an aggregator and NRLW team.
And much more!
Lee Pattison, principal of Blue Lion Lending, made the leap from banking to broking in 2021, but it was his training for an Ironman that led him to rethink how he approaches his broking journey.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- How Mr Pattison set up and runs his business.
- The importance of setting challenges and having a coach.
- What he aims to achieve in 2024.
And much more!
Sam Neville may be a relatively new broker, but she’s fast becoming a household name with the new generation of borrowers thanks to her social media presence teaching consumers ‘how to home loan’. We find out how she does it.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- How she’s harnessed social media to generate new leads.
- Why she loves improving financial literacy.
- What she’s learned from her mentors and team.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the recommendations to simplify regulatory laws, mortgagor rate rise fears, and calls for consistency with credit assessors.
This week they discuss:
- Streamlining financial services laws.
- What mortgagors are expecting with interest rates.
- A new aggregator appointment.
And much more!
Over his 10-year career, Luke Harborne of IFA Mortgages has been delighting clients with his proactive approach to broking and smiling service. In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the Sydney-based broker to explore what he has for his second decade of broking, the importance of mentorship, and what he thinks could be brought in to make broking better.
Tune in to find out:
- How he creates genuine client relationships that stand the test of time.
- His journey from mentee to mentor.
- His top tips for finding new business.
And much more!
Ben Williams is upholding his family’s tradition by stepping into his father’s shoes and establishing himself as a leading broker. While aiming to chart his unique course, Mr Williams extended his footprint by launching a second branch. In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- His management of an independent branch.
- The crucial role played by diverse referrals.
- The importance of cultivating a collaborative team environment.
And much more!
Eight years ago, Rishi Bhatia was looking to get a home loan for himself. But little did he know that the process would actually lead him to become a broker!
Fast forward to today and his Melbourne-based brokerage KRIA Mortgage Managers is delighting customers by taking the time to learn their wants and needs and finding them a loan that works for them.
Tune in to find out:
- How a bad broker experience led Rishi Bhatia to becoming a broker himself.
- How he’s been building strong referral relationships.
- Why he’s been diversifying into SMSF.
And much more!
In this In Focus episode, Momentum Markets director Phillip Tarrant and Real Estate Gym founder Tom Panos unpack the big shake-ups of 2023 in real estate, property investment, and mortgages. Momentum Markets director and host of the Smart Property Investment Show Phillip Tarrant and Real Estate Gym founder and auctioneer Tom Panos unveil what got them talking this year in the property market.
Tune in to find out:
- How the property market fared this year.
- The shocks and surprises of 2023.
- The big announcements that got everyone talking.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover the results of an aggregator’s court case, lender and broker response to the flooding in Cairns, and lenders being called on to adapt with market demands.
This week they discuss:
- Connective’s court case.
- ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
- Brokers calling for policy changes.
And much more!
After nine years with a major bank, Nick Ash transitioned into broking, specialising in commercial finance. Though new to broking, his comprehension of financial structures and client needs has equipped him with the essential tools for success.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- What’s needed to succeed as a new broker.
- Why he has chosen to specialise in commercial finance.
- Tips for new brokers.
And much more!
Join Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they discuss some findings from the most recent Consumer Access to Mortgages report and some changes heading towards foreign investors This week they cover: - Trust in brokers by consumers - The strength of broker loyalty - Alterations in Australia's foreign investment framework And more!
Commercial broker Brendan Scotter has really been shooting goals with his brokerage Commercial Point Finance. We find out how he’s been scaling his brokerage to new heights. Sydney-based broker Brendan Scotter may have started his broking career around 13 years ago, but it has really been in the last two years that his brokerage has changed pace, as he welcomed three new brokers into his team. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Brendan to find out:
- How he went from the basketball court to the broking world.
- How he’s recruited two former athletes into broking.
- His top tips for writing commercial finance.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop.
Join Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they talk about some good news and bad news for borrowers and a surprising announcement from the Assistant Treasurer.
This week they discuss:
- RBA holds rates over the holiday season.
- APRA’s 3 per cent buffer.
- A new brand of financial adviser.
And much more!
Self-managed super funds have been going through a boom period recently, with more Australians looking to control the investments their super make, including property.
In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Pepper Money, we catch up with the lender’s head of mortgages, retail broker Siobhan Williams to find out:
- What’s behind the growth in SMSF lending.
- The types of properties being bought through SMSFs.
- How Pepper is helping brokers write SMSF loans.
And much more!
Join Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they chat about the rebound of mortgage broker market share, what the removal of clawbacks could mean for brokers, and some news from lenders.
This week they discuss:
-MFAA announcing broker market share reaching above 70 per cent once again. -Industry reactions to AMP’s latest move. -A new lender joining the third party.
And much more!
After a glittering career at Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide, footballer Tom Rockliff is now setting his sights on being the Best and Fairest in commercial broking. We find out how and why he became a broker.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- Why he made the decision to retire from professional sport.
- How he decided to make the move into broking.
- How he is going above and beyond for his clients.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join Annie Kane and Josh Needs as they discuss the newest aggregator to launch, why brokers think clawback may be illegal, and why more brokers are sending clients to the major banks. This week, they discuss:
- Viking Aggregation launches.
- Why brokers think clawback must go.
- Why more brokers are writing major bank deals.
- What industry thinks of Queensland doubling its first home buyer grant.
Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space.
In this episode, we chat to Rebecca Warren, executive general manager of small-business banking at CommBank, about how she navigated a historically male-dominated industry over her 20-year career and why she believes inclusion and diversity are not just morally imperative, but key to achieving superior business results.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she loves commercial finance.
- The secret power of ‘quiet achievers’.
- How CommBank is creating a more inclusive and supportive work culture.
And much more!
Queensland-based broker Danny Blair runs not one, but four broking offices, having opened his fourth Aussie franchise earlier this year. After having become a broker 11 years ago and joining Aussie’s original retail store, Aussie Sunnybank, Danny Blair has rapidly shifted from being a loan writer to a multi-franchise operator, managing Aussie franchises in Kenmore, Mount Ommaney, Ipswich and – most recently – Forest Lake.
In this episode of Elite Broker host Annie Kane catches up with the Aussie broker to find out:
- Why he decided to take on multiple stores
- The tools, systems and support he uses to work in and on his brokerages
- The process he uses to train new brokers
And much more!
Following the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Suzanne Wood, State General Manager Residential Broker Victoria/Tasmania at Westpac Group (and State Chair Women of Westpac), about how she climbed the career ladder in banking and the power of having strong female role models. Tune in to find out:
- How she learnt the art of having difficult conversations.
- The perils of unconscious bias and how to tackle them.
- How Westpac is supporting women through the Women of Westpac group.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they cover broker backlash at a major bank over channel conflict, an association pushing for CDR and borrower behaviour that brokers have seen.This week they discuss:
- CBA’s quarterly results.
- MFAA urging for accelerated CDR.
- Women in Finance Summit and winners.
And much more!
In this episode of the In Focus podcast, sponsored by Lumi, host Annie Kane catches up with the SME lender’s head of third party, John Clifford, to find out the key trends in the SME lending landscape and how brokers can support their SME clients in this challenging climate marked by high-interest rates and limited borrowing power. Tune in to find out:
- How SMEs can access business funding despite the current market challenges.
- The importance of adapting business loan offerings to the ever-changing needs of SMEs.
- Lumi’s new business finance products in response to the current state of the market.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join Adrian Suljanovic and Josh Needs as they cover off some big interest rate news, an outage that frustrated the nation and how brokers build their workforce.
This week they discuss:
- Interest rates hit a 12-year high.
- Optus outage.
- Building a workforce in a tight labour market.
And much more!
Ashleigh Pakis outlines the importance of prioritising wellbeing, setting boundaries and reaching out for help to ensure brokers aren’t burning out. Finding the balance between working hard and switching off can be an ongoing battle for the self-employed. But it wasn’t until Ashleigh Pakis of Panache Financial burned out that she realised the extent to which she was pushing herself. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Australia’s Regional Broker of the Year 2023 to find out:
- How she’s been delighting customers in regional NSW.
- The importance of having mentors throughout your career.
- How she prioritises her wellbeing and de-stresses.
If you require support in managing burnout and want to talk to a counsellor, a free, confidential counselling is available from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. If you are concerned for your immediate safety or the safety of others, call Triple Zero (000).
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join Adrian Suljanovic and Josh Needs as they cover the return of first home buyers to the market, some possible cash flow problems facing SME clients and a new chief executive announcement
This week they discuss:
- A resurgence of first home buyers in the property market
- Brokers checking in on cash flow of their SME clients
- A new non-major bank CEO appointment
And much more!
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, we chat to Anjali Crossette, manager of motor operations at non-bank lender Liberty, about breaking barriers and misconceptions about car finance and why she believes the industry needs to showcase gender diversity across every rung of the career ladder. Tune in to find out:
- Why the finance industry is an attractive industry to work in for women.
- The progress being made in gender diversity in car finance.
- How Liberty is leading the way by example.
And much more!
In this episode of In Focus podcast, sponsored by RedZed, host Annie Kane catches up with RedZed’s chief sales and marketing officer, Loralle Slater, to discuss the challenges faced by self-employed borrowers in the changing environment.
Tune in to find out:
- The challenges and opportunities facing self-employed borrowers.
- The benefits and support RedZed provides its customers.
- Details of RedZed’s free Self-Employed Broker Academy.
And much more!
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space. In this episode, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by Olympian and financial adviser at HLB Mann Judd, Sarah Carli, to discuss how she made her way from the track to financial advice. Ms Carli, who competed in the 400-metre hurdles at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, reveals the valuable skills she has learned as an adviser that have positively impacted her athletic career, as well as how she balances being a professional athlete with working full time. Tune in to find out: * The importance of a supportive work environment. * How she balances her professional and athletic commitments. * How there are more transferable skills between athletics and advice than many might expect.
And much more!
Discover how new broker Martin Reidy overcame challenges of assembling the perfect team and finding skilled tradespeople to establish a thriving brokerage in the heart of regional Victoria. In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- Mr Reidy’s transition from the corporate retail world to becoming a broker.
- The intricate process of setting up his brokerage from scratch.
- Valuable tips and insights for aspiring new brokers on their entrepreneurial path.
And much more!
The Adviser’s What’s Making Headlines? podcast runs down the big news stories for the week in bite-sized chunks to keep you in the loop. Join Adrian Suljanovic and Annie Kane as they talk about new beginnings in the aggregator and lender spaces, updated regulations and some exciting news from a non-bank lender. This week they discuss:
- A brand new asset finance aggregator enters the fray.
- ASIC licensee changes.
- A loan offering aimed at addressing a “gap in the market”.
And much more!
Deslie Taylor, principal at Mortgage Choice Ormeau in Queensland, is one of the top brokers in the country, having settled over $1 billion in loans in her 16-year career and taken home numerous awards including Mortgage Broker of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards multiple years in a row.
In this episode, we chat to Ms Taylor about how she runs her award-winning brokerage and find out from Aaron Slater, general manager of distribution at Mortgage Choice (principal partner of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023), how we can help support and create more inclusive workplaces.
Tune in to find out:
- The power of being an empathetic leader.
- The art of practising continuous improvement.
- How Mortgage Choice’s Aspire program is supporting women in finance.
And much more!
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, host Annie Kane is joined by Simplicity Loans & Advisory co-founder Jean Pierre-Gortan – the winner of the Commercial Broker of the Year at the Australian Broking Awards 2023 – to learn his secrets to success.
In 2017, banker-turned-broker Mr Gortan and his business partner Matthew Johnson launched their own broking firm: Simplicity Loans & Advisory. Within just six years, they have surpassed $3 billion in loans and established themselves as one of the top commercial brokerages in Australia.
Tune in to find out:
- The importance of finding innovative solutions for commercial clients.
- How he streamlines operations and enhances efficiencies.
- How he recruits and trains his team.
And much more!
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space.
Joanna James is an advocate for constant reinvention and resilience, having herself adapted to change over her career in the finance space. Having worked in the lending space for more than 20 years – including as the general manager of non-bank lender Mortgage Ezy – she now helps support women in building successful businesses through Artemis Space, a women’s community group delivered by the Finance Brokers Association of Australia. In this episode, Annie Kane sits down with Joanna James to find out:
- Why success is subjective.
- The power of visualisation, emotionalisation and manifestation.
- Why she believes the finance industry is a great industry for women.
And much more!
Commercial and property development finance has been in the spotlight recently as costs escalate and many construction businesses find themselves in a jam. But for Cameron Perry of Perry Finance, demand for specialist credit advice in this space is booming.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Victoria-based broker to find out how his family’s business has been navigating the changing environment and what opportunities are in market:
Tune in to find out:
- The process and tools he uses to write commercial finance.
- Why they set up their own property development fund.
- How he charges mandates and fees.
And much more!
Ahead of the Women in Finance Summit and Awards 2023, we’re catching up with some of the leading women in the financial services space.
Tanya Sale co-founded mortgage aggregation group outsource Financial with Andrea Tassis 13 years ago, with Tanya now one of the very few female chief executives in the mortgage industry.
In this episode, Annie Kane sits down with Tanya Sale to find out:
- How a piggy bank triggered her love of finance
- Why she started her own aggregation business
- Why she believes support is critical to succeed as a female business leader
And much more!
Earlier this year, The Adviser spoke to Strawberry Finance owner Rob Barton via satellite phone as he attempted to become the first person to solo row from Australia to Africa without touching land.With Mr Barton now back on dry land, we’re catching up with the Strawberry Finance broker to find out how the three-month rowing adventure went and learn more about his journey into broking. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Mr Barton to find out:
- The highs and lows of his 8,358-kilometre rowing challenge
- Why he’s fundraising for youth mental health charity Zero2Hero
- How and why he became a broker
And much more!
Content warning - This podcast contains content about suicide and suicidal feelings. Listener discretion is advised
You can donate to Rob's Zero2Hero fundraising page here
The needs and demands of small-business owners have been shifting to keep pace of the new environment. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by non-bank lender OnDeck Australia, we find out how SME finance trends have been changing in tandem.
In this episode, host Annie Kane catches up with OnDeck’s head of partnerships, Nick Reily to find out:
- What SMEs are seeking finance for at the moment.
- The changing role of brokers.
- The benefits of technology in the lending process.
And much more!
Mark Sieler started his career in finance back in 2000, but after working alongside brokers in the lending space and at aggregators, he believed the next logical step was to become one himself. Six years ago, he joined Mortgage Choice and has been delighting clients in the Mount Keira & Surrounds ever since.In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Mr Sieler to find out:
- What he thinks is key to a broker’s success
- Why he joined a major brokerage
- How he thinks the mortgage process can be made better
And much more!
In this episode of the Eite Broker podcast, host Annie Kane is joined by founder of The Finance Consultancy, Chris Slack, recent winner of Finance Broker of the Year at the Australian Broking Awards.
In this episode of Elite Broker, he shares his journey into finance broking, his experience winning the award, and his top tips for brokers thinking about writing SME finance for the first time.
Tune in to find out:
- What it takes to be Australia’s Finance Broker of the Year
- His recent team expansion and why he plans to hire more staff
- His top tips for brokers starting out in the industry
And much more!
Australia’s cost-of-living crisis has been hitting households hard, with rising prices for essentials like groceries, petrol, and energy bills. As a result, many Australians are feeling the strain and are worried about their ability to meet their financial obligations, including loan repayments.
In this In Focus episode, sponsored by non-bank lender MA Money, we catch up with head of sales and strategic partnerships Alex Brgudac to find out:
- The challenges and opportunities facing mortgage holders and small businesses
- The dos and don’ts of debt consolidation
- How MA Money is providing out-of-the-box solutions to brokers and their clients
And much more!
In this episode of the New Broker podcast, host Annie Kane is joined by Shubham Bhaskar from diversified brokerage Sheel Capital to share how he wrote $60 million in loans in his first year alone.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- Why he made the leap from commercial banking to broking
- The importance of creating targets and plans in your first six months
- Why he’s making his company all about good deeds
And much more!
We sit down with Lee Trego, Earlypay’s national head of growth, to discuss the intricacies of debtor finance and the critical role that brokers play in helping SMEs grow.
Tune in to find out:
- How the debtor finance market has been faring
- When invoice finance is the right solution
- Top tips for writing debtor finance facilities
And much more!
Finance broker Mohsen Shahsavarzdeh shares his journey from fleeing Iran to being detained on Christmas Island before becoming a successful mortgage broker in Australia – now on track to process $100 million in new loans.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- His journey to becoming a mortgage broker
- How he is helping vulnerable Australians secure home ownership
- What it means to be a mortgage broker
And much more!
The dynamic duo behind Two Birds One Loan, Elouise Dooley and Alissa Childs, have been in each other’s lives since they were children. Years later, when having their own children, they decided to get into business together.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the broker directors to find out their strategy for creating a robust network of clients and referral partners, how they leverage social media to generate leads, and the importance of cultivating genuine relationships in the industry.
Tune in to find out:
- The obstacles they faced building their brokerage and how they overcame them
- Why they think broking is a great career for women
- Why the brokerage gives back to the Fit Kidz Foundation
And much more!
With more than 6,000 brokers across Australia and New Zealand, LMG is now the biggest aggregator in the continent.
But what exactly does it look like now and what are its biggest challenges and opportunities? In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by LMG executive chairman Sam White to find out:
- What LMG is offering the broker market
- The big payroll tax issue and why brokers should care about it
- Why clawback changes may not all be positive
And much more!
We sit down with Erin Kitson, director of structured finance at S&P Global Ratings to discuss the current state of mortgage arrears and the prospects for the Australian property market.
Tune in to find out:
- How current arrears levels compare to historic levels
- The trends in arrears across different geographical areas
- How house prices may trend in the coming year
And much more!
Tommy Anderson always knew he wanted to start his own mortgage brokerage and has hit the ground running, having written more than $50 million in loans in his first six months after leaving CBA.
Having tried both the franchise and the non-franchise model under the Loan Market Group, the broker has been finding his groove building a business he loves.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- How to make the switch from franchise to independent
- Why flexible business models are so important
- Top tips for generating leads
And much more!
For Mark Kevin, principal and director of Mortgage Advice Bureau Sydney, the core attraction of setting up a brokerage in 2020 wasn’t just helping borrowers but building a “scaled, profitable business”.
Fast forward to now and his brokerage — part of the Mortgage Advice Bureau network — has grown to five team members settling over $100 million in loans a year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with MAB Sydney broker Mr Kevin to find out:
- Why he is focused on scaling his brokerage with MAB
- How he harnessed BrokerEngine to create an off-the-shelf efficiency solution
- What he looks for in new team members
And much more!
Earlier this year, The Adviser hosted its New Broker Academy 2023, sharing insights and strategies to help new and prospective brokers succeed in their new career.
In this episode of New Broker, we catch up with the principal partner of the event, NextGen, to find out their key takeaways from the event and tips for success.
Tune in to hear from NextGen’s head of broker partnerships, Renee Blethyn, as she reveals:
- The top tech tools helping brokers write loans more efficiently
- How to get the most out of ApplyOnline
- An update on NextGen’s Open Banking solution and the value it creates for brokers and client conversations
And much more!
Rob Barton, broker principal at Western Australia-based brokerage Strawberry Finance (part of the Money Quest Group), is six weeks through his Guinness World Record Challenge of becoming the first person to solo row from Australia to Africa without touching land.
In this special episode of The Adviser's Elite Broker, we catch up with Rob from his rowboat — somewhere between Western Australia and Madagascar — to find out how and why he set off on his 8,358-kilometre voyage.
Tune in to find out:
- How he prepared for his six-month solo row
- The best and worst things he’s experienced so far
- The importance of being able to take leave from your business
And much more!
Zero2Hero fundraising page:
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/292935/australia2africa
Rob’s Australia2Africa Facebook journal:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Robs-Row/100085457294871/
As more borrowers find themselves trapped in mortgage prison amid high serviceability buffers and rising rates, non-bank lenders have been seeing more borrowers seek out their help. In this podcast, partnered by Pepper Money, we find out how and why they’re supporting borrowers.
In this episode of In Focus, we sit down with Siobhan Williams — Pepper Money’s head of mortgages, retail broker — to find out:
- How non-banks are able to be more flexible in determining serviceability
- The growing number of borrowers requiring specialist loans
- Why there ain’t no party like third party
And much more!
With 12 interest rate rises since May 2022, and more potentially on the horizon, many borrowers are looking at how they can save money and meet their mortgage repayments.
One strategy is refinancing to a new lender, particularly as new borrowers typically receive better offers and lower rates than existing borrowers. But shouldn’t loyalty be rewarded, rather than penalised?
In this episode, partnered by Mortgage Choice, we catch up with CEO Anthony Waldron and Athena Home Loans CEO and co-founder Nathan Walsh to discuss:
- The size of the ‘loyalty tax’ challenge
- How brokers and technology are helping shape new mortgage solutions
- What the new ‘Mortgage Choice Freedom, powered by Athena’ product suite entails.
And much more!
*Mortgage Choice was ranked the number one brokerage in The Adviser Top 25 Brokerages ranking 2023.
In this episode, Nicola Cranswick shares her secrets to succeeding as a new broker.
After deciding to make the move from banking to broking, Ms Cranswick joined a solid team of women at the award-winning brokerage, Loan Market Buderim, which she says has been the key to her success as a new mortgage broker.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- How to excel through your first few years
- Why mentorships are so crucial
- Top tips for new brokers
Over the past few years, self-employed borrowers have been turning to brokers in their droves to solve their lending needs. And, even in the current environment, these borrowers are still confident in the future and looking to grow. Over the past few years, self-employed borrowers have been turning to brokers in their droves to solve their lending needs. And, even in the current environment, these borrowers are still confident in the future and looking to grow. In this episode of In Focus, partnered by RedZed, we’re hearing from two of RedZed’s regional managers Brett Conway and Dianne Robinson to uncover why these small-business owners are turning to brokers, what the future trajectory looks like for self-employed borrowers, and why non-bank lenders like RedZed are helping serve the underserved.
Tune in to find out:
- Current and future self-employed lending trends
- Why the sector is still optimistic
- The growing spectre of ATO debt collections
And much more!
Rob Barton, broker principal at Western Australia-based brokerage Strawberry Finance (part of the Money Quest Group), is six weeks through his Guinness World Record Challenge of becoming the first person to solo row from Australia to Africa without touching land. In this special episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with Rob from his rowboat — somewhere between Western Australia and Madagascar — to find out how and why he set off on his 8,358-kilometre voyage.
Tune in to find out:
- How he prepared for his six-month solo row
- The best and worst things he’s experienced so far
- The importance of being able to take leave from your business
And much more!
Zero2Hero fundraising page:
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/292935/australia2africa
Rob’s Australia2Africa Facebook journal:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Robs-Row/100085457294871/
Meet Jack Fouracre, a former Australian hurdles champion- turned- property investor and mortgage broker.
Discover how his determined mindset on the tracks as a young athlete propelled him to success in the world of mortgage broking at Organic Home Loans.
After starting his investment journey at aged 18, Jack quickly developed a passion for the property market.
However, it was a serendipitous encounter with a mortgage broking podcast that truly ignited his interest in the field.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
● What’s needed to succeed as a broker
● How podcasts gave him key insights into the industry
● Tips for new brokers
Melbourne-based broker Suvidh Arora, CEO at Cinch Loans, may have only been in broking for the past seven years, but what a few years he’s had. After moving to Australia and finding life as a single-operator broker quite lonely, the Cinch Loans broker wasted no time in building the business, finding mentors, and bringing in more staff to join him. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Mr Arora in his Docklands-based brokerage to find out:
- How a life-changing injury gave him a new-found purpose
- The challenges and opportunities he’s found building his own brokerage
- The tech and solutions he’s using to make his life easier
And much more!
Brokers Blake and Reece Thorn never intended to follow in their father’s footsteps into broking, but both ended up finding their way to their dad’s brokerage Auspak Home Loans and making it their own. In this episode of New Broker, Reece and Blake chat to Annie Kane to discuss how and why they joined the industry, how they’ve been making Auspak Home Loans their own, and why they’re growing the business so quickly. Tune in to find out:
- How these two brokers divide the workload
- What they’ve learned from one another
- Why they love the broking industry
And much more!
Sydney-based brokerage Shore Financial has taken home the title of the highest-ranked independent brokerage for not one but two years straight. The group, headed up by chief executive Theo Chambers and managing director Alex Nochar, has been on a major growth path in recent years and constantly innovating and trying new things to delight clients. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with CEO Mr Chambers to find out how he runs this booming brokerage. Tune in to find out:
- What the Shore Financial process looks like
- Why the brokerage is constantly innovating
- The biggest lessons he’s learned in broking
And much more!
Victoria-based broker Paul Williams has become the go-to broker for vendors at the South Melbourne market, with nearly all his business being referred from this client base. But to keep up with demand, the broker has had to bolster his team — now bringing in some of his family members as well as outsourced help — to ensure that they’re keeping on top of demand. In this episode, we catch up with the Editor’s Choice winner from the Better Business Awards Victoria/Tasmania to find out:
- Why he’s constantly refining his process
- The one thing he keeps top of mind when meeting clients
- His top tips for new brokers
And much more!
One of the biggest headaches facing small businesses at the moment is ATO debt. As the Tax Office chases debts that were on hold over the pandemic, many small businesses are requiring loans to help manage the strain on their cash flow.
But what other trends are we seeing in SME finance at the moment that brokers need to know about? In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Prospa, we chat to Roberto Sanz, national sales manager at Prospa, to find out:
- What SMEs are needing finance for at the moment
- The new-look Prospa and what it stands for
- How brokers can help support SMEs at this time of the year and beyond
And much more!
Anthony O'Flynn has been at the forefront of third-party mortgage distribution for decades, helping set up CBA’s launch into third-party banking around 15 years ago before setting up the broking arm of wealth group IFA, IFA Mortgages. In the past few years, he’s been busy building his brokerage and now has a dedicated person to reprice the brokerage’s entire back book and ensure any clients rolling off their fixed rate are prepared for the rise in repayments. In this episode, we catch up with the Editor’s Choice winner from the Better Business Awards NSW/ACT to find out:
- How he structures his growing team
- Why he loves mentoring and teaching new brokers
- His top tips for new brokers
And much more!
A 294-page review of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has been released, putting forward 51 recommendations to improve the structure, governance, and decision-making processes of the central bank. The review considered the RBA’s performance over the past 30 years and has recommended the biggest overhaul of the central bank in its 63-year history. In this episode, host Annie Kane is joined by the managing editor of property and financial services, Phil Tarrant, to discuss:
- Why the RBA review is calling for two RBA boards
- Their thoughts on dropping to eight cash rate decisions a year
- Philip Lowe’s reactions to the review
And much more!
Broker principal and finance specialist Nick Bartel is well known among his clients for offering mortgage support with a friendly smile and a can-do attitude. The husband-and-wife duo team behind MoneyQuest Nairne have found their client testimonials and dedication to good customer outcomes have led to a boom in business recently.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with her choice for the Editor’s Choice Award South Australia/Northern Territory 2023, Mr Bartel, to find out:
- How he delights his clients
- Why he wants to open a new office
- His top tips for new brokers
And much more!
Fabien Tribe, founder of The Lending Lab, has the trifecta of mortgage broking experience. Having worked in the mortgage and finance industry in a range of roles at aggregators, brokerages and banks, he finally made the shift to becoming a broker himself last year and has hit the ground running. In this episode of New Broker, Fabien discusses how his years of work helping brokers build strong businesses has helped him rapidly grow his own brokerage, the tech tools he’s harnessing to make the best use of his time, and why he’s already looking to recruit more brokers to the team.
Tune in to find out:
- His tips for succeeding past the first year
- How he reaches clients all over the country
- Tech platforms that have proved successful
Building a broking business is a constantly-evolving task, says Aussie broker Mel Smith, with new processes and marketing techniques coming out thick and fast. But trying new things and embracing change is key to success, she says.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with her choice for the Editor’s Choice Award Qld 2023 to find out:
- Why she chose (and stayed) with Aussie
- How ‘Mortgage Broker Mummy’ is marketing her business
- The importance of scheduling ‘you’ time
And much more!
Business development managers can be a godsend for brokers, often being the key to whether a deal makes it across the line or not. But what makes a great broker-BDM relationship? In this episode, in partnership with NAB, we chat to NAB BDM Karen Francis — the recent winner of the Best Lender BDM (Bank) at the Queensland Better Business Awards 2023 — and NAB’s executive, broker distribution, Phil Waugh, to find out:
- Why BDMs are so crucial to broker success
- How brokers can form strong BDM relationships
- Why NAB is tweaking the structure of its broker support
And much more!
With a bachelor’s in finance, a post graduate degree in economics, and a background in banking and broking in both retail and commercial lending in the US, Christopher DiBlasi, director of Saint Finance, had a breadth of experience across the financial landscape before becoming a broker in Australia. He’s now utilising his knowledge to help support and delight borrowers in Western Australia, landing him the Editor’s Choice award for Western Australia at the Better Business Awards 2023.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Perth-based broker to find out:
- The differences in broking in the US and Australia
- Why he decided to become a broker in Western Australia
- Why he thinks more borrowers are turning to brokers
And much more!
Getting over the two-year hurdle was made easy for Jen Hughes at Mortgage Choice Merimbula, beingsurrounded by a strong community and broking network. Having moved from America in 2005, Jen has cemented herself as a community player and, more recently, mortgage broker. She shares her tips on building a successful franchise in under three years. In this episode of New Broker, Jen shares:
- How she started her broking franchise journey
- Why regional life as a broker has proved successful
- Tips for new brokers making a break into the industry
And much more!
We’ve had 10 consecutive cash rate rises, with interest rates hiking up sharply and borrowers fearing what will happen as we approach the ‘fixed rate cliff’. But what lessons have we learned from previous rate rise cycles, why is this cycle different, and what should brokers be keeping a lookout for in the months ahead? In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Firstmac, we’re sitting down with chief financial officer James Austin to find out:
- When the ‘fixed rate cliff’ is coming and why we should be prepared
- Why it’s so hard to forecast what rates will do this year
- Why defaults and hardship levels are still relatively low
And much more!
In this episode of In Focus, Momentum Markets director Phil Tarrant catches up with Yellow Brick Road executive chairman Mark Bouris to discuss the massive impost the payroll tax issue is having on the broking industry and the challenges facing borrowers in rising rate environment. Tune in to find out:
- Why the payroll tax issue could threaten mortgage competition
- His thoughts on where rates are going
- Why he thinks inflation targets need to be rethought
And much more!
Being inclusive and supporting diversity are not only good for business, but good for a happy workplace too, says Kerry Kalendra, founder and director of MTA Mortgage Brokers. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Victoria-based broker to find out how he’s been providing thought leadership and engaging with the community on diversity and what lessons he’s learned from his 20-year career in broking.
Tune in to find out:
- What diversity means to him and his business
- How he chose his aggregator at different stages of his career
- Why and how he’s diversifying his business
Former Aussie broker Ross Le Quesne knows a thing or two about running a successful brokerage, having headed up one of Aussie’s most prolific franchises and managing a strong team before selling his billion-dollar book and setting up his broker coaching business, Billion Dollar Broker.
In this special episode of our Billion Dollar Broker series, we catch up with Ross Le Quesne to find out:
- His top tips for writing a billion dollar in loans
- Why brokers need to become an expert of their niche
- Why process and succession planning are key
And much more!
Making the switch into broking came at a busy time for Tom Carmody, as he entered the industry from the construction industry — where he was working as an electrician — during the property market boom in 2021. But the new broker has recently seen his name up in lights, being named a finalist for the New Broker of the Year at the Mortgage Business Awards 2023. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Tom Carmody at Craft Financial, to find out:
- Why having a strong mentor partner is key
- Why he avoids forecasting where rates will go
- His proudest moment as a broker so far
And much more!
Queensland-based broker Matt Punter, the managing director of TSC Mortgage Brokers, celebrated the billion-dollar milestone after 13 years of broking.
According to the leader of the 16-strong mortgage brokerage, employing like-minded people dedicated to customer service has been one of his success formulas.
In this special episode of our new Billion Dollar Broker series, partnered by Finsure, we catch up with Matt Punter and Finsure chief executive Simon Bednar to find out:
- Why Matt focuses on micro rather than macro targets
- Why he boomeranged back to broking and built his team
- How Finsure is helping high-volume brokers achieve their goals
And much more!
The results are in for the Top 25 Brokerages ranking 2023, in partnership with NAB! The top brokerages in Australia have been smashing records again this year, with more loans and larger volumes of loans being written in the financial year 2022 than ever before. In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane, in partnership with Phil Waugh, NAB’s executive, broker distribution, unpack the figures behind the top brokerages in Australia and how and why the broker channel continues to be the channel of choice. Tune in to find out:
- Who the leading brokerages in Australia are
- What factors have been driving broker channel growth
- How NAB is supporting brokers
And much more!
Building a brokerage beyond yourself can be a daunting idea. For many, it isn’t until breaking point is reached that action is taken to bring in support. For Brenden Lowbridge, principal at Newcastle-based brokerage Money Links, that moment came when he was on safari and nearly missed the elephants because he was on his emails. The frustration of being unable to turn off led him to hire more support and brokers into his brokerage, allowing him to give more time to building the business and mentoring. In this episode, host Annie Kane catches up with NSW’s Best Regional Broker 2022 to find out:
- How he has evolved his brokerage and team
- Why he’s prioritising mentoring over loan writing this year
- His plans to gain new business in a refinance market
And much more!
Stepping into the industry only seven months ago, Dean Naylor shares why now was the right time for him and how challenges have become opportunities.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- How a close support network is key
- Why now is a good time to be a mortgage broker
- Ways to reset and unwind
NSW-based broker Adam Buckley has spent the past two decades dedicated to mortgages and seen the origination and settlement process from nearly all angles. Having been a loan assessor, a portfolio manager, and a bank branch manager, it wasn’t until he became a broker five years ago that he found his true calling.
In this episode, host Annie Kane catches up with the Next Lending Solutions director to find out:
- Why he made the jump into broking
- Why he’s divided his new year resolutions into four categories
- What’s next for Next Lending Solutions
And much more!
Many of us may have made new year’s resolutions for our personal lives this year, but what about for your professional life? In this episode, we unpack top tips to becoming a better leader in 2023.
As we kick off a new year, what better time to set the intention for the year ahead and come up with some resolutions for being a better business leader?
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Shandel McAuliffe, the editor of our sister title, HR Leader, to discuss best practice when it comes to being a business and people manager in 2023.
Tune in to find out:
-
Why culture and communication are so important now more than ever
-
How to identify the gaps that need filling
- The need for ongoing personal improvement
And much more!
Despite being raised by successful brokers, it wasn’t until the pandemic hit that Patrick Johnson, broker at Mortgage Choice Sutherland, began thinking about broking as a career. But since joining, he’s been growing his business and his team, and enjoying the family business. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Patrick to find out:
- How a “sliding doors” moment led him to the broking industry
- How he’s generating leads from sponsoring podcasts
- What it’s like working in a broking family
And much more!
The last few years have seen an exponential increase in cyber attacks and cyber crime - with the need for strong cyber security of paramount importance.
In this special episode of In Focus, shadow minister for cyber security and shadow minister for countering foreign interference, Senator James Paterson joins Phil Tarrant (director - Momentum Media) and MAJGEN (retired) Dr Marcus Thompson to discuss the regulatory impediments preventing Australia from becoming a leader in cyber security.
Tune in to find out
- The cyber security threats facing Australia and the role of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO)
- How foreign interference and espionage have overtaken terrorism as the primary security concern for Australia
- The importance of attracting the right talent with the right skills to power Australian cyber security businesses.
And much more!
How will you remember 2022? After the bumper year that was 2021, this year has been filled with surprises and change.
While the property market was booming in the first quarter of the year, it quickly gave way to natural disasters, a changing political and economic environment, and a cost of living crisis.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane and Grace Ormsby, the editor of our sister brand Real Estate Business (REB), discuss some of the biggest news stories and trends of the year — and how property and mortgages changed in 2022.
Tune in to find out:
- The top talking points and announcements of the year
- What issues and concerns got brokers and real estate agents talking
- What to expect in 2023
And much more!
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, but for Melissa Ashcroft, following in her father’s (John Macalyk) footsteps into broking wasn’t always on the plan.
But after entering the industry nine years ago and joining her father’s brokerage, AAA Mortgages, the Sydney-based broker has not looked back, finding satisfaction and success as a commercial broker, including winning the Commercial Broker of the Year award at this year’s Women in Finance Awards 2022.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Melissa to find out:
- How and why she went from law to commercial broking
- How she navigates the commercial lending landscape
- Why she thinks broking is a fantastic job for women
And much more!
Earlier this year, The Adviser hosted its New Broker Academy 2022, sharing insights and strategies to help new and prospective brokers succeed in their new career. In this episode of New Broker, we catch up with Brad Cramb, chief executive officer of distribution at the Lendi Group (a platinum partner of the New Broker Academy 2022), to find out their key takeaways from the event and tips for success.
Tune in to find out:
- Why broking is such an attractive career choice
- How Aussie and Lendi help brokers write high volumes
- The recipe for success for being a top-performing broker
And much more!
Camilla Love started F3 — Future Females in Finance to bring more women into the financial services industry. The program — which won the Women’s Community Program of the Year award 2022 from the Women in Finance Awards 2022 — aims to educate young women about careers and finance and nudge as many of the next generation of female talent into financial services as possible.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Mortgage Choice, we catch up with the founder of F3 (and managing director of eInvest), Camilla Love, and Mortgage Choice's executive manager corporate communications, events & franchise marketing, Sally Chadwick, to discuss what more we can do to ensure greater female representation in finance.
Tune in to find out:
- The turning point that led Camilla Love to start F3
- What we can be doing to welcome more women into financial services
- What the future looks like for women in finance
And much more!
While she’s only been in the industry for two years, Adele Andrews is making a mark on the lives of hundreds of Australian borrowers. As an avid property investor, having a knack for numbers and a passion to help people become a mortgage broker was an obvious decision for Adele.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- Challenges overcome in the first few years
- Why continuing a mentor program is part of her strategy
- How marketing and referral partnerships are critical
At the Australian Broking Awards earlier this year, Australia’s Commercial Broker of the Year, Grant Rheuben from Rheuben & Associates, was bestowed the title of Australia’s Broker of the Year 2022.
As we head towards the end of the year, in this episode of Elite Broker we catch up with this year’s top broker to find out how he delivers award-winning service.
Tune in to find out:
- How Grant settled over $1 billion in loans
- How he delivers exceptional service
- Why he loves commercial broking
And much more!
Earlier this year, The Adviser hosted its New Broker Academy 2022, sharing insights and strategies to help new and prospective brokers succeed in their new career.
In this episode of New Broker, we catch up with the principal partner of the event, NextGen, to find out their key takeaways from the event and tips for success.
Tune in to hear from NextGen’s head of broker (and former broker herself), Renee Blethyn, as she unpacks:
- Her experience of broking and loan processing
- Why she thinks now is a fantastic time for new brokers to start out
- How technology and open banking are benefiting the broker industry
And much more!
Partnered by NextGen
The economic environment is changing, with rates now rising, house prices falling, and continuing natural disasters and conflicts adding pressure to the growth of the economy. But with any challenge comes opportunity.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by MyState Bank, we catch up with MyState Bank’s head of lender distribution, Blake Albones, to find out where the opportunity lies.
Tune in to find out:
- Why investor lending is in a growth phase
- How brokers can be targeting investors
- Why MyState Bank is ramping up investor lending
And much more!
As many Australians grow moustaches this month to raise funds for the Movember foundation, Queensland-based broker Mark Winter is going a step further, hoping to raise $100,000 for the group as his community engagement program Springfield Mo Men.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Loan Market Greater Springfield broker to find out more about his journey into broking and how and why he co-founded the Springfield Mo Men initiative 10 years ago to raise men’s health agenda.
Tune in to find out:
- Why Springfield Mo Men came about
- The steps he took to embed his program into the community
- His top tips for brokers looking to ramp up their community engagement
And much more!
Anyone wishing to donate to Movember via Springfield Mo-Men’s page can do so via the Movember website, here.
It’s been a topsy-turvy few years for small-business owners, who have had to be more agile and navigate changing operational environment.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by RedZed, we’re hearing from RedZed’s head of distribution and product, Adrian Fisher, to uncover why there’s been so much disruption for small businesses, what the future trajectory looks like for self-employed borrowers, and why they’ll be needing brokers now more than ever.
Tune in to find out:
- What self-employed borrowers are looking for
- Why he thinks property “doom and gloom” is unfounded
- The growing spectre of ATO debt collections
And much more!
Western Australia-based broker Nathan Bennett always knew he wanted to be a broker and made his dream come true in 2019 — writing a whopping $40 million in his first year.
Kate Aubrey catches up with The Loan Company broker to find out how Western Australia’s Best Newcomer award-winner is setting himself up for success.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- Why he went from banking to broking
- The biggest lessons he’s learned along the way
- How he builds referrals and generates leads
Sydney-based broker Mark Stevenson, the managing director of Bell Partners Finance, says that despite having joined the billion-dollar broker club, he still sometimes feels imposter syndrome.
For Mark, being able to write billion dollars in loans is all about the team that supports the broker and having the right aggregator partner to help out.
In this special episode of our new Billion Dollar Broker series, partnered by Finsure, we catch up with the Sydney-based broker and Finsure chief executive Simon Bednar to find out:
- How Mark hit the $1 billion milestone
- Why and how he moved from franchise broker to independent broker
- How Finsure is helping high-volume brokers achieve their goals
And much more!
The financial services industry has historically been male-dominated but encouraging more women into the space is not only good for society, but good for business too.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Mortgage Choice, Anthony Waldron, chief executive of financial services and Mortgage Choice at the REA Group, outlines how the industry can move away from being “male, stale and pale” and encourage more women into the space.
Tune in to find out:
- The barriers that might be holding back female representation
- What can be done to encourage diversity in industry
- Why Mortgage Choice is partnering with the Women in Finance Awards 2022
And much more!
From banking to broking was an easy transition for Ajay Kathpal, founder & director of A4 Finance Group and after two years, he’s keen to expand the business and grow the team. We find out how Victoria/Tasmania’s Best Newcomer award-winner has climbed to success and why now is the right time to grow the team.
In this episode of New Broker, tune in to find out:
- Why he chose to go independent
- Why now is the right time to grow the team
- Challenges overcome in the early years
MoneyQuest Balwyn broker Scott Seng achieved a new settlement record for the network earlier this year, with his commercial broker offering going from strength to strength. We find out how he does it.
MoneyQuest Balwyn broker Scott Seng settled a whopping $119 million in the month of January — the highest amount settled in a month by any MoneyQuest franchisee in the network’s history.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the commercial broker to find out how he’s been building his commercial brokerage, his process for writing SME deals, and his top tips for new brokers looking to write commercial loans.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he thinks site visits are key to commercial broking
- The process he follows to write SME loans
- Why he’s looking to bring in more staff and referrers into his business
And much more!
Victoria-based broker Daniel Gold may have only been broking for the past five years, but he has been rapidly building his presence and offering for borrowers — launching a podcast, a book, and a protection business in quick succession.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Daniel to find out the lessons he’s learned over his career in corporate finance, pizza restauranteuring and broking, and why he loves this industry so much.
Tune in to find out:
- His process and structure for writing a deal
- How a business failure helped him build a successful brokerage
- His top tips for new brokers
And much more!
Delivering fantastic customer service is the key to running a successful brokerage and Own Home Loans, led by Rory Sercombe, has been leading the way down in Victoria — taking home the award of Best Customer Service (Office) in Victoria/Tasmania at the Better Business Awards 2022 earlier this year.
The former franchise brokerage set up his own brokerage after wanting to deliver a service proposition that focused on getting rid of mortgage debt, rather than taking on more debt.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the broker principal to find out:
- Why he wants to help borrowers become mortgage-free
- The process he follows to deliver strong customer service
- How he chose his aggregators
And much more!
Mark Davis from the Australian Lending & Investment Centre has been among one of the busiest brokers in Australia, writing a phenomenal amount of business each year.
In this special episode of our Billion Dollar Broker series, we catch up with the busy broker to discover how he manages to fit it all in.
Tune in to find out:
- The process he follows to run a high-volume brokerage
- How he runs his team
- His top tips for those looking to settle $1 billion or more in loans
And much more!
Becoming a “high performing” doesn’t come without grit and determination — something Blake Edwards, director, B.E. Astute, has applied to both his sporting and broking career.
Competing for Australia at the Tokyo 2020 Games was just one of the highlights in his sporting career, but we find out how broking has been a major win.
In this episode of New Broker, we find out how he applies winning strategies to broking:
- How he draws similarities on elite sports and broking
- Why making the switch to broking was a good move
And much more!
Former fitness-club manager Morgan Owen has been busy whipping home loans into shape for her clients ever since opening her own brokerage.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the Victoria-based broker to find out why she lunged from the fitness industry to broking, how she runs her fully female brokerage, and how she’s been getting over imposter syndrome.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she made the leap into broking
- Her advice to those starting out
- Her top fitness tips
And much more!
In this exclusive interview with shadow financial services minister and former assistant treasurer, Stuart Robert MP, editor of mortgages Annie Kane finds out what the Morrison government really thought about the banking royal commission’s broker remuneration recommendations.
The former assistant treasurer reveals why the government was “uncomfortable” with brokers being included in the banking royal commission, and its reasons for scrapping its “action” on broker remuneration.
Tune in to find out:
- How Treasury reacted to the recommendations on broker remuneration
- How the broking community engaged with the Coalition government
- Why he thinks brokers are an asset to borrowers
And much more!
The financial reporting season has shown that mortgage lenders have been booming recently, with the ability to raise funds to keep mortgages flowing a key part of the success for many of the non-bank lenders, in particular.
In fact, residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) have been a boon for non-bank lenders recently, with $8 billion of the $10 billion of issuances coming from non-banks in the first quarter of this year.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Firstmac, we’re sitting down with chief financial officer James Austin to find out:
- Why the non-banks have been busy issuing RMBS
- How RMBS issuances actually work
- Why he believes the economy is in a strong position to withstand headwinds
And much more!
Zapping around Adelaide to help Australians on their borrowing journey is business as usual for Nathan Martin, who runs Mobile Mortgage Advice.
In this episode of New Broker, we catch up with this year’s Best Newcomer SA/NT to find how he does it.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he made the switch to become a mortgage broker
- Why running a solo business works for him
- His top tips for new brokers
My Mortgage Freedom broker Anthony Alabakov became a billion-dollar broker after nearly 11 years of broking.
As well as citing his success to having a “strong team” and “really clear processes”, the Finsure broker says that having the right aggregator partner is also of paramount importance.
In this special episode of our new Billion Dollar Broker series, partnered by Finsure, we catch up with the Victoria-based broker and Finsure chief executive Simon Bednar to find out:
- How Anthony hit the $1 billion milestone
- The process he follows to enable high-volume loan writing
- How Finsure is helping high-volume brokers achieve their goals
And much more!
Asset finance has been in strong demand the past few years as transport, logistics and the housing and renovation boom took hold – causing strong demand for equipment and making Nathan Hogan, principal at iFin Capital, very busy keeping Australia moving.
In this episode of Elite Broker, the asset finance specialist (and last year’s Asset Finance Broker of the Year 2021) catches up with host Annie Kane to discuss how he built his brand and brokerage, and how he’s been marrying his love of rugby league with his business.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he co-founded iFin Capital
- How and why he hired rugby league star Tom Trbjoevic
- His top tips for writing asset finance
And much more!
Tom Trbojevic, or Tommy Turbo, may be best known for being a rugby league star but the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagle has been soaring to new heights as an asset finance broker, too.
In this episode of New Broker, the Brad Fittler Medal recipient 2021 catches up with host Annie Kane to discuss why he became a broker, the importance of training and CAFBA courses, why he has the full backing of Sydney-based brokerage iFin Capital, and how he balances his professional sports career with his finance career.
Tune in to find out:
- How and why Tommy Turbo became a broker
- The challenges and opportunities he has faced as a new broker
- His top tips for staying at the top of your game
And much more!
While Sorrento might have long been the go-to suburb for Victoria’s millionaires (and has its own Millionaire’s Walk), the south-west city of Geelong has been fast attracting the well-heeled borrower. Indeed, according to CoreLogic, most of the 22 regional house markets in Victoria that made the million-dollar list over the year to March 2022 were in Geelong. As such, it’s perhaps no surprise that Loan Market Geelong broker Liz McRae has been in hot demand from borrowers, and claimed the award of Regional Broker of the Year Victoria/Tasmania at the Better Business Awards 2022 earlier this year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, tune in to find out:
- How she has been building her presence in Geelong
- The process she follows to delight clients
- Why she thinks broking is a good career choice for women
And much more!
While Emmanuel Marios, the director of Hobart-based mortgage brokerage Derwent Finance, may be working in the country’s smallest state, he has been making a big name for himself and his brokerage.
Earlier this year, he was crowned the Finance Broker of the Year for Victoria/Tasmania at the Better Business Awards 2022.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane discovers how his brokerage has been harnessing technology and social media to expand its reach to all of Australia and offer cutting-edge service to Australian borrowers.
Tune in to find out:
- Why the brokerage built and launched its own app
- How they’ve harnessed TikTok to build a following
- His top tips for exceptional customer service
And much more!
We catch up with this year’s Qld Best Newcomer award winner, Melissa Wright, to find out how she’s found success as a mother and managing a team of five.
For Mellisa Wright running a successful brokerage is all about having the right cultural fit, and she’s found that in her team of five mothers.
In this episode of New Broker, we find out:
- How to find the right cultural fit for your business
- What’s it like juggling business and family
- Why she took the leap to broking
Queensland-based broker Jason Cuerel has been broking for nearly 20 years and won numerous awards for his customer service and offerings to clients up in Varsity Lakes.
Most recently, the Loan Market broker was crowned Queensland’s broker with the best customer service at the Better Business Awards (Queensland), with his office winning the award for Best Regional Office, too.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Mortgage Innovations broker to find out:
- The process he follows to ensure clients are served well
- His top advice for building an award-winning team.
- Why he decided to move to the Bring Your Own Brand model.
And much more!
Being a mortgage and finance adviser increasingly requires brokers to educate their clients on how the changes in the financial environment will impact them and their repayments. It’s a skill that takes time and effort – but pays back in dividends as it positions brokers as invaluable trusted advisers.
As Ewan Ramsey, Queensland’s Thought Leader of the Year 2022, says – providing this education shouldn’t just be limited to existing clients, though. By expanding it to the market more broadly, brokers are increasingly becoming thought leaders on all things mortgages.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the director and head of property strategy and mortgage advice at Ramsey Property Wealth to find out:
- How his process is translating into strong Google reviews
- The key lessons he’s learned from Harvard Business School
- The tech tools he uses to combine automation with personalisation
And much more!
The third-party channel has been flat out for the past few years, and with a rising interest rate environment now upon us, the busyness will likely only continue.
But while being busy is good for the bottom line, the downside is that it can be extremely hard on our mental health and resilience.
In this month’s episode of In Focus, partnered by Bankwest, we’re catching up with Vic/Tas state manager Anthony Calandrella and NSW/ACT state manager Lisa Wright to explore the importance of wellness and support, and how we can build resilience in ourselves and our teams.
Tune in to find out:
- How to better connect while working remotely
- Why it's OK to not be OK
- How Bankwest is supporting broker mental health
And much more!
Delighting clients is always at the core of a great brokerage, according to Adam Burstein from Core Finance Co.
The WA-based broker was named WA’s Residential Broker and Broker of the Year at the the state's Better Business Awards earlier this year in recognition of his client success.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with Adam to find out:
- How he’s been rapidly building his brokerage
- What he thinks the keys to success are
- His top tips for new brokers
And much more!
Mortgage Choice Ormeau franchisee Deslie Taylor became a billion-dollar broker – settling $1 billion in loans – after her 13th year in business. Given that she’s writing large volumes of smaller loan sizes, having a systematic process and structure has been critical to her success, she says.
In this special episode of our new Billion Dollar Broker series, partnered by Mortgage Choice, we catch up with Deslie and Mortgage Choice’s director of national sales, David Zammit, to find out:
- How Deslie hit the $1 billion milestone
- The critical elements she thinks top-performing brokers need
- How Mortgage Choice is supporting high-volume brokers achieve their goals
And much more!
One of the most rewarding parts of being a broker is seeing your clients succeed and achieve their goals. As such, the name for Success Finance Solutions was a no-brainer for Western Australian broker Sarcha Sagisaka.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the winner of the Editor’s Choice award Western Australia to find out her journey across different brokerage model types, why she loves being a broker, and what led her to run for office.
Tune in to find out:
- How and why she’s bought her own office premises
- How she establishes strong financial planning relationships
- Why she’s diversifying her loan offering
And much more!
Mornington Peninsula-based broker Katrina Lagos had to hit the ground running when she started up her own brokerage, Vision Finance Australia, more than 17 years ago. But since then, she’s been busy building her brokerage – expecting to have a team of 17 people around her by the end of this year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with the winner of the Editor’s Choice Award Victoria/Tasmania to find out how she’s grown and structured her team, why she thinks her current structure is a “game changer” for her business, and why she’s counting her “Covid blessings”.
Tune in to find out:
- How mortgage broking has changed over 20 years
- The interplay of best interests duty and supporting clients in a rising rate environment
- What she’s learned from Tony Robbins’ mentoring program
And much more!
The Better Business Summit and Better Business Awards roadshow 2022 has now wrapped up, and what a few months it’s been! We unpack the key takeaways from the event with the event’s principal partner, NAB.
Between April and June, more than 4,000 members of the broking industry came together for the new silent disco conference and gala awards dinner at the Better Business Summit and Awards, run in partnership with NAB.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane caught up with Phil Waugh, NAB’s executive of broker distribution, to:
- Unpack the key findings from the event
- Discuss the digitisation of the mortgage process
- Relive the glitz and glamour of the awards night
And much more!
After settling in Australia with five young children, former accountant Caroline Mundey entered the broking industry in 2010, following a number of years assisting a professional investor
In the 12 years since, the Directional Finance broker has been committed to helping borrowers navigate the mortgage process, with a particular focus on giving back financial independence and improving financial literacy - winning her the recent Editor’s Choice Award SA/NT 2022.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Caroline to find out:
- How she’s been splitting her time between offices in the seaside town of Christies Beach and the Riverland town of Loxton
- Why she runs two broking offices
- Why financial literacy education is so important to her
And much more!
In 2014, Paul Hixon set up a Loan Market branch in New Farm, Brisbane, and has been rapidly building his brokerage and brand, being named Queensland’s Broker of the Year and the state’s Best Residential Broker at the Better Business Awards 2022.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Queensland’s newly crowned Broker of the Year to find out how he’s managed to achieve so much in just eight years.
Tune in to find out:
- His process for bringing in new brokers
- How his brokerage has saved borrowers tens of thousands of dollars
- His top tips for creating an award-winning brokerage
And much more!
As a broker of 19 years, Emma Cattermole has long been providing exceptional customer service. And, after joining forces with another broker and separating out the operations management, her brokerage has been growing from strength to strength.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Editor’s Choice Award winner for Queensland 2022 to find out how she built and expanded her brokerage, why having an operations manager is crucial to growth, and her top tips for other brokers looking to build their brokerage.
Tune in to find out:
- The processes that Emma has put in place to successfully grow
- How she trains up her team and focuses on continual improvement
- Why she thinks broking is a great career choice for women
And much more!
With a rising cash rate environment, escalating inflation and a new government – there’s a huge amount of upheaval facing SMEs now and into the new financial year.
As the financial year 2022 draws to a close and the market prepares for the year ahead, we’re catching up with Prospa’s co-founder and chief revenue officer, Beau Bertoli, to unpack its research into how SMEs are faring, the biggest challenges they’re facing at the moment, and how brokers can help them.
Tune in to find out:
- The impact of rising rates on small businesses
- What SMEs are wanting finance for
- Prospa’s EOFY deal for SMEs
And much more!
Major General (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson and Phil Tarrant highlight the need for cyber security awareness across the banking and finance sector.
In this episode, created by our sister title, CyberSecurity Connect, the retired Major General from the Australian Defence Force and the co-founder and director of Momentum Media discuss the spike in malicious cyber activity from Russian actors following the Commonwealth government’s decision to impose sanctions on the country in response to its invasion of Ukraine, and what can be done to protect financial services business and their clients.
The duo discuss their tour of the country for The Adviser’s Better Business Summit 2022, and why brokers need to be working on their cyber protections and resilience now - noting its critical infrastructure.
Tune in to find out:
- Why cyber attacks are increasing
- How brokers can better protect their businesses
- How public policy and government-backed institutions can better equip organisations with the tools to combat cyber threats.
And much more!
RB Finance managing director Ryan Baddock was crowned Queensland’s Best Regional Broker at this year’s Better Business Awards in recognition of all his hard work for clients in Toowoomba (and beyond).
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the banker-turned-broker to find out his journey to success so far, why he offers a range of finance solutions for clients, and why he’s ramping up for growth this year.
Tune in to find out:
- What he thinks makes him a successful broker
- How he’s built his team (and continues to do so!)
- Why he places high value on investing in professional and personal development
And much more!
With rapidly rising inflation, a changing cash rate environment and a changing property market, all eyes are on the cost of living as we head into a federal election.
In this month’s episode of In Focus, join mortgages editor Annie Kane and real estate editor Grace Ormsby as they discuss what the impacts of a rapidly changing economic environment may be on mortgages and property.
Tune in to find out:
- Forecasts on future rate rises
- Expectations on how rising interest rates will impact home buying
- Who the mortgage and property industries want in power
And much more!
Sydney-based broker Liz Zaki has been totally obsessed with mortgages ever since she began researching them to buy her first investment property. So much so, that she changed career to become a full-time mortgage broker.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the founder and managing director of OneSite Finance to discover how she fell in love with the broking industry, why she thinks broking is an excellent career for women, and how she’s been consistently building her business over the past 14 years.
Tune in to find out:
- How she fell in love with the broking industry
- Why she keeps a rejection book
- Her top tips for growing a broking business
And much more!
Peita Davies, finance specialist at MoneyQuest Penrith & Blue Mountains, first entered the industry in 2002 and has grown her team and presence to run three franchise businesses across two states.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by the the NSW-based broker to find the challenges and opportunities she has faced over her broking career, and her secrets to success.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we’re catching up with Peita to find out:
- How the broking industry has changed over the past two decades
- How she runs three offices in different geographies
- What her succession plan looks like
And much more!
Starting your own broking business can be a daunting process, but – for many brokers – the flexibility in being your own boss and building a valuable business is more than just reward.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we’re catching up with the director and broker at South Australia-based brokerage The Finance Room, Kristy de Poel, to find out how she’s been building her broking business with her husband Jamie Christie, after more than a decade being branded brokers.
Tune in to find out:
- Her journey to becoming her own boss
- How she is preparing clients for rising interest rates
- Why she thinks broking is an attractive career for women
And much more!
Victoria-based broker Nikki Berzin from Cherry Lending & Finance has had a somewhat unusual route into broking. Having been a banker and then a firefighter, Nikki is now happily marrying her two experiences by carving out a niche for herself writing loans for emergency service workers.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Nikki to find out:
- What Nikki most likes about being a broker
- The importance of having an ongoing mentor
- How she’s been building her business to manage growth
And much more!
Whether you’re in the first few years of broking, or have more than a decade’s experience, there’s always one common theme in growing your broking business: the need for support.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Mortgage Choice, we’re speaking to NSW-based Smartline broker Xia Xia Yu and Queensland-based Mortgage Choice broker James Hasselle, to find out the different models they’ve taken to grow their brokerages, and how they relied on their aggregator to help them do it.
Tune in to find out:
- How they’ve been growing their broking businesses
- The tools and support they’ve used to ramp up for growth
- What they most value in their aggregator
And much more!
Joining a new industry is daunting at the best of times, but starting a new career and business during a pandemic – and navigating a new world of compliance, business operations and credit policies – is an even tougher challenge. But NSW broker Catherine Denney has been hitting the ground running, building a successful new brokerage in the Northern Beaches.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we’re speaking to the director of Nook Money to find out what attracted her to the broking industry, what her experience of the industry has been so far, and why she decided to start her own independent brokerage from scratch.
Tune in to find out:
- What Cat most enjoys about being a broker
- The biggest challenges she has faced so far
- Why she’s already preparing to scale
And much more!
In this month’s episode of In Focus, partnered by OnDeck, we are looking at what small businesses are seeking finance for, the challenges and opportunities they are facing at the moment and how brokers can help support them.
With small businesses having had an incredibly disruptive few years, the need for specialist advice and financial support has been more important than ever. In this episode of In Focus, Cameron Poolman, chief executive of OnDeck, discusses what small businesses are needing finance for at the moment.
Tune in to find out:
- Which industries are particularly booming right now
- What SMEs are needing finance for
- Why the executives decided to buy out the business
And much more!
In this special episode, Momentum Media director Phil Tarrant and MAJGEN (Ret’d) Marcus Thompson, inaugural head of information warfare for the Australian Defence Force, discuss Russia’s history of cyber war and how this vector will continue to shape peace and conflict in the future.
After discussing a recent opinion piece penned by MAJGEN (Ret’d) Thompson in The Australian Financial Review regarding Russia’s history of cyber and information warfare, the duo outline the necessity of ensuring Australian businesses are prepared for cyber attacks and the weaponisation of the digital world.
Tune in to find out:
- How the Ukraine conflict could impact Australian business
- The way malicious actors work in concert with state-sponsored groups to exploit the cyber domain; and
- Why cyber remains an integral part of both hybrid and grey zone warfare
And much more!
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re catching up with ACT-based broker Lucy Blain to find out how she runs her brokerage in the country’s capital, her process for writing loans, and the issues she faces as a female broker.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the former real-estate-sales person-turned-broker to find out how she navigated the entry into broking, how she’s built and structured her team, and what she thinks needs to be done to help support more women in this industry. Tune in to find out:
- What she most loves about being a broker
- The challenges she’s faced as a female broker
- The huge benefits of having a good CRM
And much more!
Having formerly been a bank BDM before making the move into broking with his wife Jamie, NSW broker Peter Vassilis was well versed in credit when he started his own brokerage, Black and White Finance. But what came as a surprise was the sheer time and effort it takes to write a loan as a broker.
In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded at the Connective Conference on the Sunshine Coast last week, host Annie Kane finds out what processes and systems Peter has put in place to help fit all the aspects of broking into a working day.
Tune in to find out:
- How he grew and manages his team
- The importance of establishing team values
- His growth plans for the next year
And much more!
In this exclusive interview with shadow financial services minister and shadow assistant treasurer, Stephen Jones MP, join Momentum Media’s editor of mortgages Annie Kane as she speaks to the member for Whitlam about the valuable role that financial advisers and brokers play in supporting Australian borrowers and what the Australian Labor Party would offer the financial services, credit and superannuation space should it win the federal election.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he thinks the FASEA education changes have been a debacle
- The reason he changed from going direct to using a mortgage broker
- What he thinks financial and credit advisers need to be focusing on moving forward
And much more!
Writing $80 million in your first year of broking is an impressive feat for any broker, let alone a regional one, but GSC Finance Solutions’ Matt Turner has done just that, after hitting the ground running as a new broker.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Victorian broker to find out how he found his feet in the broking industry, why he thinks new brokers should join established brokerages rather than going it alone, and how he manages work/life balance.
Tune in to find out:
- How he’s been building his network and book
- What he attributes to his success so far
- His ambitions for his broking career
And much more!
Small businesses have been having to move rapidly over the past two years to pivot, grow and overhaul their businesses over the pandemic – and, in order to do so, turning to professional advisers in their droves.
While accountants are often said to be the right-hand man for an SME looking to delve into their financials, brokers are a key partner when it comes to looking at credit options. But the real magic comes when brokers and accountants are able to work together to help business owners navigate their finances and come up with appropriate lending solutions.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Western Australia-based broker Janine Leafe and business consultant and taxation adviser Kirsty Jones from PKF to discover how they work together to workshop SME deals and come up with solutions that work.
Tune in to find out:
- The process involved in servicing SME clients
- What accountants most want from brokers
- How to ensure a seamless handover process
And much more!
At the end of last year, North Sydney-based broker Joel Wyld was named the leading broker in Australia for customer service, taking home the Australian Broking Award for Customer Service of the Year – Individual.
Earlier in the year, his co-director (and wife) Amanda Christmann was named the Best Loan Administrator for NSW/ACT at the Better Business Awards in recognition of her work supporting the team and ensuring the smooth running of the business.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the husband-wife duo to find out how they run their brokerage, their top tips for broker-loan administrator success, and how they’ve managed to keep the business running while taking parental leave.
Tune in to find out:
- The process they followed to hand over business operations in preparation of Amanda’s maternity leave
- How they’ve accelerated the living expenses process
- How their shopfront benefits the business
And much more!
After nearly 20 years in the broking industry and in banking before that, First Choice Mortgage Brokers broker director Tony Bice has seen the broker market go from strength to strength and offer more services and solutions to clients.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with broker Tony Bice – Australia’s recently crowned Finance Broker of the Year 2021 – to find out how he runs his fully diversified brokerage, what his succession plans are (and who the new “boss” will be), and his top tips for brokers looking to write more business.
Tune in to find out:
- How Tony Bice diversified his broking business
- His succession plan
- Why good SEO is so important
And much more!
As a self-employed business owner, Liz Wilson of Wilson Financial can recognise and understand the trials and tribulations faced by SMEs in regional Australia. From the challenges of finding staff to suffering from stop-start COVID restrictions, the ability to empathise and support self-employed borrowers has been a key part of Wilson Financial’s success.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with broker founder Liz Wilson – Australia’s recently crowned Regional Broker of the Year 2021 – to find out what she’s been doing to service SME clients in the regions, how she’s been diversifying her offering, and why she’s focusing on processes this year.
Tune in to find out:
- Why Liz Wilson loves servicing the self-employed in the regions
- How Wilson Financial expanded its offering outside of broking
- The ways the brokerage embeds itself into the community
And much more!
Victoria-based brokerage Entourage Finance has been growing rapidly in recent years, hiring new brokers and staff even while enduring the world’s longest lockdowns. We find out how they did it.
Damien Roylance’s brokerage Entourage has been busy making a name for itself in the past few years, and took home the Office of the Year, Non-Franchise award at the Australian Broking Awards last month.
But as well as offering broking services, it now provides clients with property, wealth and legal services in recent years, too.
Tune in to find out:
- How Damien has been building his Entourage
- Why he changed aggregator
- Their workflow and file process
And much more!
Ian Robinson, the founding director of agribusiness and corporate finance brokerage Robinson Sewell, was crowned Broker of the Year and Commercial Finance Broker of the Year at the Australian Broking Awards 2021.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the regional broker to find out how he’s been supporting farmers during a rollercoaster few years, why his team are opening a new base, and his top tips for new brokers looking to write agri loans for the first time.
Tune in to find out:
- How Robinson Sewell services the needs of farmers and agricultural clients;
- The challenges and opportunities facing farming communities; and
- His top tips for writing agri loans
And much more!
In December, senator Jane Hume – the Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services, and the Digital Economy and the new Minister for Women’s Economic Security – delivered the keynote speech at the Women in Finance Awards 2021.
In her speech, Senator Hume urged the financial services industry to help support more women to lead in the finance space and underscored the business case for more female representation in leadership positions, including better outcomes for organisations and their productivity and profitability.
In this episode of In Focus, tune in to hear the full speech and find out:
- The shocking income disparity between male and female parents
- How female leadership leads to better bottom lines
- How the Morrison government is supporting women’s economic security
And much more!
Commercial broker Dan Holden of HoldenCAPITAL has won countless awards for his work in construction and commercial property finance, and has now (literally) written the book on it, too.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the commercial finance broker to find out how he’s been building his business over the past few years, why he started his own lending fund, and his top tips for new brokers looking to write construction finance for the first time.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he specialises in construction finance
- What he hopes his new book, Constructive Finance, will achieve
- His plans for his broking and lending businesses
And much more!
Brokers are known for going above and beyond for clients; but Louisa Sanghera of brokerage Zippy Financial has demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to customer service in a particularly difficult year, as Annie Kane finds out.
In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live at the Better Business Summit in Sydney, host Annie Kane catches up with Zippy Financial’s Louisa Sanghera to discuss her recent win as Mortgage and Finance Broker of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards 2021 and why - despite the accolades - it’s not all been smooth sailing.
Tune in to find out:
- What she thinks is the mark of excellence in broking
- How a serious health scare brought into sharp relief the need to succession
- Why brokers need to focus on their wellbeing
And much more!
In this month’s episode, partnered by Prospa, we are looking at what small businesses are seeking finance for and how brokers can help support them.
As the year 2021 draws to a close and a new year fast approaches, we’re catching up with Prospa’s co-founder and chief revenue officer, Beau Bertoli, to review what the key issues and themes have been for SMEs in 2021 and what these business owners will need in 2022.
Tune in to find out:
- How brokers can help SMEs access credit this summer
- Business growth opportunities with Prospa
- What 2022 could look like for SMEs
And much more!
After migrating to Australia from Vietnam, EZ Financing broker Thuy Hook started working in banking before making the leap into broking.
Having been a broker for the last seven years, the Queensland-based broker now focuses predominantly on first home buyers – and this year celebrated the achievement of writing $100 million in loans as well as being named a finalist for the upcoming Australian Broking Awards 2021 (for Customer Service Of The Year – Individual) and as a finalist for the FBAA’s QLD Finance Broker of the Year award, too.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Thuy to find out what she most loves about broking, how she’s been building her business each year, and what she thinks is the mark of great customer service.
Tune in to find out:
- The importance of business planning and setting goals
- Why she went from franchise broker to independent broker
- Why she’s hiring a new broker
And much more!
For Jennifer Richardson, offering clients help with their finances is something she takes seriously. After qualifying as an accountant and setting up her accounting practice, she soon found that clients also wanted help with their wealth and loans too. But rather than refer clients out, she decided to become a qualified financial planner and mortgage broker herself.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Jennifer to find out how she manages to operate as accountant, financial planner and broker to her clients all while running her Newcastle-based financial services business and starting a new financial literacy platform, too.
Tune in to find out:
- How she structures her business and her week
- How helping her mother feel comfortable with finances kickstarted the 'Got Money Honey' financial literacy program;
- Her top tips for new brokers
And much more!
Over the past year, there’s been a groundswell of Australians leaving their PAYG roles to set up their dream businesses – with more expected to do so this year.
Building on the self-employed sector report in the November edition of The Adviser magazine, in this episode of In Focus, partnered by RedZed, we catch up with the lender’s executive general manager of distribution, Chris Calvert, to discuss:
- How self-employed borrowers fared under the COVID-19 pandemic
- Why the self-employed will increasingly need to turn to brokers
- Top tips on writing loans for the self-employed
And much more!
When it comes to running a successful brokerage, there’s a range of different models and routes you can choose to take to build, grow and evolve your business.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Gracious Chidhakwa, managing director at Eagle Life in Melbourne; James Hasselle, group director of Mortgage Choice Miami, Burleigh, Palm Beach and Bayside; and Troy Phillips, managing director and founder of FirstPoint, in Sydney, to find out the different models they chose and how they’ve built their businesses into award-winning brokerages.
Tune in to find out:
- Why they chose the model they did and how it’s helped them succeed
- The steps they took to growing their brokerages
- Their top tips to brokers looking to grow
And much more!
Alycia Inglis has been a mortgage broker for more than 15 years, and over that time has established her own award-winning broking business, Stoneturn, and won countless awards on an individual basis, including Best Customer Service (Individual) at this year’s Better Business Awards NSW/ACT and is a finalist for mortgage and finance broker category at the upcoming Women in Finance Awards.
As well as leading her own brokerage, the Sydney-based broker also runs the Make It Happen - Women in Broking community on Facebook and LinkedIn as a way for women to connect, network and support with each other.
In this episode of Elite Broker, tune in to find out
- How she runs her leading brokerage
- Why she’s hoping to support and encourage more women in this industry
- What he thinks could be done to improve the mortgage market
And much more!
Earlier this year, Keylend broker Ben Adih was named the Rising Star for SA/NT at the Better Business Awards 2021.
After training as a neuroscientist, and then moving into the real estate sector, Ben made the leap into broking in 2015 and hasn’t looked back since.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Ben joins host Annie Kane to discuss:
- The challenges and opportunities for brokers
- Why he specialises in servicing migrant borrowers
- What he thinks could be done to improve the mortgage market
And much more!
Earlier this year, the REA Group completed its acquisition of major brokerage Mortgage Choice, bringing it into the fold of its financial services business alongside brokerage Smartline.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Mortgage Choice, we’re hearing from the chief executive of Mortgage Choice and Smartline, Susan Mitchell, and the national sales director, David Zammit, to find out more about the REA Group’s broking business and their plans for the future.
Tune in to find out:
• What opportunities does the REA Group bring to Mortgage Choice
• What changes franchisees will see under the combined group
• How the REA Group will invest in its broking business in the years to come
And much more!
Smartline broker Xia Xia Yu was named the Best Newcomer NSW/ACT at the Better Business Awards 2021 earlier this year. We find out how she did it.
After working at Westpac for over a decade, Xia Xia Yu left the bank to set up her own consultancy company helping high-net worth individuals emigrate to Australia. But after realising that these clients frequently needed mortgage support, she decided to become a broker herself, joining the industry in February 2019.
Less than three years later, she’s grown her brokerage and business offering to meet demand.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she joined Smartline and how she runs her franchise
- Her advice for new brokers looking to generate more leads
- Her thoughts on balancing broking and parenthood
And much more!
In this exclusive interview with federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to Mr Frydenberg about the valuable role smaller lenders and brokers play in providing competition in the home loan market, the future of the housing market, and what lies ahead for Australia’s economy as NSW and Victoria emerge from lockdowns
Tune in to find out:
- Why the Treasurer believes the best days of broking are ahead of us
- His thoughts on competition and the hot property market
- Why he thinks negative gearing is an important feature of the housing market
And much more!
As NSW, ACT and Victoria edge closer to their vaccination targets, small businesses are preparing to reopen and hit the ground running, with many requiring broker help to access much-needed finance.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Lumi, we’re looking at how brokers can help small businesses prepare for the easing out of lockdowns and get set for the busy summer period.
With the most populous states of Victoria and NSW soon to emerge from lockdowns, now is the perfect time for brokers to be touching base with their SME clients and outline how they can help.
Tune in to find out:
• The types of small businesses looking for finance right now
• How brokers can lean on lender partners
• Lumi’s new product specifically aimed at SMEs emerging from lockdown
Over the last year, the pandemic has constantly changed how businesses operate, with a cavernous divide opening between those doing well, and those who are not.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Semper, we’re looking at how COVID-19 has changed Australian businesses and commercial lending, the macroeconomic factors at play, and identifying how brokers can work with lenders to ensure their SME clients are able to find the funding they need.
Semper director and founder Andrew Way provides his analysis of how the commercial finance sector is changing, and how brokers are helping find solutions when businesses need it most.
Tune in to find out:
- How COVID-19 has created a new class of “has” and “has nots”
- How to identify “zombie” businesses
- How Semper is supporting broker clients
- And what brokers should consider when providing SME finance
While all Australian capital cities have property price increases, Canberra has been topping the charts for price growth; rising 8.2 per cent in the June quarter alone (the highest quarterly increase since records began in September 2003).
According to More Than Mortgages broker Deanna Ezzy, the rate of increase has seen a rush from first home buyers looking to get onto market now, before they’re priced out completely, making her nine-person team busier than ever.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by Deanna as she discusses how she and her business partner, Natasha Condi, run their broking business, how they train new brokers, and why they’re looking to appoint an operations manager for the brokerage. She reveals:
Tune in to find out:
- Her process for training brokers
- How she structures her salaries for staff
- Why she values the support of a business and mindset coach
And much more!
Victoria/Tasmania’s recently crowned Wellness Advocate of the Year, Sadish Visvalingam, outlines why it’s crucial for brokers to look after their wellbeing and mental health.
Being in the best physical and mental shape possible is good for all business professionals, but especially for small business owners like brokers.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Victoria-based broker Sadish Visvalingam - who was recently named Wellness Advocate of the Year 2021 at the Better BUsiness Awards Victoria/Tasmania - to find out how he look after his own wellbeing, and that of those around him too.
The Victoria-based broker and founder of Premier Financial Advocates (PFA) reveals:
- Why he is an advocate for wellness
- How he went about setting up an offshore loan processing company
- How he grows and supports his team
And much more!
This year's R U OK? Day serves as an important reminder to open up the conversation on mental health, both in the workplace and at home, according to David Coleman, member for Banks and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
In this special episode, join Momentum Media director Alex Whitlock as he speaks to Mr Coleman.
Together, the pair discuss the importance of shining a spotlight on mental health issues, share why the consequences of stigmatising mental health are significant, and reveal how you can make a difference to your workplace, community, family and friends.
Rise High Financial Solutions broker Kristin Tunbridge has wide-ranging experience in the mortgage industry - having been on the processing side of things at a bank, working in RMBS issuances, and covering relationships in commercial banking, too.
But it’s broking where Kristin found her passion. Having been a broker in Adealide for nearly a decade now, the SA broker (and recently crowned Editor’s Choice award for SA/NT at the BEtter Business Awards 2021) reveals why she thinks more could be done to promote the benefits of working in this profession.
Tune in to find out:
- What she most loves about broking
- How she provides financial literacy education to clients
- Why she thinks brokers should be hiring support staff from the get-go
And much more!
The credit profile of a borrower has always been at the centre of the mortgage process. Whether a borrower has a good credit history or not plays a fundamental role in getting a cheaper mortgage. This year, two important changes came into effect that change the credit reporting landscape, and how brokers can help borrowers access a better mortgage.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Credit Fix Solutions, editor Annie Kane sits down with Credit Fix Solutions chief executive Victoria Coster to understand what’s been shaping the credit space this year, the real impact of buy now, pay later on credit scores, and how brokers can help ensure their clients are putting their best foot forward.
Tune in to find out:
- The new credit repair regulatory regime
- Comprehensive credit reporting and what it entails
- How brokers can help their clients improve their credit score
And much more!
In July, Mortgage Choice Oakleigh broker Marvin Coleman was named Victoria/Tasmania’s Broker of the Year 2021 and the Best Residential Broker in the two states, at the Better Business Awards 2021.
The Melbourne-based broker was originally an accountant in the UK, but after the 2005 London bombings, made the move over to Australia to seek a different life. A battle with cancer led him to re-evaluate his career, and he went on to become a Morgtage Choice broker. Fifteen years later, he says his move to Australia and into broking was one of the best he ever made.
Tune in to find out:
- The biggest challenges he’s faced as a broker
- The lessons he’s learned over his 15 years of broking
- The importance of taking care of our health - both physical and mental
And much more!
If you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, or any other mental health issues, or you’re worried about someone else and feel that professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or one of the 24/7 crisis agencies below:
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14
lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
suicidecallbackservice.org.au
For urgent medical or police help, freecall Triple Zero (000).
Professional development and ongoing education is a key part to running any successful business. NAB discusses how it is supporting a successful broker channel.
Earlier this year, The Adviser ran the Better Business Summit and Awards, in partnership with principal partner NAB.
In this episode of In Focus – partnered by NAB – we’re sitting down with the bank’s new executive for broker distribution, Phil Waugh, and its head of strategic partnerships, Nicole Triandos, to find out more about the role of education and progressional development in forming leading brokers, and how and why the major bank is championing the broker channel.
Tune in to find out:
- Why NAB is supporting PD in the broker channel
- The key trends the bank is seeing at the moment
- How Phil went from professional rugby player to major bank executive
And many more!
As well as being crucial credit advisers, brokers are also lynchpins of their community. We catch up with Gippsland-based broker Robert Trewin, who took home two awards at the recent Better Business Awards in Victoria for his work in giving back to his community, to find out how he does it.
Trewin Mortgage Broking’s principal and broker Robert Trewin took home the Best Community Engagement Program and the Editor’s Choice award at the Better Business Awards Vic/Tas earlier this year.
As well as cementing himself as a key mortgage adviser for the region, he’s also been giving back to the community with voluntary work, helped people get back on their feet after the devastating bushfires, and raising awareness about Sudden Unexplained Death In Childhood (SUDC).
Tune in to find out:
- How his brokerage gives back in Gippsland
- His process for writing loans
- How a personal loss led him to set up the Brighter Days Festival in Bright to raise money and awareness of SUDC
And much more!
Victoria-based broker Nicola Tucker is one of two directors of growing regional brokerage Surf Coast Finance, writing resi and asset business for borrowers in Torquay.
The former banker became a broker three years ago, initially as a Loan Market franchisee, and has quickly established herself as a rising star – taking home several awards already, including Best Newcomer Vic/Tas at the Better Business Awards last year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we’re catching up with the Loan Market broker to find out how and why she decided to partner with Lanie Conquest to join businesses, and how the duo co-run the brokerage, as well as how she manages broking and being a new mother.
Tune in to find out:
- The ins and outs of forming a business partnership
- How she markets the business
- Why and how they hired their staff
At the beginning of this financial year, a range of changes came in for the self-managed super fund market. Thinktank reveals how these affect SMSF lending.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Thinktank, host Annie Kane is joined by Per Amundsen, company secretary of Thinktank, and Peter Vala, general manager of partnerships and distribution, to discuss exactly what brokers need to know when writing SMSF loans this financial year and the key trends in this space.
Tune in to find out:
- How SMSF loans are structured
- The new member caps and contributions for FY22
- How Thinktank is helping brokers write SMSF loans
And much more!
Long delays in broker-lodged loans have been an ongoing issue for the past year - but are things starting to look up? Annie Kane and Michael Johnson explore more
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Momentum Intelligence’s head of strategy, Michael Johnson, to discuss what the data is showing us about turnaround times at the lenders, and whether this is the beginning of improved service times.
Tune in to find out:
- What the latest Broker Pulse survey shows us
- Which lenders have been improving
- What the banks are doing to improve turnaround times
And much more!
Michelle Towner of Towner Finance took home not one, but three awards at the Better Business Awards in Perth earlier this year, including WA’s Broker of the Year 2021. We find out how she runs her leading brokerage.
In May of this year, the founder and managing director of Towner Finance, Michelle Towner, was crowned the Best Residential Broker and the Broker of the Year at The Adviser’s Better Business Awards in Perth, while the company took home the award for Best Customer Service (Office).
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with Michelle to find out:
- How she’s been changing her business (and location) this year
- The systems and processes that she uses
- Why she put up a client and his family in her own house when they ran into turnaround delays
And much more! Related Podcast: - How this husband and wife duo are delivering exceptional consumer outcomes
As we commence a new financial year, there are a range of trends and regulatory changes that may impact brokers. Mortgage Ezy outlines what brokers need to know. In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Mortgage Ezy’s founder and chair, Peter James, and its head of distribution, Mick Conyngham, to discuss the key finance and property trends that brokers need to know about for this financial year. The brokers-turned-lenders also unpack why they started the challenger lender 20 years ago, what makes a mortgage manager different, and why brokers need to be using a wider pool of lenders under the new phase of the best interests duty. Tune in to find out: - The borrower and property trends to know about - How non-banks are filling a void - The new tech Mortgage Ezy is launching this financial year And much more!
Commercial finance broker Jason Boccaccio was named SA/NT’s Best Finance Broker and Broker of the Year earlier this month for his work servicing clients during a very difficult year. We catch up with Jason to find out more.
As a former accountant turned broker, Adelaide Commercial Finance director Jason Boccaccio has a strong affinity for helping businesses make the most of their finances. But, when COVID-19 first hit and lockdowns restricted movements and lender appetite dried up, he had to work quickly to pivot his business offering.
Fast forward to 2021, and Jason has not one, but two brokerage brands, having diversified into residential mortgage broking too.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Jason to find out how he did it:
Tune in to find out:
- How COVID-19 impacted his commercial brokerage
- How he manages two separate brokerage brands
- The key commercial property trends he’s seeing in Adelaide
And much more!
SA broker Aaron Vogt has been running his full-service brokerage, Preferred Finance, for the past 15 years, servicing borrowers in the wine region of the Adelaide hills. We catch up with SA/NT’s Regional Broker of the Year 2021 to find out how he does it.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we’re sitting down with Preferred Finance director and broker Aaron Vogt to find out how he’s been running an award-winning brokerage in the SA wine region, how he’s been hiring and growing his team, and what he’s learned over his 18-year broking career.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he left business banking to become a broker
- The tools he uses with his team to keep up-to-date with client files
- How he embeds himself, and his brokerage, in the local community
And much more!
Engineer-turned-broker Adam Bradley has been running his Brisbane-based brokerage, Emerge Finance, for the past seven years, specialising in first home buyers. We catch up with the self-proclaimed ‘Guarantor King of Brisbane’ to find out how he’s been growing his business.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we’re sitting down with Emerge Finance director and broker Adam Bradley to find out why he left tunnel engineering to become a mortgage broker, how he works with his award-winning loan administrator to create a seamless customer experience, and why he loves this industry so much.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he’s ‘The Guarantor King of Brisbane’
- How he works with Queensland’s Loan Administrator of the Year 2021, Michelle Rogers
- His process for forming referral relationships
And much more!
At this year’s Better Business Awards in Queensland, Jodie Wolfenden, Gold Coast broker and director at Superior Wealth, took home not one, but two awards on the night: Best Finance Broker and the coveted Broker of the Year 2021 for the state.
The Burleigh Heads-based Loan Market broker sees herself as more of a finance strategist than a traditional broker, as she works hard with customers to ensure that they understand their investment and financial decisions when it comes to credit.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we’re sitting down with Queensland’s Broker of the Year 2021 to find out what the secrets to her success are.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she enjoys ‘complex’ finance such as investment, self-employed and SMSF
- How she chooses and works with referral partners
- Her experience with valuations and the impacts they’re having on clients
And much more!
As a property investor, Amy Ferguson already knew some of the ins and outs of property finance but decided to make her passion her career, by becoming a broker herself. We find out how Western Australia’s recently crowned Best Newcomer has found her journey to date.
Mortgage and finance broking draws new entrants from a range of different industries, with many new-to-industry brokers making the switch after having a positive experience with a broker themselves.
In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live at the Better Business Summit in Perth, host Annie Kane catches up with Amy Ferguson to find out how she was inspired by her own broker, how she's balancing motherhood and broking, and her future plans for her brokerage.
Tune in to find out:
- Why broking is a good career for parents
- How she set up her business
- Why she’s looking to bring on a new team member
And much more!
In the past 12 months, Queensland-based brokerage Borro has gone from a team of two to a team of seven. We find out how the brokerage has been rapidly growing and its process for hiring team members that fit.
In this episode of Elite Broker, recorded live at the Better Business Summit in Brisbane, host Annie Kane catches up with banker-turned-broker Cara Giovinazzo, broker and founder of Borro, to find out how she’s been rapidly escalating her broking business and the lessons she’s learned over her four years of broking.
Tune in to find out:
- How her attitude to broking has changed over time
- Her thoughts on channel differentials in turnaround times
- Her process for hiring new recruits
And much more!
As mortgage applications reach record levels, finding the time to work on your business while writing new business can be difficult. But without setting aside the time to review how your business operates, it can be difficult to grow and scale.
In this month’s episode, host Annie Kane is joined by Kristy Bartlett, head of partnerships at Mortgage Advice Bureau, to find out how brokers can identify much-needed efficiencies, free up their time over the long run, and grow their broking business.
Tune in to find out:
- How to document your process to hand over files seamlessly
- Why having the right partners pays dividend
- How to build a sustainable pipeline
While many brokers have established themselves as specialists in particular segments, WA-based MoneyQuest broker Peter Flint has developed his niche out of his hobby: modified car racing. We find out why burnout is not always a bad word.
For residential broker and MoneyQuest Midland franchise owner Peter Flint, his passion for and involvement in modified car racing has resulted in more than half of his clientele coming from the car scene.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up Peter Flint, the former banker turned broker and founder behind the popular modified car racing YouTube channel, Flinty460, to find out how he’s done it.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he left banking to become a broker
- Why he joined the MoneyQuest franchise
- How his hobby turned into a lucrative YouTube channel with 84k subscribers
And much more!
Building a large brokerage is a major task but some brokers, like Martin Bennett from The Loan Room, has been doing it in a step-by-step process. We find out how he’s doing it.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Victoria-based broker and CEO of growing brokerage, The Loan Room, to learn how he’s been building his broking business, why he wants to build a 50-strong broking business, and the challenges and lessons he’s learned over his 15-year broking career.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he started his own broking business
- How he structures and manages his team
- Why he thinks one-man band brokerages are no longer sustainable
And much more!
With turnaround times and bank servicing being a hot topic of conversation at the moment, Adelaide Bank reveals how it has been growing its presence and commitment to the broker channel.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Adelaide Bank’s head of broker distribution, Raj Kapoor, to discuss how the broker-only mortgage lender is providing a strong offering to the broker channel, how it is working to ensure its turnaround times are competitive, and what his plans are for the broker offering moving forward.
Tune in to find out:
- Why brokers are increasingly using Adelaide Bank
- How Raj’s first few months in the job have been
- What the bank is doing to protect its turnaround times
And much more!
Have more questions for Adelaide Bank? Make sure you get them answered at the Better Business Summit 2021 where you can find out how the lender is working to help its brokers partners provide a winning service to borrowers. Places are limited so make sure you secure your place at the five-state event asap!
New-to-industry broker Karen Wright started making videos in Australian Sign Language in 2019 following a family tragedy, and has since gone on to gain recognition for her efforts in providing financial literacy education to the deaf and hard of hearing.
Last year, Karen took home the Better Business Award 2020 for Best Community Engagement Program in Vic/Tas in recognition of her work in delivering financial literacy videos in Auslan to the hard of hearing and deaf community.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Karen to learn why she started creating the videos following her brother’s murder and what she’s learned about providing broking services to deaf clients.
Tune in to find out
- Her tips for brokers on communicating with hard of hearing clients
- Her journey to finding the right mentor
- The mental health impact that operating as a single operator can have on new brokers
And much more!
Content warning:
This episode contains content dealing with violence and mental health issues that may be disturbing or distressing to some listeners. Listener discretion is advised
If you are suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts, or you’re worried about someone else and feel that professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or one of the 24/7 crisis agencies below:
beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au
Lifeline: 13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
For urgent medical or police help freecall Triple Zero (000).
A life-threatening incident gave Tim Reynolds a new outlook on life, leading him to change career and take the leap into broking. We catch up with the director of Victoria-based brokerage, Accession Finance, to find out how he established and runs his leading independent brokerage.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane talks to broker and director of Accession Finance, Tim Reynolds, to learn how he built his independent brokerage from scratch after a terrifying ordeal, what he wished he knew before setting up a new brokerage, and his top tips for success.
Tune in to find out:
- How Tim set up his business
- How he grew his client base as a new-to-industry broker
- Why he’s undertaking a business review
And much more!
Demand for property and the services of brokers has skyrocketed during COVID, as Australians embrace remote working and look to purchase property in more affordable locations outside of the concrete jungles.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Toowoomba-based Mortgage Choice broker Julian Collins and Mortgage Choice’s general manager, broker and wealth management distribution, David Zammit, to discuss the trends that regional brokers are seeing at the moment, how having the backing of a major brand can give regional brokers a head start, and what tools and support Mortgage Choice offers its brokers.
Tune in to find out:
- How Julian runs a leading regional broking business
- The tools Mortgage Choice offers its brokers to stay connected
- What Mortgage Choice has in the pipeline and the REA acquisition
And much more!
Commercial property has become an increasingly popular asset class, given a combination of high yields and low interest rates on commercial mortgages. We find out more about the market from Scott O’Neill, director of Rethink Investing and Rethink Financing.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane sits down with the founder and director of buyer’s agent Rethink Investing and brokerage Rethink Financing, Scott O’Neill, to discuss the growing demand for commercial property investment from brokers, the types of property that are in hot demand, and what types of finance are available for these transactions.
Tune in to find out:
- Why commercial property investment is rising
- The segments of the market that are faring well
- What brokers need to know before moving into commercial investment
And much more!
The mortgage and property market have both been growing rapidly this past year, with property prices and mortgage volumes setting new volume records month-on-month.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Grace Ormsby, news editor of our sister brand Real Estate Business, to discuss the trends that real estate agents have been seeing, the regions and types of property that are in hot demand, and how agents and brokers can work closely together in this booming market.
Tune in to find out:
- The kinds of buyers in market at the moment
- Which areas are the surprise winners of sea-change and tree-change demand
- How real estate agents pivoted during COVID-19
And much more!
As the senior finance specialist at the mortgage broking arm of end-to-end property business Coronis, Mat Crossley is a specialist in working with clients and real estate agents alike.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane talks to broker and senior finance specialist at Coronis Mortgage & Finance, Mat Crossley, to learn how the property group covers the full property journey with their clients, how he’s managed to build his book over the past seven years, and why mentors are so important for new-to-industry brokers.
Tune in to find out:
- How Mat works alongside real estate agents and conveyancers
- What he’s learned from his mistakes
- Why Coronis has launched a mentoring program
And much more!
Shore Financial broker Christian Stevens has only been in broking for a few years, but in that time, he has successfully harnessed social media to become the “most viewed broker” in Australia. We find out how he did it.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Christian to find out how he went from nightclub promotion to broking, how he grew his client base by building a strong online presence, and how he manages to run one of the largest Facebook groups for first home buyers while broking full time.
Tune in to find out:
- His process and strategy for digital marketing
- What he did to be crowned the “most viewed broker” in Australia on LinkedIn
- Why he thinks new brokers should join an existing brokerage
And much more!
After having worked in banking and financial planning, Brighter Finance’s broker and podcaster Marcus Roberts made the move into brokers four years ago and hasn’t look back.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with Marcus to find out why he made the move into this channel, how he set up his brokerage and operates his one-man band, and why and how he’s launched his own podcast series, Sydney Property Insider.
Tune in to find out:
- Why he decided to start his own business
- How he makes the most of his CRM
- The trends he’s seeing in first home buyer activity
And much more!
The biggest and most productive brokerages in Australia have been revealed in The Adviser’s Top 25 Brokerages ranking 2021, partnered by NAB. We reveal who made the ranking.
The financial year 2020 must be one of the strangest on record, with COVID-19 impacts affecting many businesses and business finance but also seeing a boom in mortgage activity.
In this year's Top 25 Brokerages ranking, partnered by NAB, we can see that brokers have been busier than ever servicing the needs of a growing number of borrowers. Both settlements and productivity were strong across the board.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane delves into the ranking stats and catches up with Nicole Triandos, acting general manager, NAB broker distribution, to discuss why having a strong broker channel is so important to the market.
Tune in to find out:
- Who the leading brokerages in Australia are
- What factors have been driving broker channel growth
- How NAB is supporting brokers
And much more!
As well as being a busy broker and director of Queensland-based brokerage Evolve Loans, Jai Hobbs has also added ‘author’ to his resume, co-writing a book on financial literacy for high school children with his wife, Marlies.
With a passion to better prepare the next generation for a successful and independent life, Jai and Marlies wrote FLY: Financially Literate Youth (published by Penguin) covering off not only what it takes to be able to afford a mortgage, but also the ins and outs of credit cards, budgeting, tax and even delving into cryptocurrency, too.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Jai to discuss:
- How he runs two broking offices
- Why he wrote FLY: Financially Literate Youth
- How he’s helping clients in an increasingly competitive property market
And much more!
If anyone knows the ins and outs of the challenges facing small businesses, it’s the Australian Small Business & Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Kate Carnell.
In this episode of In Focus, recorded with the ASBFEO at our SME Broker Bootcamp in December 2020, Kate Carnell joins host Annie Kane to discuss the challenges that small business owners have been facing since COVID-19 hit, the benefits and pitfalls of government financial support mechanisms for SMEs, and the crucial role brokers play in helping small businesses access and understand business finance.
Tune in to find out:
- The challenges that SMEs are facing and the pros and cons of government support mechanisms
- The mental health challenges of SMEs
- The resources available to brokers to identify appropriate SME finance
And much more!
Turnaround times have been the word on everyone’s lips at the moment, as some lenders experience blowouts due to record-high mortgage demand and lucrative cashback offers. But its not just home lending that has experienced delays; SME and asset finance has also been burdened by longer turnarounds.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with Sidd Bahree, a Victoria-based broker to find his experiences with turnarounds in the SME space, how he has been managing client expectations, and what he is doing to help SMEs access the finance they need.
Tune in to find out:
- What types of loans he’s seeing strong flows from
- What he thinks about the proposed BID extension
- His tips for new brokers coming into the finance broking space
And much more!
In this month’s episode, host Annie Kane is joined by Momentum Media’s head of events, Jennifer Hardy, to discuss their top tips for writing a winning submission for the Better Business Awards 2021.
With brokers busier than ever before to help borrowers refinance or help first home buyers take advantage of government grants, there has never been a better time to showcase the hard work going on in this industry and the individuals making a difference in borrowers’ lives.
In this episode of In Focus, Annie and Jen discuss what the judges look for in a winning submission and how the Better Business Awards can benefit the finalists and winners.
Tune in to find out:
- Why you should submit for a Better Business Award
- The key things to include
- How Annie picks the Editor’s Choice award
Find out more about the Better Business Awards 2021, here.
Starting up a new brokerage can be a daunting prospect, but Sam Carrello has shown how it can be done successfully, taking home the award for Best New Office WA at the Better Business Awards 2020.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane speaks to Perth-based broker Sam Carrello about why he started up Napoleon Finance, what it takes to start and grow a leading brokerage, and how he manages his team.
Tune in to find out:
· How he grew the brokerage
· How the WA market has been faring
· Sam’s top tips for recruiting
And much more!
When starting up a broking business, one of the first choices you have to make is picking which model is right for you: independent or branded. We talk to two brokers about how they made that choice.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane speaks to Caroline Jean-Baptiste from major brokerage group Mortgage Choice and Michael Tait from independent group HT Capital as they outline how and why they chose the broker model they did.
Tune in to find out:
· The benefits of being independent
· The benefits of joining a branded/franchise group
· What brokers need to consider when selecting an aggregation group
And much more!
Choosing a mentor for the first time, or looking to select a new mentor for your next stage of growth, can be a daunting experience.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane talks to Quality Financial Group’s broker and mentor Sue Hayter and her mentee, Janitha Silva from Universal Lending, to discuss how they get the most out of their mentoring relationship.
Tune in to find out:
· What they think brokers should look for in a mentor
· The things they might want to avoid
· Why having a mentor can be the key to success
And much more!
Referrals are a major part of how a broker finds new business. But the key to not only getting referrals, but also maintaining strong flows is what makes the difference in successful brokerages.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane talks to Equilibria Finance’s Anthony Landahl and Mortgage Choice Peregian Beach’s Gordon MacVicar to uncover the secrets of how these two leading brokers have formed strong referral partnerships.
Tune in to find out:
- How to ensure timely referrals
- What referral partners most value
- What to look for in a referral partner
And much more!
In this month’s episode, partnered by Prospa, we are looking at the key forces driving SME credit and how brokers can help the engine room of the economy keep turning.
With small-business confidence rising as the economy emerges from a recession and ramps up for the busy summer period, ensuring SMEs can access the finance they need over the summer holidays – and beyond – is key.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Prospa, we talk to Prospa’s co-founder and chief revenue officer, Beau Bertoli, to find out:
- The key forces at work driving SME credit
- The different types of credit available that could help them grow
- What 2021 could look like for SMEs
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Tom is joined by the editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, Annie Kane, to shine a light on the current state of play in the mortgage broking industry, to discuss the implications of ACCC’s latest report into borrowing, and to reflect on the current state of Australia’s property market as we head into the festive season.
Having a strong network is important for all brokers, but for Tasmanian-based broker Kirsty Dunphey, director and broker at Up Loans, it’s paramount.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with Kirsty to discuss the importance of strong professional relationships in delivering a successful brokerage and leapfrogging over potential challenges.
Whether it’s having a mentor that has seen it all, leaning on experienced BDMs, or developing peer-to-peer learning with local brokers, Kirsty has learned (sometimes the hard way) how key a collaborative approach to finding solutions is, particularly for new brokers.
Tune in to find out:
- How the Launceston market is faring
- The one deal that she’ll never forget
- What Kirsty does as an FBAA state councillor
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss “decision fatigue” and the benefits of a staple wardrobe, take a closer look at the current tension between Australia and China, and reflect on the dangers of underquoting in a rising market where a data deficit might be at play.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by RedZed, we discover why it’s crucial for brokers to help self-employed SMEs over the summer period.
December and January are always prime time for SME finance, as businesses ramp up for the Christmas rush and ensure they have enough resources to continue through January. But the COVID-19 pandemic has made it even more important for self-employed to be able to access funds and keep themselves alive and thriving.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by RedZed, we catch up with RedZed’s national sales manager, Adrian Fisher, to discuss:
- Why summer 2020 is a turning point for SMEs
- How brokers can write loans for the self-employed
- How COVID has changed SME finance trends
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss who might be the winners and losers when a COVID-19 vaccine is rolled out, point out the irony that exists in the current property market, and reflect on the realism of “The Block”.
WA-broker Sarah Wells describes herself as a solutionist – finding solutions to her clients’ money goals as a broker, finance coach and all-around support network for her clients.
Her eponymous finance company, Sarah Wells, offers traditional finance services as well as tailored fee-for-service solutions for clients looking for that extra support with their wealth needs.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we chat to Sarah about how she has built her business, why she’s choosing longevity over growth, and her top tips for brokers looking to enter in this industry for the first time.
Tune in to find out:
- How she moved her whole business from Sydney to Perth
- Why she undertook a financial planning qualification
- What she’s learnt over her 15-year broking career
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the stamp duty reforms announced in the state budget, query how South Australia’s increase in COVID cases will impact the property market, and shed light on the importance of the upcoming Women in Real Estate Awards.
Accession Finance’s Evelyn Clark was named Mortgage and Finance Broker of the Year at this year’s Women in Finance Awards, being recognised for her work in providing exceptional customer service and financial literacy education.
Despite having only joined the broking industry four years ago, Evelyn has been busy making a name for herself down in Victoria and further afield – as she builds her online presence and provides financial literacy videos to Australian borrowers.
In this week’s episode of Elite Broker, we find out how she has ascended from new broker to award-winning broker in such a short period of time.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she became a broker
- How she chose her aggregator and association
- Why she charges a fee for some of her services
Podcast of interest:
- In Focus: Celebrating women in finance
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom flag the breaking news of NAB’s decision to divest from its broker aggregation businesses and sell off to Loan Market Group, consider the impact of the US election on Australian consumer confidence, discuss what the US-Australian relationship could look like under President-elect Biden, and look to some of the positive signs popping up in the Australian property market.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Mortgage Choice, we catch up with CEO Susan Mitchell to discuss why Mortgage Choice is taking action to bring more women into this industry, and her own experience of being a leading woman in finance.
According to MFAA stats, the number of female brokers has fallen every year for the past three years – with the proportion of female to male brokers also having shrunk on an annual basis since 2016.
As such, the industry has been busy working on programs to help promote, inspire and support women in joining this industry and – crucially – remain in it, too.
Last month, aggregator and major brokerage brand Mortgage Choice held three digital masterclasses as part of its female talent nurturing program Aspire, and earlier this year partnered with the fourth annual Women in Finance Awards, and announced a new partnership with female financial literacy platform Tilly Money.
Tune in to find out:
- Why Mortgage Choice wants to encourage more women into broking
- Susan’s own experience as a leading woman in finance
- Why the brand is working to improve female financial literacy
And plenty more!
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the possible ramifications of the US election on Australian politics, query whether there will be a reverse trend of regional migration in years to come, look at why so many people want to “park” their money in Australian property, and reflect on some of the ways agents and brokers can harness current affairs to their advantage.
As a qualified accountant, financial planner and mortgage broker, Sova Financial broker Natasha Janssens holds the triad of tools needed to run her award-winning financial literacy program, Women with Cents. We catch up with Natasha to find out how she runs her two successful businesses.
After having fled the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s, Canberra-based broker Natasha Janssens chose to become a qualified accountant to help her migrate to Australia.
It was here that she discovered her passion for providing financial literacy education – and made the move to become a mortgage broker and financial planner, setting up her brokerage Sova Financial.
When she was expecting her first child, Natasha joined local mothers’ groups and started speaking about finances and mortgages after finding there was strong curiosity and interest from the groups.
The interest led her to start Women with Cents, a financial literacy program for women, which has won the Women’s Community Program of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards for the fourth year in a row this year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with Natasha to find out more about the Women with Cents program, the types of loans she’s writing at Sova Financial, and how she manages two businesses as a single operator.
Tune in to find out:
- How she’s reaching thousands of people through Women with Cents
- How she chose her aggregator and mentor
- Why she’s expanding her financial literacy program to include men
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the emerging use of QR codes to capture data as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with AgentBox’s David Bliss, consider the US election and how it could play out, take a look at the ways in which sentiment and attitudes shape consumer behaviour, and reflect on the current drivers of Australia’s property market.
In September, Momentum Media held its annual Women in Finance Awards, which champion the women leading the way in the financial services industry.
The Women in Finance Awards, partnered by AMP Bank, was held as a virtual awards ceremony in September of this year – with more than 1,100 people registering to watch the live stream and support the women making waves in finance.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by AMP Bank, host Annie Kane and AMP Bank’s director of distribution, Adrienne Smith, catch up with one of the winners on the night – the newly crowned Mortgage and Finance Broker of the Year, Evelyn Clark of Accession Finance.
Tune in to find out:
- How Evelyn is going above and beyond for Australian borrowers
- The challenges and opportunities in the mortgage space
- What can be done to encourage more women into the finance industry
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
In a special investment special, hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos do a deep dive on the investor psyche - covering everything real estate agents, property professionals and mortgage brokers should know about this group of buyers.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the types of questions that investors will have of experts on their property journey, the importance of a strong investment “team”, and all of the ‘moving parts’ that should be considered when building out a portfolio.
Aussie Liverpool franchisee Evelyn Burton has been working as a broker for nearly 19 years, having spent nearly her whole broking career with the major brokerage brand.
First joining a Wizard store in 1999 and then setting up one of the first Aussie stores in Australia when it bought the Wizard franchise network in 2008, Evelyn has been busy ‘saving’ clients in Sydney’s west.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Evelyn joins host Annie Kane to outline why she first became a broker, the flexibility that broking provides women and parents, and how she’s providing credit and financial literacy advice to home borrowers.
Tune in to find out:
- How she identified that she needed to hire new staff and how she did it
- The support she was able to provide clients over COVID-19
- How she explains how she’s paid and is working in a client’s best interest
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the current land tax settings, the state of the Sydney property market, and the ‘COVID-19 clarity’ that’s seeing people change or reconsider their career path in 2020.
One of the first challenges any broker faces is establishing a brand and presence in the market. Given that so much of a broker’s business relies on referrals (either customer or business referrals), having strong brand recognition and buy-in is an important step in building a brokerage.
Victoria-based broker Bernard Desmond, who launched Blank Financial earlier this year, joins host Annie Kane to discuss how he has been bedding in his new company and making a name for himself.
Tune in to find out:
- How Bernard set about creating a new brand
- His experience of changing aggregation groups
- His top tips for new brokers
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom talk all things budget, discuss the current state of proptech in the real estate industry, consider the implications of a rate cut on Melbourne Cup day, and remind agents and brokers of their ability to create change and purpose for all Australians.
In this week’s episode of Elite Broker, we’ve brought in a broker who has been making a name for himself both within and without the broking industry.
Graeme Holm of Infinity Group Australia is not only a broker and principal, but also now an author, speaker and social media influencer for everything finance and mortgage related.
Earlier this year, Graeme’s brokerage, Infinity Group Australia was crowned the top brokerage leading in innovation and diversification.In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with director Graeme Holm to find out what makes the group stand out from the crowd.
Tune in to find out:
- What makes Infinity Group innovative
- Why he’s starting charging for some services
- What he thinks the future looks like for the broking industry
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss what the roll-back of responsible lending guidelines could mean for the property market, a lack of transparency around continuing eviction moratoriums, and why it is so important to always be open to learning and education.
The commercial lending landscape has changed dramatically since COVID-19 began, but knowing which sectors are thriving and which need support is key. Semper's Andrew Way reveals the key trends he has been seeing in the commercial segment and how brokers can help.
Partnered by Semper
While the headlines may be full of the challenges of COVID-19 on small businesses, there are still many segments that are growing and seeking finance to expand.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Semper, founder and director Andrew Way outlines the trends that he has been seeing in the commercial segment and how brokers can identify appropriate solutions for their business clients at this time.
Tune in to find out:
- Which sectors are booming at the moment
- What brokers should be asking their SME clients seeking finance
- How Semper has been supporting brokers and their business clients with new product offerings
And plenty more!
What’s Making Headlines is your source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the revisions currently being made to property market forecasts, the concept of ‘COVID clarity’, the potential for an even lower cash rate, and the increasingly appeal of property management as a revenue stream.
Being a new broker can be a challenge at the best of times, but COVID-19 has made the experience even more tumultuous. In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with NSW broker Ollie Lum to find out how he has been navigating this space, and the importance of focusing of wellbeing. As the residential loan writer at AAA Mortgages (which specialises in commercial and development finance), Sydney broker Ollie Lum has the task of finding mortgages for many self-employed clients - no mean feat in this current environment.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Ollie joins host Annie Kane to discuss how how and why he became a broker, how he's helping self-employed clients at this time, and the tools he is using to help the remote loan writing process easier.
But as well as delivering practical tips, Ollie also outlines why focusing on wellbeing is also a key part of succeeding in this environment.
Tune in to find out:
- How he's helping self-employed clients
- The importance of having a good mentor and support network
- The software and tools he uses day-to-day
What’s Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the changing nature of work, reflect on the current situation facing Melbourne’s real estate agents, and dwell on #fakenews and the importance of fact-checking information before making important decisions.
Gold Coast-based broker Kirsty Best set up her brokerage, Living Home Loans, with her husband Andrew Best after a teaching career. Kirsty outlines how she went from teacher, to pupil, to mentor in this episode of Elite Broker.
Being a new-to-industry broker can be daunting, especially if you've decided to set up your own brokerage rather than join a big brokerage brand. But for teacher-turned-broker Kirsty Best, setting up an independent brokerage was eased by the fact that she co-founded her brokerage with her husband, Andrew.
After more than four years of running the Coolangatta-based brokerage Living Home Loans, broker and director Kirsty Best is now becoming a teacher once again, mentoring a new broker and managing a team of staff.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Ms Best joins host Annie Kane to discuss how she navigated a new industry, how she overcame the challenges of setting up a new brokerage, and her top tips for those entering the industry for the first time.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she became a broker
- How she balances the stress of the job
- The Living Home Loans motto
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the potential for softening prices in Victoria, the changing market dynamics that could come into play over the next several months, and the psychological pressure that COVID-19 has placed on all Australians through the lens of R U OK? Day.
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Earlier this year, Miranda-based brokerage Birdie Wealth completed a hattrick by taking home three awards. We catch up with principal Nathan Smith and the Loan Administrator of the Year, Rebecca McIllwain to find out what makes a winning team.
At our tenth annual Australian Broking Awards, run in partnership with NAB, NSW brokerage Bridie Wealth completed a hattrick by taking home three awards on the night; Office Of The Year - Non-franchise; Social & Community Engagement Program Of The Year; and Loan Administrator of the Year (Rebecca Mcillwain).
In this week’s episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with Nathan and Rebecca to find out what they attribute to their success.
Tune in to find out:
- Their top tips for brokers and loan administrators on building an efficient practice;
- Why and how they're supporting local charity Enough is Enough; and
- How they hired staff overseas
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom discuss the current economic climate and how it could impact real estate come September’s end, the future of workplace flexibility, and how to run a business in a COVID-19 world.
Being financially secure plays a large part in our overall wellness, according to the recently crowned Wellness Advocate of the Year, Mikaela Patterson. Tune in to hear how she has been working to improve financial wellness across Australia.
In July of this year, Entourage Finance's Mikaela Patterson was named Wellness Advocate of the Year at the Australian Broking Awards 2020 for her work in delivering a financial wellness program to corporate Australia.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Mikaela joins host Annie Kane to outline what financial wellness actually is, why she is passionate about improving financial literacy in Australia, and why she believes the broker channel is well placed to take a leading role in improving financial literacy.
Tune in to find out:
- Why she worked with a confidence coach before starting her public speaking;
- How her background in loan processing helped accelerate her broking career; and
- What tools and processes she is using to manage broking while in lockdown.
And much more!
What’s Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom run through McGrath's recent financial success, the recent resilience of Australia's property market and the importance of taking a break from work.
The year 2020 has caused unprecedented challenges for Australians, but the adversity has once again showcased how crucial brokers are in helping Australian borrowers manage their finances.
Earlier in the year, the country was hard hit by the bushfire crisis, quickly followed by droughts, floods and then the COVID-19 pandemic.
But while times are tough, it’s key to remember that the broking industry tends to thrive under uncertainty.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Choice Aggregation Services, CEO Stephen Moore joins host Annie Kane to discuss the positive aspects of this challenging time, the digitisation of mortgages and the benefits of having access to more data, and the key opportunities for the broker segment moving forward
Tune in to find out:
- How the sector has proven its resilience in the past
- Why he thinks the best interests duty will be the best thing to happen to industry
- The opportunities that the Consumer Data Right provides brokers
And plenty more!
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom are joined by Before You Bid's Rhys Rogers to discuss the importance of doing due diligence before purchasing a property, the latest on Melbourne's phase two COVID-19 situation, and the value of mortgage brokers for investors.
Victoria-based broker Jonathan Lee has been offering his broking services to inner west Melbourne for almost 9 years and is the principal of this year's Franchise Office of the Year, Mortgage Choice Williamstown.
The award-winning broker joins host Annie Kane in this episode of Elite Broker to talk about why he decided to set up his own franchise, how he established himself into his local area, and how his business has been faring through lockdown.
In this episode, Jonathan explains:
- How his background helps him to provide valuable broking services in-house
- How he is generating new leads and servicing clients during lockdown
- What he does as a manager to foster a positive workplace culture
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, Phil and Tom are joined by Pure Property Investment's Paul Glossop to talk about what agents can be doing to shift into a positive mindset, strategies for cultivating relationships with buyer's agents, and how brokers can navigate a difficult lending environment for their clients.
Paul Wright started out in the finance world working at a bank when he was only 16. After finding his feet, he made the switch to broking and set up a MoneyQuest franchise office in Wollongong in 2007.
The recently crowned Regional Broker of the Year joins host Annie Kane to share how he went about establishing his own business, why he values being part of a bigger brand, and how his team is structured.
In this episode, Paul reveals:
- How he creates a positive working environment to keep his staff happy
- What processes he has in place to manage his team's workload
- What key qualities he attributes to his success
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, hear about the implications of stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne on real estate and financial services, the RBA's decision to hold the cash rate once again, and sales volumes jumping back up in the Perth market.
Effective marketing and lead generation play an integral role in any broker’s success at the best of times, but even more so under challenging circumstances such as COVID-19.
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Mortgage Choice, the CEO of Mortgage Choice, Susan Mitchell, and owner of Mortgage Choice Nowra, Paddy O’Sullivan, break down the importance of clear branding, thorough planning and timely communications.
Tune in to find out:
- The benefits of being part of a big brand with a specialised marketing team
- The driving force behind Mortgage Choice’s record lead generation conversion
- Susan and Paddy’s top three marketing tips for brokers
And plenty more!
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, hear about the impacts of Australia's record-breaking CPI loss, how sales agents are continuing to adapt to the crisis, and the slashing of stamp duty in NSW.
Earlier this month, Cathy Anderson was crowned Residential Broker of the Year at the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
The Smartline broker of 15 years joins host Annie Kane in this episode of Elite Broker to discuss why she decided to establish her own business, what sorts of loans she typically writes, and how she keeps on top of such large loan volumes.
In this episode, hear about:
- Her top tips for retaining staff
- The changes she's implemented in her business in response to COVID-19
- The greatest challenge she's had to overcome in her career
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, hear about changes to JobKeeper, what working from home means for agents moving forward, and lenders being implored to hasten approval times.
Andrew Kelly from Anasta Finance Consulting believes that being a successful broker is as much about finding fulfillment in one's personal life as it is about achieving great outcomes for customers.
The newly crowned Broker of the Year and Finance Broker of the Year at the Australian Broking Awards 2020 joins Annie Kane in this episode of Elite Broker to talk about how it feels to have won these awards and what he's most proud of over his career.
Tune in to find out:
- How a devastating fire changed his business
- The key to forming good referral partnerships with accountants
- Tips for new brokers looking to enter the finance broking space
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, hear about what the best agents in Melbourne are doing at the moment, the Australian Broking Awards 2020, warnings issued to agents for providing unlicensed advice to tenants, and survey findings about the overall mental health of the real estate industry at this stage of the crisis.
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards set to occur as a Live Broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we have been bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this final episode of the series, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Jennifer Hardy, head of event production at Momentum Media, to reveal their top tips for making the most of The Adviser's first ever virtual Australian Broking Awards 2020, partnered by NAB.
This final episode of the Australian Broking Awards 2020 Finalist Showcase also includes the full finalist list for each category. Make sure you check out the full finalist list to find out more about the finalists before the live event - which takes place at 6pm this Thursday (16 July).
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards 2020 set to occur as a Live Broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we are bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this episode, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Tony Carn, chief customer officer at NextGen.Net, which is a Gold Partner of the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
Also featured in this podcast are two finalists in the Regional Broker of the Year category: Xavier Quenon and Barbara O'Shea, who share how they are feeling about having gained recognition as part of the upcoming awards.
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, hear about how the real estate industry is navigating restrictions in Victoria, increased buyer demand in regional areas, and the growth of Australia's proptech space.
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards 2020 set to occur as a Live Broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we are bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this episode, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Aaron Milburn, general manager, mortgages for Australia and New Zealand at Pepper Money, which is a Gold Partner the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
Also featured in this podcast are two finalists from the Innovator of the Year category: Tanya Sale from outsource financial and Rodney Michail from Ausloans Finance Group, who share how they are feeling about having gained recognition as part of the upcoming awards.
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards 2020 set to occur as a Live Broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we are bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this episode, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Aaron Milburn, general manager, mortgages for Australia and New Zealand at Pepper Money, which is a Gold Partner of the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
Also featured in this podcast are two finalists from the Industry Thought Leader of the Year category: Jason Back and Leith Wickstein, who share how they are feeling about having gained recognition as part of the upcoming awards.
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards 2020 set to occur as a Live Broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we are bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this episode, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Mark Middleton, head of third-party distribution at Teachers Mutual Bank, which is a Gold Partner of the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
Also featured in this podcast are two finalists in the Loan Administrator of the Year category: Costa Demetriou and Jessica Whelan, who share how they are feeling about having gained recognition as part of the upcoming awards.
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
According to Equilibria Finance's Anthony Landahl, brokers need to establish early on whether they intend to remain a broker practitioner or become a business manager, as each objective requires a different decision-making process.
Anthony returns to Elite Broker to join host Annie Kane and reveal how he juggles being a broker with running a business, what processes he has in place to provide efficient and consistent service, and how he fosters an inclusive team culture.
Tune in to find out:
- The difference between a "farmer" and a "hunter" broker profile
- What his key business learnings have been throughout COVID-19
- How he hopes to broaden his service offering in the coming financial year
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards 2020 set to occur as a Live Broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we are bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this episode, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Chris Thomas, general manager of commercial broking at NAB, which is the Principal Partner of the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
Also featured in this podcast are two finalists in the Commercial Broker of the Year category, Tada Souvannavong and John Encina, who share how they are feeling about having gained recognition as part of the upcoming awards.
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards 2020 set to occur as a Live Broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we are bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this episode, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Nick Notaras, head of broker distribution NSW/ACT at NAB, which is the Principal Partner of the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
Also featured in this podcast are two finalists in the Training and Education Program of the Year category, Andrew Tan and Susan Hayter, who share how they are feeling about having gained recognition as part of the upcoming awards.
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, hear about last week's virtual REB Awards 2020, tightened social distancing restrictions in Victoria, and criticism of Hayne's recommendations regarding trailing commissions.
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards 2020 set to occur as a live broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we are bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this episode, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Nicole Triandos, head of strategic partnerships, broker distribution at NAB, which is the Principal Partner of the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
Also featured in this podcast are two finalists in the Residential Broker of the Year category, Mark Davis and Cathy Anderson, who share how they are feeling about having gained recognition as part of the upcoming awards.
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
With the 10th annual Australian Broking Awards 2020 set to occur as a live broadcast event on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm, we are bringing you a series of podcasts showcasing the partners and finalists across a multitude of categories.
In this episode, The Adviser's Annie Kane is joined by Steve Kane, general manager of broker distribution at NAB, which is the Principal Partner of the Australian Broking Awards 2020.
Steve and Annie discuss the new live broadcast format, why NAB is partnering with the Australian Broking Awards 2020, and what we can look forward to over the course of the next few weeks
Have you secured your place to the first-ever Live Broadcast experience for the Australian Broking Awards? Despite not being able to travel freely across the country, we will continue to celebrate this year's leading mortgage industry professionals and businesses. Register for FREE today and join us on Thursday, 16 July at 6pm AEST from your boardroom, office or even lounge room!
Last week, ASIC released its regulatory guide 273, the final guidance for the incoming best interests duty for mortgage brokers.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by ASIC commissioner Sean Hughes to discuss the regulator's new guidance on the incoming best interests duty for mortgage brokers, why it's essential reading for brokers, and what it hopes to achieve.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- The main updates between the draft and final versions of the guidance
- Why advisers should read and apply the duty even if they are not legally required to do so
- The most important elements of the guidance for brokers to understand
And plenty more!
As the director of a team of six other brokers at Mortgage Broker Melbourne, Marc Barlow is an advocate for tools that free up brokers' time in order to provide the most valuable service to their clients.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Marc joins host Annie Kane to talk about what triggered his shift from banking into broking, why he finds working with first home buyers so rewarding, and how he finds new business.
Tune in to hear Marc reveal:
- What he wishes he knew when he first started out as a broker
- How COVID-19 assistance measures have been affecting his client base
- What he considers the mark of excellent customer service
What's Making Headlines is your new source for all the very latest in Australian real estate news.
Tune in every week to hear hosts Phil Tarrant and Tom Panos bring you the biggest stories over the past few days, covering everything you need to know about the buying, selling, owning and financing of real estate in Australia.
In this episode, hear about agencies expanding both regionally and online, the hotspots most eligible for the HomeBuilder scheme, and the ACCC's Connective/AFG merger announcement.
Former business banker Zac Goodman established his Brisbane-based brokerage Mortar Finance two years ago and was recently awarded Queensland's Best Newcomer at this year’s Better Business Awards.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Zac joins host Annie Kane to talk about how he came to be a mortgage and finance broker, how he has been supporting owner-occupier and SME clients, and how COVID-19 has affected his business processes.
Zac also delves into:
- The range of loans he is writing at the moment
- Whether his clients will be taking advantage of the HomeBuilder scheme
- How he's cultivated a strong culture within his team
Recently crowned SA/NT Finance Broker of the Year at this year's Better Business Awards, Monica Wandel of SA Finance Hub credits her success to her breadth of experience in the property and finance space.
Monica joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to share how her business has fared through COVID-19, the tools she has implemented to increase automation in her processes, and how she sources business relationships with referral partners.
Monica also reveals:
- Why she decided to go down the independent route
- Why she outsources to specialists for help with particular aspects of running her business
- How she is supporting SMEs at this critical time
While times are tough for many businesses right now, others are experiencing even more demand than usual. One such business is Time Home Loans, whose founder, Ruan Burger, attributes to building good relationships.
Ruan returns to Elite Broker to share how his brokerage has developed over the past year, what processes he has put in place to adapt to the current climate, and how his referral partnerships work.
Ruan also reveals:
- Why it's critical to look after your staff
- How his aggregator has provided support
- His top tips for new brokers entering the industry
The coronavirus pandemic and its associated social distancing requirements forced businesses across Australia to change the way they operated, with many moving online for the first time. While the broking industry has long been adopting technology to create a more efficient and seamless customer experience, the pandemic saw many lenders change policies to enable brokers to write mortgages digitally.
With distancing requirements now easing, how much of the changes will remain in place, and what does the future of mortgage broking look like?
In this episode of In Focus, partnered by Loan Market, the executive chairman of Loan Market, Sam White, discusses his vision for the future of mortgage broking and how the advent of the 100 per cent digital mortgage broker is now upon us.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- How COVID-19 and the best interests duty will bring about digital brokers
- What are the leading digital tools and strategies helping brokers save time
- The future of training
And plenty more!
Kris Menon - NSW’s recently crowned Best Customer Service (Individual) broker at the Better Business Awards 2020 - credits his confidence and aptitude as a broker to his investment of time and money into ongoing professional development and training.
The Origin Finance broker joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to discuss how he got into broking, what good customer service means to him, and how his broking practices have changed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Kris also reveals:
- What tools he uses to market his business
- How he and his team guide customers through the home-buying process
- The biggest challenge he's faced in his broking career
In April, Momentum Intelligence conducted a major survey to understand how the coronavirus pandemic has been affecting the nation's small businesses.
Momentum Intelligence's head of strategy, Michael Johnson, joins host Annie Kane on this episode of In Focus to analyse the findings of the My Business COVID-19 Sentiment Survey, revealing how broker workload volumes, revenue impacts and mental health situations have changed.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- How the broking industry compares to other sectors
- Satisfaction rates around government relief packages
- What the next iteration of the survey will focus on
And plenty more!
Tired of the lifestyle that came with working as a lawyer, Craig Vaughan switched career paths and became a broker, establishing his own brokerage MAP Home Loans, and later, broker platform BrokerEngine.
Craig joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to share where his fascination with processes and systems began, how he's operating his business during lockdown, and the biggest challenges he's faced throughout his broking career.
Craig also reveals:
- His three key steps in recruiting a new client
- Why his brokerage decided to outsource certain tasks
- How he built the BrokerEngine platform
According to Peiran Hu, senior lending adviser at Norwood-based brokerage Keylend, "If you contribute with your heart, the customer can feel it." This commitment to providing exceptional customer service has led to him being recently crowned SA/NT's Broker of the Year and Best Residential Broker at the Better Business Awards 2020.
On this episode of Elite Broker, Peiran joins host Annie Kane to talk about what got him into broking, why he chose Keylend, and how he and his team are adapting to working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peiran also reveals:
- The pros and cons of being part of an independent brokerage
- How Keylend markets their business
- Tips for brokers on managing their own teams
Four years ago, Gordon MacVicar was a sales manager for a lighting company in Sydney while his wife Larissa worked in financial services. Fast forward to now, the couple co-own Mortgage Choice Peregian Beach, and Gordon was recently named Queensland's Rising Star at the Better Business Awards 2020.
Gordon joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to share how he and Larissa divide the business' workload, what he's learned about juggling family commitments and broking, and how he managed to embed himself into a new community up in Queensland.
Gordon also reveals:
- His approach to social media branding
- How he's educating clients around changing government policies relating to COVID-19
- What tools he is using to engage with clients remotely
Recently named Victoria/Tasmania Rising Star at the Better Business Awards 2020, Christopher Borg takes pride in offering his clients a full suite of lending solutions, including specialist niches.
The founder and director of Borg Financial joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to discuss what gives his brokerage an edge, how the coronavirus is affecting his clients, and how he continues to deliver excellent customer service under trying times.
Christopher also reveals:
- How he has adapted his brokerage to comply with social distancing
- Why being multilingual is a valuable business asset
- How Australians fare in terms of their financial literacy
With businesses around the world being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading brokerage Catalyst Advisers (part of the Catalyst group) is adapting how it conducts business to best meet the changing needs of its customers.
Founder and director Adrian Lee joins host Annie Kane to share how the crisis has changed his brokerage's business focus, how they are supporting workers on the front line by providing masks to hospitals and those in need, and why "team culture" has been critical for them in the current climate.
Adrian also shares:
- Why he's fundraising for medical-grade face masks for health providers
- An insight into the Catalyst hiring process
- How their business offerings have developed over the years
Welshpool-based Loan Market broker Balpreet Bal, senior finance specialist at WA Prime Finance Solutions, has always recognised the importance of educating his clients around potential hardships. Given the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic, which is threatening job security, preparation such as this is critical.
The recently crowned WA Broker of the Year and Best Residential Broker (The Adviser’s Better Business Awards 2020) joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to share how he is navigating the COVID-19 crisis, what makes him a leading broker, and the importance of maintaining a positive workplace culture - even under social distancing regulations.
Balpreet also reveals:
- The tools he is using to run his operations remotely
- What has been happening in Western Australia's first home buyers sector over the last few months
- How he intends to increase his number of referral partner
SA-based brokerage Rise High Financial Solutions recently won several awards at the Better Business Awards SA 2020 for its exceptional service, with its own individual brokers taking home awards on the night too.
In this episode of Elite Broker, director James Schulze joins host Annie Kane to outline the processes used by his team to establish long-term connections with clients, discuss how his passion for property investment paved a pathway into broking, and share how his business fosters an emotionally supportive workplace culture.
James also reveals:
- How the team is working remotely during the ongoing coronavirus crisis
- Whether acquiring their own ACL was a cost-effective choice for his brokerage
- His top three tips for new brokers starting out in the industry
This episode of In Focus, recorded live at The Adviser's recent Better Business Summit 2020, unveils what Australians think of the mortgage process and mortgage brokers.
By speaking to broker customers, direct channel customers and those who have not yet taken out a mortgage, the Consumer Access to Mortgages Report reveals exactly what borrowers want from the mortgage process - and, crucially, the channels that they think will deliver it.
Annie Kane is joined by the head of strategy at Momentum Intelligence, Michael Johnson, and director and co-founder of Momentum Media, Alex Whitlock, to unpack the statistics around mortgagor satisfaction and its implications for the mortgage broking industry.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- The misconceptions borrowers have about mortgage broking
- Why best interests duty is an opportunity for brokers
- What future borrowers think about the broker channel
And plenty more!
- Access the full Consumer Access to Mortgages Report
- Take part in the Third-Party Lending Report 2020
- Myths and Legends cover story
Broker and director of Vision Money Bridget MacGregor is an award-winning broker that covers clients across two different states, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Bridget joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to explain why she decided to go down the independent route, how being a Justice of the Peace adds value to her services, and her focus for the business moving forward in 2020.
Bridget also outlines:
- Why she chose AFG as her aggregator
- The technology and tools she uses to stay organised
- How she builds and nurtures relationships with referral partners
With almost two decades of experience in the finance and broking space, Anthony Alabakov has witnessed the evolution of the mortgage industry into the sophisticated, competitive, compliance-orientated profession that we know today.
The CEO of Victoria-based brokerage My Mortgage Freedom joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to share how he went from a fledging broker to finding the freedom to launch his own business, how he manages his team and his book as it expands into new markets, and the importance of fostering a positive culture within his business.
Mr Alabakov also reveals:
- How the diverse nature of his team's specialties sets his brokerage apart
- Why he decided to get his own ACL
- His plans to disrupt the mortgage industry in the coming year
From selling sandwiches in the schoolyard as a kid to starting his own footwear label, to becoming one of Sydney’s leading brokers, Fane Levy has always had an appetite for sales.
The Better Business Awards NSW Best Customer Service (Individual) finalist joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to discuss how and why he joined Shore Financial, what he considers the markers of success for customer service, and the challenges he has faced throughout his broking career.
Fane also outlines:
- How he tailors his communication style to each client
- What his post-settlement process looks like
- The qualities he looks for in a junior broker
As the former CEO of ANZ South East Pacific, Stapleton Finance founder Gayle Stapleton understands the nuances of investing in both Australia and the Pacific first-hand.
Gayle joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to share why she made the switch from banking to broking, how a traumatic experience in the Pacific Islands gave her new strength, and how she has built a strong business referral network with like-minded people.
Gayle also reveals:
- How she writes business in Australia and the South Pacific
- Why she chose her aggregator
- The processes and tools she uses for improved efficiency
Content warning: This episode contains content relating to kidnapping that may be distressing or disturbing to some listeners - listener discretion is advised.
This episode of Elite Broker reveals who made the cut in The Adviser's annual Top 25 brokerages ranking, run in partnership with NAB.
NAB's general manager of broker distribution, Steve Kane, joins host Annie Kane as they recognise the highest-performing businesses across Australia's broker space, discuss the importance of having different business offerings, and look at what makes a brokerage successful.
Theo Chambers, managing director of one of the Top 25 Brokerages, Shore Financial, also appears on this episode to explain how his firm manages to generate and write such large loan volumes and why hiring the right people is critical.
Tune in to find out:
- Why the broker channel is so essential in the Australian community
- How NAB is helping to address issues in the broker space
- Advice for brokers looking to run a leading business
And plenty more
In this episode of In Focus, brought to you by RateSetter, host Annie Kane is joined the platform's national sales manager, Nicki Olds, to explore how brokers can diversify their service offering.
Nicki outlines the core products offered by investment and lending platform RateSetter and explains how these offerings can provide brokers with more services to solve their clients' finance needs, which can help retain customers while expanding revenue sources.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- Why the consumer finance customer demographic aligns with homeowner customers
- How new calculators can support customers throughout the home purchase cycle (pre-purchase, application and post-settlement
- Why brokers should be embracing fintechs
And plenty more!
With the finalists of the Better Business Awards now announced, The Adviser's events team discuss this year's peak event for the mortgage and finance broking community, run in partnership with principal partner NAB.
Host Annie Kane is joined by Jennifer Hardy and Jesse Maslen on this episode of Elite Broker to outline what makes an award-winning submission, provide further details of the event, and run through the key sessions and agenda of the Better Business Summit 2020.
They also reveal:
- The importance of including supporting documentation in your application
- Why the panel will include judges from outside of the broker industry
- How the summit will help brokers improve their service offering
Matthew Johnson is the managing director of Sydney-based brokerage Simplicity Loans & Advisory as well as Marketplace.finance, a new digital solution for commercial finance.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Matthew joins host Annie Kane to explain what prompted his switch from banking to broking, why his brokerage consciously chose to focus on commercial finance, and how his businesses have implemented new technology to enable more efficient communication.
Matthew also reveals:
- His step-by-step process for getting a loan over the line
- The major trends he's noticed in the commercial lending sector
- His top tips for new brokers
Nick Reilly is the co-founder and managing director of mortgage broking and financial planning firm Inovayt, a finalist in this year's Better Business Awards Victoria in the Best Independent Office (5 brokers or more) category.
Nick joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to share why he opted to take the independent route, the benefits of having different service offerings within one business, and how the structure of his team delivers optimal efficiency and productivity.
Nick also details:
- How the business ensures offshore staff feel part of the team
- The systems used by Inovayt to simplify the loan-writing process
- The importance of post-settlement correspondence with clients
And plenty more!
Loan Market Bayside's Josh Bartlett recently reached the major milestone of settling $1 billion of loans, a major achievement for his nine-year broking career.
Having last appeared on the Elite Broker in 2017, Josh now returns to the podcast to discuss with host Annie Kane how he has fine-tuned his business strategy to consistently hit targets, why he considers himself a "mortgage psychologist", and how he applies his skills from his previous career as a personal trainer to write loans.
Josh also shares:
- Where his client referrals come from
- How he divides work amongst his team
- Why he shifted his focus to first home buyers in the last year
And plenty more!
As the year draws to a close, Annie Kane reviews some of the award-winning brokers that were providing excellent customer service in 2019.
Recounting some of the recognised brokers across both the Better Business Awards and the Australian Broking Awards, Annie reveals the leading brokers operating in Australia in 2019 - and those who are up for awards in early 2020, too.
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Michael Johnson, head of strategy at Momentum Intelligence, to delve into the Consumer Access to Mortgages report.
Annie and Michael recap the findings of the inaugural report, which took place during the royal commission into banking misconduct last year, and unpack the key areas of interest for the industry and how this year's report will aim to shape the discussion around the upcoming best interests duty.
In this episode, find out:
- What the Consumer Access to Mortgages report entails
- How brokers can benefit from the findings
- When findings of the report will be available
And plenty more!
Aussie St Marys franchisee and mortgage broking mentor Kim Horan transitioned from writing car loans into the mortgage industry and now operates a full-service brokerage covering residential, commercial and home loan protection needs.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Kim joins host Annie Kane to discuss what she loves about being an Aussie broker, her main takeaways from The Adviser’s EU Study Tour, and her major goals for her business in the coming year.
Kim also reveals:
- Why she now offers mortgage insurance
- How she sources new leads
- Her top tips for new and experienced brokers
And plenty more!
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Sam White, executive chairman of Loan Market, to delve into the value of paperless broking.
Loan Market was this year's winner of the Australian Broking Award for Technology Platform of the Year for its MyCRM platform and also took out #1 overall satisfaction in the Aggregator of Choice survey. Sam breaks down the benefits of tech-platforms in increasing efficiency, transparency and data accuracy for brokers and their clients.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- How software helps brokers meet ever-changing compliance demands
- Why brokers that adapt to new technology will replace those who don't
- Where brokers should begin digitising their process
- Plus, hear from mortgage broker Jacob Decru, who has made the move to be paperless!
And plenty more!
Domenic Cassisi set up his brokerage, Funding Options, while he was still captain of the Port Adelaide Football Club, and has since become an award-winning mortgage broker in his own right.
Host Annie Kane is joined by Dom in this episode of Elite Broker to reveal how he's kicking goals in his transition from AFL into broking, the sense of culture and community he fosters within his firm, and the time-saving tools he has integrated into his business.
Dom also shares:
- How his firm markets its brand using social media and radio advertising
- Why he chose to begin offshoring
- How he chose his aggregator
And plenty more!
As the recipient of Best Customer Service (Individual) award at the Better Business Awards in Victoria this year, Belinda Gibson places the utmost importance on providing exceptional client experiences.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Belinda talks to host Annie Kane about her female-only brokerage Thomas Magdalene Finance Group, why she expanded from commercial into residential broking, and how she manages her time effectively.
Belinda also discusses:
- Workload division within her business
- Social media as a means for networking with other female lenders
- TM Finance Group's adaptation to digital technology
And plenty more!
Belinda Caesar bought her first property at just 19, fell in love with real estate, and now delivers independent, award-winning broking services to clients all across Australia.
In this episode of Elite Broker, the Buyers Choice broker joins host Annie Kane to discuss how she gained such a diverse clientele, why she is sometimes referred to as a "mortgage therapist", and how she manages a rapidly growing business that is tripling in volume each year.
Belinda also shares:
- Qualities to look for in an aggregator
- Her thoughts on the best interests duty legislation
- Her plans to streamline
And plenty more!
Named "Rising Star" at the Better Business Awards in Brisbane earlier this year, Bradbury Finance's Kim Mahnken prides herself on her proactive approach to solidifying relationships with clients and industry allies.
The Hervey Bay-based lending specialist joins host Annie Kane on this episode of Elite Broker to reveal why she entered the industry, how the mortgage broking landscape has changed, and what sets her apart as an award-winning broker.
Kim also explains:
- Systems for workload efficiency
- Tips for excellent customer service
- Advice for new brokers
And plenty more!
Senior mortgage broker Lisa Maxwell was initially attracted to working at Aussie because of its compelling television marketing and brand recognition. Thirteen years later, she's now a franchisee of Aussie Annandale in Sydney's inner west and takes advantage of outdoor advertising methods for lead generation.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Lisa talks to host Annie Kane about her broking journey, why she's getting involved in the MFAA's Opportunities for Women report and how she efficiently manages both her time and her promotional investments.
Lisa also discusses:
- What can be done to encourage diversity in the industry
- Her top tips for brokers
- Why she's recruiting for a new broker
And plenty more!
Like many brokers, Sarah Farrugia has had several careers before finding her calling as a mortgage broker, having been a receptionist and a BDM before establishing her own firm, SAF Finance.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Sarah talks to host Annie Kane about how she balances managing a business, writing loans and mothering four young children, all while providing award-winning customer service to her clients.
Sarah also explains:
- Desirable qualities in an aggregator
- Tools and processes for efficiency
- Tips for delivering exceptional client services
Award-winning equipment finance broker Renee Tocco began her broking career in 2016, harnessing her skills from her corporate business account management career to lead an award-winning commercial brokerage, Loanezi.
In just three years, the Queensland-based broker has gone on to become a leading figure in the commercial broking space - and was appointed a director of the Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia last year, too.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by Renee to discuss her journey in creating a successful commercial broking business, why she's investing in her company now for maximum long-term gain, and why she wants to see more women join the space.
You will also find out:
- Why she chose to go down the independent route
- Why women need to support each other in the finance and commercial broking sector
- The importance of finding a niche prior to diversification
And plenty more!
In this special episode, recorded live at The Adviser's EU Study Tour in Dublin, Ireland, host Annie Kane is joined by two European brokers to learn how they are operating in their respective markets and the challenges they are facing.
Recorded on the final day of the three-day conference in Dublin, Irish broker and financial planner David Devine from Platinum Financial Group in Bray and Northern Irish broker, Ewan Richmond, from Mortgage Advice Bureau in Enniskillen, join host Annie Kane to discuss what broking is like in Ireland and Northern Ireland, and highlight the differences between the two markets.
You will also find out:
-
What their typical mortgage client looks like
-
What they think of open banking and the need for a more digital mortgage process
-
Why they are offering insurance protection to their clients
And plenty more!
Loan Market broker Daniel Pym is moving from strength to strength, with the 15-year veteran recently unveiling new plans to build on the success of his Double Bay brokerage.
The Sydney-based broker joins host Annie Kane to discuss how he delivers award-winning customer service to his clients in the Eastern Suburbs, and how he plans to diversify his client base by expanding into Sydney's inner-city.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with Daniel to find out how he managed a growing business in a complex marketplace.
Daniel also reveals:
- The challenges he overcame at the start of his career
- How he generates leads
- His tips for new entrants
Despite having only been broking for three years, Newcastle-based broker Amy Small has been making waves in the broking industry, settling more than 15 loans a month and delighting her customers.
The all-singing, all-dancing broker and keen scrapbooker joins host Annie Kane to discuss how she's been running the Newcastle arm of Professional Lending Solutions, her experiences of outsourcing and why she's taken the time to learn the ins and outs of Facebook marketing.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with newcomer Amy Small to find out how hard work and enthusiasm goes a long way to success and how she manages a growing loan book.
Amy also reveals:
-
The system she uses to write loans
-
How she builds her personal brand
-
The outsourcing model she uses
Broker and property investor Sofie Chapman joins host Annie Kane to discuss how and why she's been splitting her time across two states, servicing clients in both Adelaide and Sydney.
This independent broker is not only keeping herself busy by operating over state borders, but also by offering residential and commercial mortgages, all while managing her own property portfolio.
In this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with Sofie to find out how she's been doing it all, why she decided to introduce a fee for service this year, and why she uses a sub-aggregator.
Sofie also shares:
-
The conversation she has with clients around fee for service
-
How she went about buying a trail book
-
Her top tips for new brokers entering the industry
Banker-turned-broker Jaime Savory joins host Annie Kane to discuss how and why she left her banking career to set up Gippsland Finance Solutions in Bairnsdale, how she's been running a high-volume regional brokerage in Victoria, and what sets her business apart.
As well as operating the regional brokerage, Jaime is also an advocate for home loan protection and was a finalist in the category of Home Loan Protection Broker of the Year award at this year's Australian Broking Awards. So, in this episode of Elite Broker, we catch up with Jaime to find out why she thinks Australia needs to wake up to insurance, how she stays across industry changes, and her thoughts on the current environment.
Jaime also shares:
- How she chose her aggregator
- Why she is working hard to protect her clients
- How she markets her business and finds new leads
Darren Cantor, managing director of Mortgage Advice Bureau, joins host Annie Kane to outline how brokers can build value in their broking businesses outside of trail, what brokers can learn from the UK broking industry, and why he thinks brokers will take up a growing share of mortgage flows.
Building on his session from the Business Accelerator Program, Darren outlines the ways brokers can diversify to offer more solutions to their clients, and pulls on MAB's experience of running a leading UK brokerage brand to reveal why consumers value it.
He also shares:
-
How a deeper relationship with customers could fulfil the royal commission report recommendations
-
Why home loan protection and insurance is a no-brainer
-
What UK brokers do really well and how Australian brokers can learn from them
Loan Market broker Stephen O'Reilly Nugent, joins host Annie Kane to discuss how he's operating his growing brokerage in Victoria and why he thinks giving back is an important role for brokers.
As well as operating a brokerage, Stephen is also the founder and member of a relatively new community brokerage service, Brokers for Change. A social enterprise created for brokers that want to make a financial impact in their community, members of Brokers for Change donate 20 per cent of their commission to help the homeless in Australia.
He also shares:
- How a bad home loan experience led him to become a broker
- His thoughts on the ASIC shadow shopping exercise findings
- Why he set up Brokers 4 Change and what it hopes to achieve
Ruan Berger, director at Brisbane-based Time Home Loans, joins host Annie Kane to reveal how he runs his award-winning brokerage.
Ruan reveals his formula to running an award-winning customer service office, how he retains relationships with clients post-settlement and how he has built strong relationships with local real estate agents to generate leads.
He also shares:
- Why ethics and culture are important to running a business
- What award-winning customer service looks like
- Top three tips for brokers looking to start their own business
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Joanna James, general manager of Mortgage Ezy, to discuss how the health of homes may impact mortgage lending.
As well as managing non-bank mortgage lender Mortgage Ezy, Joanna is also passionate about property from an Architectural, Building and Building Biology point of view. To help brokers learn more about this growing field of interest, Joanna joins In Focus to reveal how buildings may be affecting our health, the ins and outs of building biology, and why she believes mortgage brokers need to be aware of its potential impact on the mortgage market.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- What Building Biology is and why it is important
- How building biology can be a unique value-add for your clients
- How building biology could affect lending and investment in the future
And plenty more!
In this bonus episode of In Focus recorded live on stage at the Loan Market Game On conference in Hobart, Tasmania, host Annie Kane is joined by Sam White, executive chairman of Loan Market; Brian Greer, CEO of Loan Market New Zealand, and Mike Felton, CEO of the MFAA, for a panel discussion surrounding the biggest themes impacting the sector over the past 12 months.
Looking forward, they will address the future of the broker channel, revealing why now is an integral time for brokers and businesses as potential changes surrounding broker remuneration loom on the horizon. They will also discuss how APRA guidance around serviceability changes will impact the market, and share their predictions for how the industry will look in six months’ time.
In this episode, find out:
- Why broker-client relationships are so important in the current climate
- What the consumer data right and open banking mean for brokers
- How the Australian broker channel fares compared to that in NZ
And plenty more!
Director and broker of Victoria-based Future Finance group Amie Tennant joins host Annie Kane to reveal how she runs an award-winning brokerage that is continuing to grow.
Amie reveals how she went from working at her local Subway shop to broking, her tips for hiring the right staff and expanding a brand and why culture is at the forefront of her business.
Amie also shares:
- How she keeps on top of administrative processes
- Tips for new brokers coming into the space
- What she looks for when hiring someone new
In this episode of Elite Broker, the dynamic duo from Loan Connexion, managing director Tracy Kearey and finance broker Lauren Conde, delve into how they perfected their relationship.
Tracy and Lauren reveal how they have built a strong relationship, how they keep on top of the administration side of processing loans and the importance of maintaining a good relationship with your BDM.
Tracy and Lauren also share:
- Biggest pain points when writing a loan
- Their processes for handing over loan applications
- Top 3 tips for brokers and loan administrators to work in harmony
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Suncorp’s national manager for SME and commercial, Robynne Frost, to discuss the need for brokers to offer SME finance, the rollout of Suncorp’s new broker training program and what it aims to achieve.
On the back of Suncorp’s $3-billion pledge to the SME space, Robynne explains why the bank is focusing on SME loans, the importance of SMEs having access to finance, and why brokers should be aiming to offer these finance solutions to their clients.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- Why Suncorp is pledging $3 billion in SME finance
- The details of its new Small Business SunEducation program
- How brokers can identify opportunities
And plenty more!
Sam Arthurs, Customer Service of the Year (Regional) winner at the Australian Broking Awards joins host Annie Kane on this week’s episode of Elite Broker to reveal how he delivers award-winning customer service to his clients and how Fabergé eggs got his broking career off to a cracking start.
Sam reflects on his win at the Australian Broking Awards, reveals what his bread and butter client is and what the Sam Arthurs customer service experience entails.
Sam also shares:
- Warrnambool property market trends
- How he sources new business and referrals
- Top advice for new brokers coming into the industry
In this episode of Elite Broker, broker and director of Birdie Wealth, Nathan Smith, joins host Annie Kane to delve into how his independent brokerage went from fledgling start-up to soaring to new heights after winning the Best New Office award at the Australian Broking Awards earlier this month.
Nathan reveals the biggest challenges he faced transitioning from a big franchise to independent broker, his top tips for setting up a brokerage and why he doesn’t talk about interest rates to his clients.
Nathan also shares:
- What marketing he undertakes to promote his brand
- How he plans to expand
- How he chose his aggregator
This episode of Elite Broker contains content which some may find confronting or distressing. If you are in need of support, you can contact the following crisis services:
Lifeline, 13 11 14, www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service, 1300 659 467, www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
You can find out more about Enough is Enough at http://www.enoughisenough.org.au/about-us/
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by the winner of this year's Australian Broking Award for Newcomer of the Year - Regional, Shellharbour-based broker, Craig Mowbray.
The director and finance lending specialist at Be There Financial Services discusses how he went from nursing to banking before becoming a broker a few years ago.
Tune in to find out how the award-winning broker has transferred his skills from nursing to broking, why he took the leap to set up his own regional brokerage and how he has set up relationships with the banks and avoids channel conflict.
Craig also shares:
- What channels he uses to maximise marketing
- His thoughts on guarantor loans and how he structures them
- How he networks to set up referral relationship across various industries
And plenty more!
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Mortgage Choice CEO Susan Mitchell and Gordon MacVicar, owner of Mortgage Choice in Peregian Beach, to discuss the ins and out of marketing and how to get the most cut through with your audience.
Susan and Gordon share the importance of branding, how social media can be utilised to humanise your brand, what marketing strategies generate the largest return and how they measure success from the different marketing channels.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- Which marketing channels get the best conversion
- How to establish your brand presence in a new area
- Their top three tips for brokers looking to up their marketing game
And plenty more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, Josh Ugo director of Finicky Finance sits down with host Annie Kane to delve deeper into the asset finance space and why he specialises in this segment.
Josh reveals how he works to understand his client's businesses, what he looks for in a mortgage broker partner and why he chose to specialise in SME and asset finance.
Josh also shares:
- How he markets to clients this time of year (EOFY)
- His top 3 tips for mortgage brokers looking to move into asset finance
- How he finds clients and retains them
And plenty more!
In 2017, author, speaker and founder of High Trust, Todd Duncan, joined host Annie Kane at The Adviser US Study Tour in San Francisco to unpack how brokers can connect emotionally with their clients and how they can best measure trust.
Following his keynote speech at AREC 2019 in Queensland earlier this month, Todd joins Annie once again for an episode of In Focus to discuss how brokers can be a purveyor of knowledge, the questions that can get a client thinking differently about the borrowing experience, and reveals the single biggest sales discipline that brokers can harness to better connect with clients.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- His advice to brokers wanting to "future-proof" their careers following the royal commission
- What it means to work in the best interests of your clients
- How the US broking model may shift to mirror a more Australian structure
And plenty more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, Katrina Rowlands, AFG's first hall of fame recipient and principal of Mortgage Success, sits down with host Annie Kane to reflect on her career and how she has become a leading broker and vocal advocate for the industry.
The Harley Davidson-riding broker discusses the challenges she faced when first breaking into the industry, how she builds and maintains professional relationships in Wollongong and why she's taking the unusual step of buying two camels.
Katrina also shares:
- Her marketing strategies
- How she adapted her business model to suit a broader range of clients
- Why she finds motorbike riding meditative
And plenty more!
Paulette will discuss how the broking sector operates in the land of the long white cloud, what it's like operating in a market where trail isn't a certainty, and how she manages and runs her Loan Market franchise.
Paulette will also share:
The value of having a successful broker
How she manages her referral relationships
Why she includes personality testing in her HR process
And plenty more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, Kevin Wheatley, broker and managing director of Bayside Residential & Commercial Mortgages, sits down with host Annie Kane to reflect on how his experience in logistics shaped his career as a broker.
Kevin also discusses the customer process in his diversified business and offers advice for brokers looking to enter the commercial finance space.
Kevin will additionally share:
- Why he avoids social media marketing for his business
- How he sourced private funders
- His thoughts on the state of the SME and commercial finance market
And plenty more!
Establishing a strong referral network is one of the key aspects of building a successful brokerage. But how do you make sure that your referral partnerships are benefiting all parties involved?
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by two specialists in this area - the managing partner and director of Encore Advisory Group, Mark Zaglas, and principal and broker at Lend Perspective, Haydn Marshall - to discuss the need for and importance of referral partners, the must-do's when forming these relationships, and how to ensure that these partnerships last for the long term.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- The pros and cons of paying a referrer
- How to ensure that you are receiving valuable quality leads
- The merits and challenges of forming joint ventures with referrers
And plenty more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, Acitv8 Finance founder Cathy Brown joins host Annie Kane to reflect on how she was inspired to become a broker while on maternity leave from her BDM role.
Cathy will discuss the challenges that she has faced in setting up Activ8 Finance, how she approached forging relationships with other professionals within the sector, and how her original business plan has evolved into the business that she runs today.
Cathy will also share:
- How her finance background aids her in offering holistic solutions for her clients
- The integration of outsourcing within her business model
- How she is combating the gap in the financial education system with her daughter
And plenty more!
In March, Keystone Financial took home the NSW Better Business Award for Community Engagement Program, in recognition of its Golden Hearts charity and community program and its work supporting B1G1 - a charity that funds projects in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, broker and director of Keystone Financial PJ Patterson joins host Annie Kane to discuss why community engagement and giving back is important to him, how he goes about offering a holistic wealth service for his clients, and his work chairing the Independent Finance Brokers Forum.
PJ will also share:
- His top tip for generating business leads
- What the Independent Finance Brokers Forum offers brokers
- How his community work is integrated into his business
And plenty more!
The In Focus podcast has previously looked at the role of CRM systems in creating more efficient, personalised service for the customer and broker alike, with the March episode hearing from REA Group’s Steve Carroll and how brokers can start their digital journey.
In this episode, realestate.com.au home loans specialist Peita Davies joins host Annie Kane to share first-hand how she is utilising digital services in her role, and reflect on the changes that she has seen in her 17 years as a broker.
Peita will share how realestate.com.au Home Loans is fusing the digital and personal interaction worlds together to help her meet her customers’ needs, how she is creating a social media presence, and how she measures favourable customer outcomes.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- The CRM system that she utilises in her business and how it has changed how she communicates with her team
- How technology is helping shape her business direction on a daily basis
- The importance of content to connect with customers
- What was involved in the transition into becoming a broker under the realestate.com.au Home Loans brand
And plenty more!
The branding of Rebecca Jarrett Dalton’s mortgage broking business, Two Red Shoes, cannot be disputed as she attends every client meeting wearing exactly that - a move that she says breaks the ice, gets a conversation started with her clients and mirrors the attitudes and branding of her business.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Rebecca joins host Annie Kane to discuss the importance of strong branding, how she is standing out from the crowd as a broker, and to reflect on her role as a board member for The Haven – Napean Women’s Shelter.
Rebecca will also share:
- How she has built a tech-driven, automated business model
- How she balanced motherhood with her business objectives
- The importance that she places on sensory acuity in her role as a broker
And plenty more!
Having recently travelled the country for the Better Business Summit 2019 and coaching countless mortgage brokers on a weekly basis, motivational speaker, coach, and trainer Niik Stewart from Niik Stewart Empowerment knows first-hand what makes a broker good, and what makes a broker great.
In this episode of In Focus, Niik joins host Annie Kane to discuss his transition from professional sportsman into the sales and coaching arena.
He reveals the turning point at which he was able to take control of his career, why goals are such an important part of becoming your best you, and how a shift in mindset can take you to the top of your game.
In this episode, find out:
- The basics of forming a strong relationship with a client
- How reverse engineering goals is key to your success
- What will make you stand out from other brokers
Having obtained continued recognition in the customer service categories of the Better Business Awards, husband and wife duo Marcus and Michelle Towner of Towner Finance reveal what they are doing to ensure that their brokerage is achieving excellent consumer outcomes.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, they join host Annie Kane to discuss their attitudes toward client communication, and how they have built a business which is almost 99 percent referral driven.
They will also share
- How they are navigating the current finance market and helping clients who may not gain finance approval
- How they juggle their personal and business lives effectively
- Their tips for new brokers in the current climate
And plenty more
Kathy Dundas of No Fuss Home Loans took home the award for Best Customer Service (individual) at this year's Better Business Awards NSW.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Kathy joins host Annie Kane to reveal how differentiates herself through customer service, the challenges she has faced in her journey as a broker, and her thoughts on where the broking industry could be headed.
Kathy will also share thoughts on:
- Ensuring good customer outcomes in an era of heightened scrutiny
- Choosing an aggregator
- The current state of property and credit market
And plenty more!
Customer service and transparency have long been a drawcard for the broking industry, but as society becomes more accustomed to using and relying on technology, brokers are increasingly needing to access and excel in the digital arena to stay front of mind and offer personalised services.
In this episode of In Focus, Annie Kane is joined by the REA Group's director of industry relations and digital sales coach, Steve Carroll, as he reveals what the digital tech giants are doing to raise customer expectations and how brokers can take advantage of these lessons to grow revenue and continue to deliver great customer outcomes.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
-
How the consumer experience is changing
-
What brokers can learn from Facebook, Uber and Airbnb
-
Where to start on your digital journey
And plenty more!
Red Door Financial Group took out three categories at the recent Better Business Awards in Melbourne, with the brokerage being named Victoria's Best Independent Office with 5 brokers or less and the Best New Office, while its director and broker Faris Dedic taking out the individual award for Best Newcomer.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Faris joins host Annie Kane to reveal how the brokerage is standing out from the crowd, how he is ensuring good consumer outcomes, and his top tips for new brokers.
Faris will also share:
- Why he believes that cold calling should be avoided
- His advice for those looking to set up their own brokerage
- The steps that he is taking to ensure business security in this time of uncertainty
And plenty more!
Cornerstone Home Loans director and broker Tracie Palmer has helped train more than 200 brokers since she launched her own mentoring program, Cornerstone Mentoring, 10 years ago and recently took home the award of Mentor of the Year 2019 at the Better Business Awards in Queensland.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Tracie joins host Annie Kane to share why she decided to become a mentor, how she balances both her mentoring and broking businesses, and why she believes that being a good mentor is about more than a simple chat with those you want to help.
Tracie will also share:
- The systems and processes she follows to ensure productivity
- Her advice on growing a strong support team
- Why she believes that you should associate with other successful brokers
And plenty more!
It has been a month since the banking royal commission's final report was released and each week seems to bring new updates, political inroads and new campaigns to showcase the value of the broker proposition and the remuneration structure.
In this episode of In Focus, Annie Kane is joined by MFAA CEO Mike Felton to outline what has been happening since the release of the royal commission's final report, the driving factor behind the MFAA's Don't Kill Competition campaign and an update on the work of the Combined Industry Forum.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- Mike's thoughts on Commissioner Hayne's report
- What he believes brokers need to be focusing on now
- The silver lining that has come out of all of the upheaval
And plenty more!
Northern Territory-based broker Janine Ashmore took home two awards at the Better Business Awards 2019 SA/NT, winning the Best Regional Broker for her individual work while her office (Aussie Darwin) was recognised as Best Regional Office.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Janine joins host Annie Kane to share how she is growing her business in the NT despite a downturn in the market, her thoughts on the royal commission recommendations and what it means for her business moving forward, and how her past career working with Centrelink has aided her broking career.
Janine will also share:
- The challenges that the NT market presents
- The marketing strategies that have worked for her and those that haven't
- The growth strategy of her business
And plenty more!
Leon Spadavecchia, managing director and broker at Financia, placed eighth in the Elite Business Writers ranking 2018 – having moved up 10 places on the prior year. In this episode of Elite Broker, Leon joins host Annie Kane to reflect on his 25 years within the finance sector and discuss how and why he decided to merge his business with another brokerage to form an independent brokerage, Financia.
Leon will explain the reasoning behind the merger, how work is distributed across the team, and the types of clients that they service in SA. He will also share his thoughts around the role of AFG within the industry, his stance on the recommendations of the royal commission into banking misconduct, and how changes to trail commission will impact his business structure.
Leon will also share:
- His tips for new brokers in the current environment
- What he attributes to his success
- Why he places such importance on referrals
And plenty more!
Having previously joined the Elite Broker podcast in 2017 to discuss the launch of his then new business Equilibria Finance, broker and director Anthony Landahl now joins us to discuss how his business has grown, how he is focusing on fantastic consumer outcomes and his thoughts on the royal commission recommendations.
The finalist for the Rising Star category of the Better Business Awards 2019 joins host Annie Kane to unpack how he markets his brand and how he is building a relationship-based business while utilising technology and systems to improve efficiencies. He will share how he forms and maintains strong relationships with advisers and other referral partners, and what he does to stand out from the crowd.
You will also find out:
- The types of processes that he is using to streamline his business
- His concerns surrounding a borrower-pays model
- How he plans to develop his business offerings in the future
And plenty more!
In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Charbel Kadib, journalist at The Adviser, and Momentum Intelligence's Alex Whitlock to discuss the recommendations of the financial services royal commission's final report.
With Commissioner Hayne recommending a move away from lender-paid commissions to a consumer-pays model, Alex outlines what Momentum Intelligence's recent Consumer Access to Mortgages Report suggests would happen to the broker channel, consumer outcomes and competition if such a move were implemented.
Join Annie, Charbel and Alex as they share their thoughts on the findings and government response to the royal commission report.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- What the main recommendations for brokers are
- Their word of warning to any policymakers
- How you can share your thoughts on the findings and imposed changes
And plenty more!
Richard Hewitt has always been close to the farming industry, having been born on a farm and even having tried his hand at being a jackaroo. His background, along with a degree in agricultural economics, has helped this leading agrifinance broker carve a niche for himself in NSW's regional communities.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by the broker and partner of Nimbus Broking to find out how he has done it. Richard will discuss his transition from agriculture to banking to broking and how he has gone from running an independent brokerage to setting up a niche franchise business.
You will also find out:
- How the drought has impacted his business and client base
- The main benefits and challenges that come with franchising
- How he sources clients and finds leads in what is a niche sector And plenty more!
Newcastle-based broker Brad East believes that experience is worth far more than qualifications. For Brad, however, it is a combination of both - along with perseverance and hard work - that has helped him succeed, he says.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by the finalist for the Rising Star award at the upcoming Better Business Awards NSW, as he reveals how he has built his business from the ground up and how the process of setting up that business differed from his expectations.
You will also find out:
- The common mistake that brokers make when chasing referrals
- Why Brad enjoys working with first home buyers
- His need-to-know advice on picking a mentor that is right for you
And plenty more!
After winning the Regional Professional Of The Year award at the Young Leaders in Finance Awards last year and a finalist in multiple categories at the upcoming Better Business Awards in WA, Bunbury-based director and broker at Focused on Finance, Harley Radovan, has been carving out a name for himself in the WA mortgage market.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by Harley to understand the keys to his success, how he grows strong partnerships with his clients and referral partners, and how he is growing his brokerage.
Tune in to find out why he became a broker, how he set up his independent brokerage and the challenges that he faced as a result of that decision.
You will also find out:
- His top tips for new brokers
- Why he believes legal advice is imperative in setting up a new business
- His predictions for the market this year
And plenty more!
As one of only five women in our Elite Business Writers Ranking 2018, and a new entrant this year, Holly Bundy of Bundy Financial Services’ has blasted onto the scene having written more than $100 million in mortgages last year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by Holly to find out how she is achieving the success that she is, how she is forging her own path in a male-dominated industry and why and how she runs her independent brokerage.
She will discuss the benefits of working as a broker and the flexibility it provides, her plans for the business throughout 2019, and how her business has changed over the years.
You will also find out:
- The challenges that came with starting her own business
- The mentors who have influenced her career
- Her thoughts on the royal commission's representation of the broker channel
And plenty more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane reflects on what has been a huge year in the broking sector, recounting some of the recognised brokers across the Elite Business Writers ranking, 30 Under Thirty ranking, and the Better Business Awards 2018.
Annie will also reveal the must-listen-to-episodes of Elite Broker for 2018, and looks forward to the Better Business Awards 2019.
In this special episode, recorded live at The Adviser's Asia Study Tour in Hong Kong, host Annie Kane is joined by the group CEO and founder of Malabar AI who shares why he believes that the royal commission has further blurred the lines between broker and mortgage adviser, and what the impact of that could be.
You will also find out:
- The positive impact that the royal commission could have on the financial advice sector
- How Malabar is helping brokers to more accurately match their clients with loans
- Why there has been so much focus on borrower expenses
And plenty more!
In this episode of In Focus, Lucky Money CEO Louis Velasquez and Bluestone BDM Jerome Porcia join host Annie Kane to discuss the changes that we have seen in the past 12 months within the lending sector.
Having both begun their careers working with the major banks, they will share how the non-bank sector is changing the game and rising once again, along with the benefits that it opens up to the consumer.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- How Bluestone will help your deal to be processed as fast as possible
- Their thoughts on the future of the lending environment
- How Bluestone is set to shake up the industry in 2019
And plenty more!
With more than 30 years in the finance sector and a broking career which began in 1987, WA based SME broker Michael Coombes has built a client base which continues to return to him year on year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane is joined by the leading Perth broker, who shares how the only thing that has been consistent in his business has been his client base. He discusses the importance of being able to adapt, change and do things differently, and discusses how he is educating politicians on the importance of the broker cause.
You will also find out:
- How he has built a strong client base having never advertised his business
- His advice for brokers wishing to try their hand at SME finance
- How he is achieving favourable outcomes when approaching politicians to discuss broking
And plenty more!
Regional broker and director of SMS Finance Colin Mason has broken into the Elite Business Writers ranking 2018, placing 10th after having written more than $150 million in residential mortgages in the last financial year.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Colin joins host Annie Kane to discuss his thoughts on the current lending environment and share how he is bringing in numbers that can compete with those in significantly larger markets.
You will also find out:
- How he ensures that all applications are complete and submitted within 48 hours
- How he is creating a strong referral network
- The one occasion where he considered changing careers - and what made him reconsider
And plenty more!
In this episode of In Focus, Brett Halliwell, general manager of Advantedge joins host Annie Kane to discuss the changing broker commission structures within the sector and the future of the industry in light of recent changes.
With Advantedge being one of the first lenders to shift broker remunerations in line with reforms of the Combined Industry Forum, he will discuss how the new structure is impacting broker incomes, his predictions for the industry going forward, and the increase in broker popularity.
In this episode, tune in to find out:
- How the wholesale funder is ensuring that it adheres to responsible lending guidelines
- How Advantedge is working with brokers to create awareness of white-label loans
- Why the role of the broker has changed
And plenty more!
With the major banks streamlining their offerings recently, coupled with a stricter lending environment as a result of the royal commission, more and more non-bank lenders are embracing the opportunities that these circumstances present.
In this episode of In Focus, Semper Capital director Andrew Way joins host Annie Kane to discuss how they are successfully targeting and attracting short-term commercial and SME borrowers, and what this means for the brokers who represent them.
In this episode, find out:
- About Semper’s new rates
- How to expediate a short-term loan
- How the current property market will impact the lending sector going forward
And plenty more!
Ulladulla broker and general manager of South Coast Business & Financial Solutions Karen Bashford believes that reputation is paramount to being a successful regional broker.
In this episode of Elite Broker, Karen joins host Annie Kane to share how she is connecting with the local community, how she became one of the Elite Business Writers 2018, and how she balances working on the business with working in the business.
You will also find out:
- Why she believes that diversification is so important for brokers
- How she makes the most of business cards
- Her top tips for new brokers
And plenty more!
Reverse mortgages have been in the headlines recently, with several banks announcing that they would be moving away from offering this type of loan to borrowers. But Heartland Seniors Finance has outlined that there is still a role for this product in the market.
In this episode of In Focus, Heartland Seniors Finance CEO Andrew Ford joins host Annie Kane to discuss the role of reverse mortgages in the finance market. Given the recent ASIC review into the space finding a number of benefits but suggesting that more could be done to educate seniors of the risks, Andrew shares how the lender is working with brokers to help customers make informed decisions.
In this episode, find out:
- The steps that a borrower needs to take to secure this class of finance
- When a reverse mortgage is not the right decision
- Andrew's advice for brokers considering entering into the reverse mortgage market
And plenty more!
Redom Syed’s journey into broking was fuelled by a passion to improve financial literacy among borrowers after his parents lost their jobs and, subsequently, their home.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Redom Syed joins host Annie Kane to unpack how he grew his business, Confidence Finance, which last year alone wrote more than 180 mortgages worth around $80 million.
You will also find out:
- How his work as a Treasury economist set him up for success in broking
- How he was able to position himself as a trusted specialist in the sector
- His thoughts on the declining property market and how it is impacting the industry
And plenty more!
Transparency in the mortgage industry, particularly when it comes to pricing, has been firmly in the sights of the regulators and commissions this year. Given this, neo-lender Australian Mortgage Marketplace is looking to improve transparency in the mortgage market and become Australia's first blockchain lender for mortgages.
In this episode of In Focus, Kym Dalton, the chief operating officer of Australian Mortgage Marketplace, joins host Annie Kane to discuss how the wholesale lender is adopting new technology to aid brokers in finding a tailor-made solution that meets their clients' needs.
In this episode, find out:
- The issues in lending that AMM is hoping to overcome
- How they are utilising real-time data in the loan approval process
- What it means to be Australia's first blockchain lender
- Why they are launching a crowdfunding equity raise
And plenty more!
Commercial finance broking is often seen as a tricky field to enter into, but Acuity Funding’s managing director has a 100 per cent success rate and is one of the most successful finance brokers in the industry.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, recorded at The Adviser’s Asia Study Tour in Hong Kong, commercial broker and Vow co-founder Ranjit Thambyrajah joins host Annie Kane to share why he became involved in commercial broking back in 1984 and how his varied career background has shaped his success.
You will also find out:
- His advice for those considering a career in commercial broking
- The types of lenders he chooses to use
- Why understanding client goals is imperative to implementing a successful strategy
And plenty more!
Brokers need to be one step ahead by providing proactive support to their clients - and that's the mantra adopted by Aussie Neutral Bay brokers.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Aussie brokers Alex Kardasis and Domenic Andreone join host Annie Kane to unpack how they deliver outstanding customer outcomes. They explain why the customer needs to be the focal point of every transaction, illustrate how technology is enhancing the customer experience and offer advice for new brokers.
You will also find out:
- How they are helping their team grow
- How tighter lending criteria have impacted their business
- How lead generation has changed over time
And plenty more!
In this episode of In Focus, Andrew Way, the director of Semper Capital, joins host Annie Kane to break down the basics of short-term finance and reveal how brokers can use the alternate funding to cement themselves as trusted business advisers.
Andrew also unpacks the options that Semper Capital is able to offer brokers and their SME clients and why responsible lending is a key part of its offering.
In this episode, find out:
- How short-term lending differs to more traditional types of finance
- Why short-term lending is on the rise
- How to identify borrowers who may benefit from a short-term loan
- What to do to increase your chances of getting a loan approved through Semper Capital
As a finalist in last week’s Women in Finance Awards and with countless accolades in the Smartline franchise awards, Deb Smith is well versed in what it means to be a successful woman in the financial sector.
In this episode of the Elite Broker podcast, Deb joins host Annie Kane to share how her marketing career has helped her create an impression in the mortgage broking sector, why she joined Smartline and her thoughts on the recent changes in the industry.
You will also find out:
- How the process for first home buyers differs from other clients
- The digital platform that Deb uses to best structure her day
- How she came to contribute to the Evolved Woman e-book
And plenty more!
In this episode of The Adviser's Elite Broker podcast, former banker and F45 proprietor Graeme Holm joins Annie Kane to discuss how and why he went from running circuits to running a multi-award-winning brokerage.
Tune in to find out why the director of Infinity Group Australia offers everything from debt reduction to mortgages and wealth creation, what makes his brokerage one of Australia's most innovative companies and how he is attracting and investing in the right team members.
You will also find out:
- What Infinity's budgeting platform entails and how it is helping their clients
- Graeme's advice for other brokers managing multiple brokers or broker offices
- Why he believes there is an education gap surrounding financial literacy
And plenty more!
If you'd like to learn more about how to run an efficient broking business, then make sure you attend The Adviser's Business Accelerator Program 2018.
Tickets have sold out for the Brisbane and Sydney events, so make sure you secure your space at the Melbourne event today to avoid disappointment!
This Thursday (13th September) is national R U OK? Day, a day of action dedicated to helping support those struggling with life.
In the lead up to the national awareness day, journalist and author of "The Wellness Doctrines" book series Jerome Doraisamy joins host Annie Kane to discuss mental health and depression and why working on wellness should be an ongoing priority.
In this episode of In Focus, tune in to find out:
- Jerome's personal story which saw him hospitalised due to his mental health complications
- What he would advise to those seeking help
- Why the financial services industry is particularly prone to depression and anxiety
- Some of the warning signs to look out for
And plenty more!
If you are suffering from depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, or you're worried about someone else, and feel that urgent professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or one of the 24/7 crisis agencies below.
Lifeline:13 11 14
www.lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service:1300 659 467
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
beyondblue:1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au
In this episode of The Adviser’s Elite Broker podcast, seasoned broker and director of Finance Brokers Tasmania Lance Cure joins hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell to discuss his 30-year-long career, which started out in equipment broking before he grew his brokerage into the success it is today.
Lance will discuss the changes that he has seen in the industry including the introduction of home loans, the necessary traits or new brokers should have, and the importance of taking into account the client's goals.
You will also find out:
- How he created awareness around the broking cause with a television campaign
- How he thinks the financial services royal commission will change the industry going forward
- His tips for new brokers
And plenty more!
After a career in hotel management, Aussie broker Sam Walker transitioned into broking, a move that eventually saw his team take out the award for Franchise Office of the Year at the 2018 Better Business Awards in South Australia.
In this episode of The Adviser's Elite Broker podcast, Sam joins hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell to discuss the intricacies of setting up a franchise business, while also sharing the challenges he faced.
Sam also discusses commission structures and what he feels new brokers aren't told about when entering the industry.
You will also find out:
- Why new brokers may face a few months without pay
- How he found the transition from hotel management to broker
- His thoughts on the South Australian property market
And plenty more!
With so many new brokers entering the industry and many looking to start work under their own independent brand, the process of starting off can be a daunting and stressful one.
In this episode of The Adviser's Elite Broker podcast, the winner of the Best Newcomer (Regional) category at the 2018 Australian Broking Awards, Ditte Westbury, joins Annie Kane and James Mitchell to outline why and how start her own brokerage.
The broker, who has previously been a shipping agent, chef, trainer and financial controller, will discuss why she chose not to join a franchise, the difficulties and challenges that she faced starting her own company and what its like broking in the coastal city of Noosa, QLD.
You will also find out:
- Why she places a huge importance on networking and the best way to approach it
- Who her mentor is and how she initiated that relationship
- What her business plans are going forward for the Viking brand
And plenty more!
Having been a broker for more than 15 years, Melbourne-based broker Clint Waters is an old-hand at broking and has seen the industry shift and change over the years. But while the industry has changed, providing exceptional customer service has not. In this episode of The Adviser’s Elite Broker podcast, the broker and founder of award-winning brokerage Axton Finance joins Annie Kane and James Mitchell to discuss the changes that he has seen in the industry, and how technology has become imperative to increasing efficiency and minimising human error within his company. Tune it to find out the ins and outs of setting up his independent brokerage, why he believes that strong relationships are key to longevity and give his advice for those considering broking as a career. You will also find out: - How Clint thinks potential changes to trail will impact the industry - Why he places a huge importance on stress management - The technological tools and systems he uses to improve efficiencies And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
Finance broking and writing loans for SMEs has been a hot topic of discussion this year, as government and regulators increasingly look at improving access to finance for the small businesses that are the "engine room of the economy". In this episode of The Adviser’s Elite Broker podcast, Australia's Asset Finance Broker of the Year 2018, Jason Gibson, joins hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell to share how a redundancy was the catalyst for his new, award-winning career. The CAFG Australease broker will discuss how commercial finance broking differs from mortgage broking, how he finds customers, and what his advice is for new brokers starting out in finance broking. You will also find out: - The importance of a first impression for both broker and client - His thoughts on the current SME finance sector - How he managed the transition from banking to broking And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
Madhu Chaudhuri is a broker and mentor whom many in the industry will know as a passionate advocate for the broker channel and a specialist in providing financial help for migrants. But she’s well known outside of the industry, too, as she goes above and beyond to not only make entrants to Australia more financially sound but also feel at home by providing community support. In this episode of The Adviser’s Elite Broker podcast, Madhu joins Annie Kane and James Mitchell to share how she made the transition from architect to broker, and how she juggles her own business, community work and motherhood. She will also share how her desire to help others led her to buy and run a childcare centre for those who were not financially stable, revealing why she became involved in a community organisation helping migrants with more than just finance. You will also find out: - How Madhu’s mentor helped her to decide to mentor others - Why Madhu believes that the role of brokers has to change - How she is utilising social media to educate like-minded brokers www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of In Focus, the general manager of NAB Commercial Broker, Chris Thomas, and Simplicity Loans & Advisory’s director, Matthew Johnson, join hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell to discuss the rise of SME lending, what small businesses want, and how NAB is delivering on its commitment to SMEs and the brokers who support them. In this episode, tune in to find out: - How NAB is giving fintechs a run for their money - NAB's offerings for SMEs and how brokers can harness them - Why NAB stands out in an increasingly crowded lending space - What can be done to improve access to finance for SMEs
Resolve franchisee and broker Liam O’Donnell has looked at broking from both sides of the fence, having worked for an aggregator and now as a broker. While Liam believes that all brokers are capable of delivering the same great outcomes for consumers, he says that the point of difference comes down to personality. For him, this cannot be expressed in an email or via the internet; hence, why he puts so much importance on face-to-face interaction. In this episode of The Adviser’s Elite Broker podcast, Liam joins Annie Kane and James Mitchell to share how he delivers a premium service to his clients, how he set up his business and how he overcame the struggles that come with being a single operator. You will also find out: - Why consistency in marketing is key to success - What made Liam decide to become a broker - How long it took for him to gain consistency in his income www.theadviser.com.au
Nancy Youssef’s initial attraction to broking was because of the flexibility that the role offered. Initially starting her broking business, Classic Finance, without a business plan and with the vision of taking more annual leave, Nancy has developed and grown the brokerage to one of the leading businesses in Australia and now offers mentoring and business coaching to others. In this episode of Elite Broker, Nancy shares why she became a broker, the importance of outsourcing, and how she ended up hanging out with Richard Branson on Necker Island. Tune in to find out: - How Nancy’s charity work is effecting change and opened up networking opportunities - Why you should focus on your passion - Her top tips for new brokers www.theadviser.com.au
Broker and director of BlackFish Finance Leah Busby is creating a name for herself as one of the leading mortgage brokers in Adelaide, with a string of awards attesting to her extensive knowledge and expertise, commitment to outstanding customer service and passion for meeting the needs of her clients. In this episode of Elite Broker, Leah joins hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell to speak about why she believes providing a holistic financial services offering is the key to success. Leah also reveals how she balances being a mother and broker and her attitudes towards taking on unexplored financial territory. Tune in to find out: - How she gets her clients excited about their goals - Why she believes that there is no client that she can’t help - The importance Leah puts behind having strong systems in place www.theadviser.com.au
Director of Calculated Lending Bianca Patterson is no stranger to recognition within the industry. The WA Better Business Awards this year saw her take out the Editor’s Choice award, and previously the titles of Broker of the Year in 2014 and Rising Star in 2015. In this episode of Elite Broker, Bianca joins hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell to share how her journey which started in politics and law has taken her to a career in broking, and how she is now changing the lives of her clients on a daily basis. Bianca will discuss how the challenging Perth property market is impacting mortgage demand, unpack where Calculated Lending fits into that market and share her thoughts on the importance of self-belief. Tune in to find out: - What made her realise that she should be running her own business - How she finds sharing an office with other brokers from other companies - Why a business plan is paramount to success And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
Winner of the 2018 Editor’s Choice award at the Better Business Awards in Victoria, Pinpoint Finance founder and complex loan specialist Edwena Dixon entered broking with the intention of being in control of her own lifestyle. In this episode of Elite Broker, Edwena joins hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell to share how her previous experience organising work placements for university students benefits her in broking and how she balances being a broker and a mother. Edwena will discuss the maternity leave process and how becoming a mother was one of the biggest challenges that she has faced in her career so far. Tune in to find out: - Why she chose to work under her own independent brand - How she went about finding the right people to outsource work to - The way in which she is helping to create financial awareness for high school students And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
Louisa Sanghera was initially hesitant to become a mortgage broker due to her knowledge and impressions of how the UK industry operated. Now three years into her career and recently having taken out the award for “Rising Star” at the NSW Better Business Awards, Louisa’s self-taught approach to mortgage broking has been gaining her recognition and respect within the industry. In this episode of Elite Broker, Louisa shares why she believes that her decision to focus on a clientele of women with children is working to her advantage, discusses the importance of hiring capable staff, and also unpacks what she has learned in regards to converting leads into business. Tune in to find out: - How outsourcing has been key to Louisa’s success - Why she set up “Connect for Success”, and how the support group has helped to grow her business - How she maintains a strong presence with community engagement And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of In Focus, Prospa’s general manager of sales and business development, Matt Bauld, joins hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell to discuss small business lending, the burgeoning fintech market and how Prospa is working with brokers to fulfil small business needs. In this episode, find out: - How Prospa’s lending criteria challenge the traditional lending model - What they look for in a successful broker-submitted loan application - Matt’s thoughts on the role of fintech lenders and small independents in a market dominated by the major lenders www.theadviser.com.au
Named as WA’s best residential broker of 2018, Capita Finance franchise owner Adam Donald has seen his career rise astronomically since his initial foray into sales, which saw him working as an aloe vera salesman. In this episode of Elite Broker, the award-winning broker shares why his training was paramount to his success and discuss the difficulties that he came across as a young broker in the industry. Adam also unpacks how his relationship with real estate agents is beneficial to his business and discusses how his approach to the WA market downturn set him apart from others. Tune in to find out: - His advice for Sydney and Melbourne brokers for when the market starts to cool - The importance of being surrounded by positive team members - Who his mentors were and how they were important to his development And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of In Focus, Royden D’Vaz, Bluestone’s head of sales and marketing, and Fay Wood, associate director at Mortgages & Co, join Annie Kane and James Mitchell to discuss the recent Cerberus acquisition of Bluestone’s APAC operations and their new offering in the near-prime space. Tune in to find out: - How Bluestone is catering to near-prime customers - What Bluestone is now able to offer to brokers and their customers - The factors that differentiate a good broker submission from a poorer one www.theadviser.com.au
In the latest episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by the director of Bowral-based Wilson Financial, Liz Wilson. Recently taking out the individual award for Best Customer Service at the NSW Better Business Awards, Liz shares how she manages to maintain her outstanding customer service level. As a regional broker, Liz discusses the importance of community engagement and how she establishes herself as an integral part of her community through business breakfasts, networking events and charitable activities. She will also share: - Why SMEs are her favourite type of client - How broking in the regions differs to that of the cities - How equipment finance has benefitted her brokerage And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
In the latest episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by the director of Elephant Financial, Shehan Wijayasinghe. Having recently won the award for Best Customer Service at the Better Business Awards NSW, Shehan shares what he believes is the key to delivering superior service to his customers. Find out why brotherly affection led him to start a career in mortgage broking, the hurdles he faced when setting up his own business, and why he believes brokers should be held to a higher standard. He will also share - The process he uses to ensure good consumer outcomes - His thoughts on fees for service - What he has learned about running an independent business And plenty more!
In the latest episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane is joined IFA Mortgages’ director Anthony O’Flynn and broker Luke Harborne. While at different stages in their careers, the two Bondi brokers are both achieving recognition within the industry: Anthony was a finalist in the Best Residential Broker category at The Adviser’s Better Business Awards NSW earlier this year, while his mentee and colleague Luke burst into our 30 Under Thirty ranking at seventh place last year. In this week’s episode, we find out how young brokers can learn from the more experienced leaders in the field, the importance of mentoring, and the strategies that they have put in place to achieve success. They will also share - The traits to look for in a mentor - Their thoughts on the current market - Anthony’s advice to brokers looking to hire new staff And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of In Focus, Brett Halliwell, general manager of Advantedge, and George Mihalopoulos, broker and director of Connected Finance, join Annie Kane and James Mitchell to discuss the rise of white label loans and how Advantedge is working with brokers to increase customer satisfaction. Tune in to find out: - What a white label loan is and how it is best presented to a client - The benefits of partnering with a white label provider - What Advantedge has to say about the Royal Commission
In the latest episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane is joined by seasoned broker and the winner of the Editor’s Choice award at the SA Better Business Awards 2018, Evan Sourbis. The principal of Henley Home Loans reveals why his reasons for being a broker have changed over his 16-year career, his recent induction into the AFG Hall of Fame, and how his dedication to good customer service has been paramount in the success and growth of his company. Find out his advice to those thinking of starting their own brokerage and how he overcame some of the biggest challenges of being an independent broker. Evan also shares: -How he engages with his local community and the importance of doing so -The changes that he has seen in the industry over the past 16 years -How embracing technology is key to an efficient business www.theadviser.com.au
In the latest episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane is joined by brothers Garry and Michael Pesochinsky of Full Circle Investment Group, a business so named because of the wide variety of services that they offer in an attempt to be a one-stop shop for everything financial. Both beginning their careers as brokers for very different reasons, the pair will share how they split the business duties and the type of journey a client will take when they approach their company. They will also share their thoughts on fee-for-service broking, negative posts and how they best utilise these in their social media, and their findings in regards to promoting a product versus promoting a service. Tune in to find out: -Their thoughts on how brokers can differentiate themselves from introducers -The importance of social media in creating a transparent business -What advice they would pass on to those hoping to set up a similar business And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of In Focus, the FBAA’s executive director Peter White discusses what the association, and industry, have been doing behind the scenes to champion the cause of the broking industry to the Productivity Commission, Royal Commission and Treasury. Tune in to find out: -What he believes brokers should be doing in this time of scrutiny -How the FBAA is working with government -What the Combined Industry Forum is up to FOLLOW US: Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on iTunes (Elite Broker) and by following The Adviser on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@theadviser.com.au for more insight! Facebook: bit.ly/2w6UJil Twitter: bit.ly/2wUziyq LinkedIn: bit.ly/2v6ETzE www.theadviser.com.au
In the latest episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane is joined by broker and director of Eventus Financial Alex Veljancevski, who was recently crowned NSW’s Best Newcomer and Broker of the Year. Although relatively new to broking, Alex has been forging a path for himself in the profession – coming in at 11th place in our 30 Under Thirty ranking in 2017 and clinching not one, but two awards at the Better Business Awards 2018 earlier this year. Owning his first property at 19 and starting his business by 24, this young broker outlines how he ensured his age was not a barrier to business, what drove his desire to start his own brokerage, and what he accredits to the rapid growth of his business. Tune in to find out: -What he believes brokers should look for in an aggregator -How mentoring has been and continues to be an important part of his career -The three qualities that he looks for when hiring staff And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
In the latest episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by broker and founder of Copper Finance Vinay Gehi, who shares why he became a broker after 18 years in the food industry. This Melbourne-based broker reveals his advice on building a database from scratch, why he believes in making his time with clients “feel like an experience”, and how he has grown his business while still maintaining the ever important balance that his family life demands. Tune in to find out what this broker has learntso far, the importance of having a mentor throughout the process and why he isn’t planning on growing his business just yet. You will also hear about: -The steps he took to become a broker -Why he decided to be an independent broker -The importance of customer service
In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by Smartline’s Roxby Downs broker, Joanne Dillion, to find out how she has been carving a path to success despite the downturn in the mining sector. This broker, who was recently crowned the Best Regional Broker at the Better Business Awards in Adelaide, discusses how she has been keeping pace in the regional markets, how broking in the outback differs to that in the cities, and what she believes contributes to her success. You will also hear about: - How she ensures she’s the trusted adviser for home loans - Why she offers budgeting and financial literacy programs - What her thoughts are on the current market
In this episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by the director of Mortgage Choice Miami and Burleigh, James Hasselle, to chat about how he went from being a broker client to becoming a broker himself. Find out how the UK broking industry differs from the Australian, and what James believes gave him the edge to place 10th in our Elite Business Writers 2017. Tune in to find out how the Gold Coast broker trains his staff, why efficiency is amplifying his success and how his team provides unique and satisfactory customer service using a step-by-step process. You will also hear from this broker about: - His thoughts on the current commission reviews - How he gains referrals - His advice to young brokers www.theadviser.com.au
In the latest episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by Cube Central broker and BDM Scott Beattie to chat about the radical steps he takes to ensure client satisfaction, why he took an 18-month career break and what he believes are the keys to success. The Queensland-based broker at the award-winning independent brokerage in Logan City took home our Editor’s Choice award for his exceptional dedication to his clients at the Better Business Awards Queensland last year. Find out why Scott offers clients a rewrite of their loan and a refund on the upfront commission if they aren’t happy with their loan, and how he has been growing his business. You will also hear about: - How he became a broker - His thoughts on the scrutiny of the sector - His advice to anyone starting out
In this episode of Elite Broker, join hosts Annie Kane and James Mitchell as they catch up with award-winning broker Josh Egan to find out why he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a broker, the key to his success in the industry and his tips for other brokers considering the same path. This finance manager and director at Astute Financial reveals how he ensures good consumer outcomes, what makes him in the running for the Better Business Award for Best Finance Broker (Vic), his thoughts on education standards and how he writes over $100m of loans a year. You will also find out: - How to help consumers avoid financial stress - His throughs on the Royal Commission - The future plans for his business And plenty more!
In this episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane chats with broker and owner of Sydney-based brokerage PFS Financial Services, Daniel O’Brien, to find out why he made the move from banking to broking and how he went from 'failing miserably' to writing more than 360 mortgages a year. Recognised as Best Residential Broker 2017 at the Better Business Awards (NSW) and is a finalist in two categories of the Better Business Awards this 2018, the broker also shares his thoughts on the royal commission, the productivity commission and the current regulatory environment. Tune in to find out: - How he built his brokerage - How he identified the right time for bringing in support staff - His key tips for brokers starting out And plenty more!
Ahead of his session at The Adviser’s Better Business Summit, the Australian Lending & Investment Centre’s managing director, Jason Back, reveals how he runs one of the country’s leading independent brokerages, his thoughts on outsourcing, and why training is imperative. In this episode of In Focus, tune in to find out: - Why he believes brokers need to delegate, - How to succeed without a background in finance - His thoughts on technology changes in the industry
This week on Elite Broker, Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by another former athlete, ex-AFL player Sean Wellman, who reveals the lessons he has taken into business from his 212 game AFL career, and why he’s gone from coaching footie to coaching borrowers on finance. After joining Positive Home Loans in 2013, the Victoria-based broker last year launched his own brokerage, Wellman Finance, where he is now principal and residential lending manager. The Essendon footie defender and assistant coach discusses the skills he has transferred from his athletic career to broking, and the trends he sees for the Melbourne market in 2018. We also find out: • His top tips for new brokers • How his business has progressed in the last year • His passion for podiatry
This week, Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by a new broker, Loan Market’s Bernard Desmond, to find out how he has written $20 million in his first six months of business. The Melbourne-based broker, who is up for Best Customer Service and Rising Star at the Better Business Awards (Victoria), discusses what triggered him to make the jump from banking to broking, his 2018 goals after exceeding all expectations last year, the highlights of his career so far as well as the secrets to his success. You will also find out: - Why he launched a video series - Why he is recruiting for a customer-service role - Why he chose Loan Market www.theadviser.com.au
Intuitive Finance managing director, Andrew Mirams, is this week’s guest on Elite Broker and reveals how he first got into the industry, how he wrote 346 loans last year and why he believes that being a specialist allows for greater growth. The broker, who came third in the 2017 Elite Business Writers ranking and is a nominee for this year’s Best Finance Broker Award at the Better Business Awards (Victoria), reveals what skills he transferred the banking industry and what he attributes to his success. Tune in to find out his top learnings after having been in finance for more than 30 years and his key tips for brokers starting out. You will also hear about his thoughts on: • CBA’s accreditation changes • APRA’s macroprudential controls • What the mortgage market will look like in 2018 And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
Annie Kane and James Mitchell are joined by professional cyclist turned Finance Detective mortgage broker Travis Meyer to discuss why he chose to take the off ramp from cycling, how he settled $20 million in his first year and what his goals are for the future. The WA-based broker reveals his thoughts on the entry requirements for brokers, what drew him to work for Finance Detective and why he is helping young athletes understand their finances better. We also reveal: - How mentors helped him throughout the journey - His thoughts on the new CBA accreditation requirements - What he would tell his past self www.theadviser.com.au
Yellow Brick Road Earlwood principal Effie Nicol joins Annie Kane and James Mitchell as the first Elite Broker guest of the new year. The broker reveals how she works with clients to address their financial needs, some details of her work fundraising for charities and supporting women in finance, and why she is setting her sights on expansion. Ms Nicol also talks about how she achieved her goals of building a business as a “one-woman show”, the biggest change in her life and how she manages her work and social life. You will also find out: - Why she chose Yellow Brick Road - How her mentors helped her - Why it is important to plan ahead and create a budget www.theadviser.com.au
Marissa Schulze, director and broker at Rise High Financial Solutions, joins Annie and James to reveal why she is passionate about improving financial literacy and how it felt to be awarded the Young Leader of the Year at the inaugural Women in Finance Awards. The award-winning SA-based broker also discusses her experience of driving a solar car from Darwin to Adelaide, why she brought accounting services in house and the impact of team culture on the company’s success. This broker also tells us: - The many different professions she tried before becoming a broker - How she balances her work and home life - Her thoughts on remuneration structures
Theo Chambers, the CEO of North Sydney-based Shore Financial, joins Annie and James in the studio to discuss why he diversified the brokerage to include in-house legal and wealth departments, why he’s “in-sourcing” data entry and why he’s launching a white label product next year. Theo also reveals his experiences of transitioning from broker to CEO, his advice for those considering the same journey and the factors that became the keys to his success. Find out: • Why he doesn’t outsource services • His thoughts on blockchain systems • How mentorship plays a part in his success And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
In a special edition of Elite Broker, Annie Kane and James Mitchell report from The Adviser’s Rising Stars event to reveal the top young brokers that made it into The Adviser’s 30 Under Thirty ranking 2017. Annie catches up with this year’s winner George Samios and Connective director Mark Haron to find out what it takes to become the number one young broker in Australia. We reveal: - The top 30 young brokers in Australia - How technology is helping George to write more loans - How Connective is supporting brokers www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane is joined by Todd Duncan, founder of High Trust, to find out the one question brokers need to can ask to connect emotionally with clients, the trick to talking to fewer people but doing more business and how much time brokers should be spending on income-producing activities. Tune in to find out how one broker closed 71 loans in a month after hosting one seminar, and what Todd Duncan’s key tips for brokers are. You will also hear about: • The things he learnt from his mentor • Why empathy is critical • How he measures trust www.theadviser.com.au
Queensland-based broker Matt Punter joins Annie Kane and James Mitchell in the studio to share his thoughts on residential and commercial property investment in Queensland and the broader Australian market. The Savings Centre chief executive talks about his background in banking, how he got into broking and the challenges of writing insurance and other types of business. He also discusses his experience competing in an ultra-marathon and how life coaching provided a rigorous form of personal growth. You will also find out: • The most useful preparation for his brokering career • The challenges in the housing market he is facing • His thoughts on lending changes www.theadviser.com.au
A new entrant this year, Jamie Giles from Giles Finance Group reveals his secrets on how he exceeded expectations to come 6th in the 2017 Elite Business Writers ranking. Jamie discusses the importance of being adaptable and accessible to his clients, how harnesses his 23 years of banking experience to exceed at broking, and reveals his tips for success for young brokers. We reveal: - His goals for the next 12 months - His thoughts on mentors - His tips on how to run a better business www.theadviser.com.au www.theadviser.com.au/media-video/el…-2017-revealed
After jumping 35 places to third place in the Elite Business Writers 2015 ranking, Josh Bartlett has once again climbed the ladder to achieve second place this year. The Loan Market broker joins James and Annie to discuss how his structure and procedures have allowed him to become one of the top business writers, what he has learnt over the last six years as a broker, as well as the tips he has for listeners. We reveal: - How his staff have impacted his success - How his clientele dictates his business - His goals for the future www.theadviser.com.au https://www.theadviser.com.au/media-video/elite-broker/37015-elite-business-writers-2017-revealed
In this episode of Elite Broker, James Mitchell talks to Loan Market broker Hannah Nguyen, who ranked in 20th place in this year’s Elite Business Writers ranking. The highest ranked female broker outlined that her success comes down to not only providing “second to none” quality of service but also by loving what she does. Tune in to find out how the Victoria-based broker generates leads, why she integrates insurance into her offering, and how the diversification of applications and keeping up with the latest knowledge and policy products from the banks got her to the top. We reveal: - How she balances home loans and insurance needs - The impact of word of mouth referrals - Why her clients are “gold” www.theadviser.com.au https://www.theadviser.com.au/media-video/elite-broker/37015-elite-business-writers-2017-revealed
Annie and James reveal The Adviser’s Elite Business Writers ranking for 2017, celebrating the top 25 brokers in the country. Tune in to hear who the top 10 brokers are, how the figures have changed from last year, and the volumes that these elite brokers are writing. www.theadviser.com.au https://www.theadviser.com.au/features/rankings/37006-elite-business-writers-2017
Allbiz Finance Brokers director and commercial equipment finance broker Kathryn Bordonaro joins The Adviser to discuss gender equality in the finance industry, overcoming personal challenges, and how she addresses the element of loneliness within the profession. The winner of the Association Leader of the Year category at this year's Women in Finance Awards reveals how she went from living on a small farm to becoming the director of an award winning company and helping to consult on legislation, as well the tips she has for mortgage brokers looking to break into the commercial space. Tune in to her: • How she juggles a social life while running multiple business • how the broking industry has evolved • Her thoughts on mentors www.theadviser.com.au
Loan Market’s Lee Wisniewski talks to The Adviser team about his journey from car salesman to mortgage broker, the ups and downs he’s encountered throughout and how he survived a life threatening brain haemorrhage. This broker has a passion for people and helping them achieve positive outcomes. In this episode he also discusses the mistakes he has made along the way, what he has learned, and how what advice he would give to his younger self You will also find out: • His venture into the fitness business • His thoughts on new technology • Why he supports community projects www.theadviser.com.au
Broker and managing sirector of Home Loan Connexion, Tracy Kearey, joins The Adviser team to relive her 20-year journey in the broking industry, what she does differently and why she’s going above and beyond for her staff. The Principal of the Year reveals the secrets to success, what keeps her motivated, and how an anxiety attack led her to launch a new mental wellbeing programme. You will also find out: • What her mentors taught her • How she handles pressure • Her thoughts on winning the Principal of the Year award at the inaugural Women in Finance Awards www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, the founder and managing director of Wealthful joins The Adviser team to talk how he’s married mortgage broking and financial planning to provide a diversified offering. Tune in to learn how Chris segregates mortgage broking from the financial planning side of the business, how technology will impact financial advice in future, his social media marketing strategies and its benefits, and his advice to mortgage brokers thinking about offering financial advice. You will also find out: • His thoughts on fee-for-service vs commissions • How he manages his clients and the stresses behind the role • How to build strong relationships • How he overcame the difficulties he has faced www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of In Focus, OnDeck Australia’s head of sales Michael Burke and SME Finance Group CEO Neil McKay join Annie Kane to talk everything business lending related, and the marketing channels they use “that drive origination”. Tune in as they reveal the opportunities brokers can give SMEs, how speed and ease of transactions can help businesses succeed, the benefits of using Equifax’s credit scoring system, and their top tips for brokers looking to break into this space. In this episode, you also find out: • What they have learned in the broker channel • The importance of cash flow lenders • How data can help brokers and businesses make informed decisions ARTICLES OF INTEREST: Grow and diversify your business with Reverse Mortgages - bit.ly/2weO2v3 REA lacks ‘competitive advantage’ in broker channel - bit.ly/2wf10sE 'Harder to get a loan approved by a bank': Bouris - bit.ly/2weNLZ1 Bouris eager to innovate amid APRA crackdown - bit.ly/2wZ8pJ5 FOLLOW US: Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on iTunes (Elite Broker) and by following The Adviser on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@theadviser.com.au for more insight! Facebook: bit.ly/2w6UJil Twitter: bit.ly/2wUziyq LinkedIn: bit.ly/2v6ETzE www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser team talk to Geelong-based Loan Market broker Sarah Thomson about her 18 years of broking, how the industry has changed over time, and the role of women in the industry. Tune in to find out why she decided to become a broker, her thoughts on mortgage stress, the reasons for going P&I instead of interest-only, and what she would advise her younger self if she were starting out again. Find out how she: • Balances home and work life • Mentors her team • Manages client expectations And plenty more! www.theadviser.com.au
Former medical sales rep turned broker John Manciameli, talks to the team about why he set up Australia’s first aggregator of investment property research houses. In this episode, the Hunterwood broker reveals how his dream of changing the way Australians invest led to him launching Slipstream, as well as why it’s important for brokers to consider ethics in their financial decisions. Tune in to hear more about the relationships he has with brokers and his advice for those new to the industry. In this episode you will find out: - How brokers can get the most out of their databases - What the investment market looks like now - The good and bad of investment lending changes http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser team talk to First Point mortgage brokers Chris Pryer and Jonathan Harris, who discuss how they went into the industry straight out of school, the benefits of working for a smaller, boutique-style operation, the importance of understanding client and business needs, and how company culture can impact your work life. Tune in to find out how they manage the day-to-day duties, the ups and downs they have faced along the way, and their transition from junior roles to being representatives of a new generation of entrepreneurial finance professionals. http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, Astute Ability Group owner Mhairi MacLeod reveals how she successfully applied her knowledge of the motor trade industry to form an award-winning asset finance firm. Tune in as she explains why it is important to build a character that can work effectively in a male-dominated industry, how to sustain long-standing relationships with lenders, the significance of forming alliances, and her top tips for brokers looking to diversify.
The Adviser talks to Tom Blackhurst and Chaice Paterson, the team behind Brisbane-based brokerage Winning Home Loans, to find out how they combined their sales, financial planning and mortgage broking capabilities to create a thriving business that better services consumers. Tune in to Elite Broker to hear how they operate the business as a team, how they’re coaching their clients towards a brighter financial future, as well as their long-term vision for Winning Home Loans and how they’ll work to achieve their goals. Find out how this broker team: - Have created the “perfect” business relationship - Are creating a sticky customer base - Have achieved a work/life balance ARTICLES OF INTEREST: Aussie chairman sells stake for $164m of CBA shares - http://bit.ly/2wgA0b4 Market ‘noise’ pushes non-major to strengthen communication - http://bit.ly/2wHzS5e Brokers ‘have to show’ emotional IQ: ALIC - http://bit.ly/2goilZp Broker calls for whistle-blower protections - http://bit.ly/2gngQuo FOLLOW US: Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on iTunes (Elite Broker) and by following The Adviser on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@theadviser.com.au for more insight! Facebook: bit.ly/2w6UJil Twitter: bit.ly/2wUziyq LinkedIn: bit.ly/2v6ETzE www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, N1 Holdings chief executive Ren Wong reveals how he successfully transformed his brokerage into an ASX-listed firm that offers consumers a holistic, one-stop shop for all their financial needs. Tune in as he explains why diversification was the key to his success, how he generates consistent income throughout the business and how it has enabled him to pay his team a wage, as well as his advice for new-to-industry brokers on diversifying and adding to their service offering. In this episode, find out: - Why Ren had $8.8 million in loans declined in his first year - How he implemented a PAYG model within his business - How cross-selling between teams generates consistent leads - His thoughts on a fee-for-service structure in the broking industry ARTICLES OF INTEREST: APRA curbs driving turnaround blowouts - http://bit.ly/2wlPBXL Brokers, banks accused of using ‘aggressive sales tactics’ -http://bit.ly/2v3pVzr Australian public ‘deserves to know’: FBAA - http://bit.ly/2g3mkdJ National TV campaign champions mortgage brokers - http://bit.ly/2wwHwQz FOLLOW US: Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on iTunes (Elite Broker) and by following The Adviser on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@theadviser.com.au for more insight! Facebook: bit.ly/2w6UJil Twitter: bit.ly/2wUziyq LinkedIn: bit.ly/2v6ETzE www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of In Focus, Heartland Seniors Finance chief executive Andrew Ford gives listeners the rundown on reverse mortgages and how these products are giving consumers more power over their financial futures. Tune in as Mr Ford reveals why a lack of awareness about reverse mortgages is their only true competitor, why he’s seen an increase in consumer demand as banks pull back from this space, and his advice for brokers looking to connect with this demographic and add to their business. In this episode, find out: - How the team works with brokers and consumers alike - Why reverse mortgages are heavily regulated - The importance of education in this space ARTICLES OF INTEREST: Grow and diversify your business with Reverse Mortgages - http://bit.ly/2weO2v3 REA lacks ‘competitive advantage’ in broker channel - http://bit.ly/2wf10sE 'Harder to get a loan approved by a bank': Bouris - http://bit.ly/2weNLZ1 Bouris eager to innovate amid APRA crackdown - http://bit.ly/2wZ8pJ5 FOLLOW US: Did you like this episode? Show your support by rating us or leaving a review on iTunes (Elite Broker) and by following The Adviser on social media: Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. If you have any questions about what you heard today, any topics of interest you have in mind, or if you’d like to lend your voice to the show, email editor@theadviser.com.au for more insight! Facebook: http://bit.ly/2w6UJil Twitter: http://bit.ly/2wUziyq LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/2v6ETzE www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to the Australian Lending & Investment Centre's Natasha Choi, who discusses her involvement with the New Broker Academy and her key takeaways from being a new-to-industry broker. In this episode of Elite Broker, she also explains the importance of client education in the face of media noise and reveals how she’s helping her clients achieve their wealth-creation goals. In this episode, find out: - Why Ms Choi still considers herself a new-to-industry broker - Insights into how her clients balance their finances - How her career in finance paved the way for her career in broking http://www.theadviser.com.au
In light of changes to mortgage lending, Nelson Bedoya says the role of the broker has never been more important – that’s why he’s working to become the “branch manager of the 80s” by providing consumers with the best customer experience possible. In this episode of Elite Broker, he explains why you’re always learning as a mortgage broker and reveals how he’s identifying opportunities in the changing environment to bring in new business to his growing brokerage. In this episode, find out: - How Nelson’s career has gone from strength to strength - How he's targeting new avenues for engaging prospects - How brokers can identify and improve weak spots in their businesses http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to Newcastle lending strategist Brenden Lowbridge, who explains why regional broking is relationships-driven and how working within a smaller community enabled him to better connect with professionals in his field. Tune in to Elite Broker as Mr Lowbridge shares his thoughts on “mentor” as a buzzword, the learning curve he experienced as a new-to-industry broker, as well as how his specialisation in the investment space is enabling his investor clients to effectively replace their income through property. In this episode, find out: · How changes to lending are affecting clients · Investment opportunities within the Newcastle market · Why success in regional broking relies on the quality of relationships http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this bonus episode of Elite Broker, 1st Street Home Loans founder Jeremy Fisher discusses the group’s broker productivity, the investment they’re making into the retention and management of their loan book, as well as his thoughts on 1st Street placing fifth in this year’s Top 25 Brokerages ranking. In this episode, find out: - How the 1st Street team wrote over $91 million in loans - How Jeremy recruits new brokers - How he’ll manage his workload as the business matures http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser talks to Damian Collins about how Momentum Wealth’s end-to-end service offering and support team work closely with mortgage brokers to effectively manage client expectations. You’ll also hear his thoughts on what it takes to provide excellent customer service amidst changes to lending and how the business is educating clients about the mortgage writing process. In this episode, find out: - How changes to mortgage policy have affected western states - Why Damian is encouraging clients to consider commercial property - How the business effectively manages client expectations http://www.theadviser.com.au
Aussie chief executive James Symond talks to The Adviser about how the business has maintained its position as the country’s leading mortgage brokerage since 2013, as reflected once again in this year's Top 25 Brokerages ranking. In this bonus episode of Elite Broker, Mr Symond explains why working with new-to-industry brokers has been critical to the business’s overarching success, and how Aussie plans to remain at the forefront of the broking industry for years to come. In this episode, find out: - How Aussie services its dual customer base - The key differences between franchise and non-franchise groups - Why Aussie will continue to grow in the face of online disruption http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, industry veteran Brett Spencer explains that while the emergence of online players won’t run brokers out of business, brokers should continue to evolve with technology or risk being left behind. Tune in to hear Brett's thoughts on how technology is optimising the customer experience in a “spend society” and how brokers can work with fintechs to strengthen the industry at large. In this episode, find out: - Brett's thoughts on responsible lending - How technology is simplifying the mortgage writing process - Why new ideas from new groups can improve the industry http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this bonus episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser talks to iSelect chief executive Scott Wilson about ranking among this year’s Top 25 Brokerages. Tune in as he explains why technology is the future of broking and how iSelect has overcome customer pain points by simplifying and streamlining the home loan process with an online service offering. In this special episode, find out: - The value online services bring to the broking industry - How brokers can harness the power of technology to optimise the customer experience - What iSelect has in store for the future http://www.theadviser.com.au
This year the Top 25 Brokerages welcomed eight new entrants, a clear indicator that Australian mortgage businesses are continuing along a strong growth trajectory. Online brokerages are becoming increasingly prevalent, but the big franchise groups continue to dominate. In this special episode of Elite Broker, we discuss: - How the Australian mortgage market is changing - The emergence of online brokerages - REA Group and Domain’s entry into the third-party channel - Full details of this year’s Top 25 Brokerages Tune in for more! http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser talks to award-winning regional broker Tamara Virgo, who reveals how she made the most out of an adverse economic climate to succeed in the broking industry. Tune in as the TV Financial founder explains how being made redundant spurred her on to a career in broking, how she got her business off the ground during a financial crisis, as well as what she’s doing to prepare herself for exciting new developments ahead. Find out how this broker: - Made the most out of redundancy by forging a new career - Has prepared herself in the face of an economic downturn - Implemented financial planning into the business
The Adviser talks to Aaron and Bernadette Christie-David from Atelier Wealth, who explain why higher education is essential to achieving better consumer outcomes and why current broker education simply isn't enough. In this episode of Elite Broker, the duo also discuss how they’re preparing their clients to face changes to mortgage lending, why they’re passionate about giving back to those in need, and how they complement one another’s skillsets to effectively run their business as a family unit. In this episode, find out: - How this couple sifts out ‘tyre-kicking’ clients - Why mortgage broking is a game of chess - Why higher education is essential to providing sound financial advice http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this special episode of In Focus, The Adviser talks to best-selling author, speaker and neuro-linguistic programming expert Chris Helder about the science behind "useful belief" and how brokers can harness its power to achieve tangible results both in business and in life. Tune in to hear about Mr Helder’s thoughts on why “positive thinking” simply doesn’t work, how brokers can better see and take advantage of opportunities in the market, and why he believes that only through practical, actionable planning will individuals yield positive results. In this episode, find out about: - Chris's involvement with the 2017 Better Business Summit - Why positive thinking is often demotivating - The importance of "acting as if"
The Adviser talks to Andrew and Annette Dickson, the husband and wife team behind Altitude Finance. We find out how they operate their business as a married couple and what advice they have for brokers working in the same capacity. Tune in to Elite Broker to hear why they migrated to the Gold Coast from the city of Sydney, how they’re helping clients set goals and plant seeds for the future, and why they believe working for themselves gives them more flexibility to achieve a work/life balance. Find out how these brokers: - Bought their business using equity from their property portfolio - Separate their work life from their home life - Work closely with wealth creationists to achieve their goals http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to Anthony Landahl from Equilibria Finance about his new business and how he balances relations between financial advice practices and their clients by servicing their broking needs. Here, Mr Landahl explains how a clear business plan helped him begin his business with confidence, how he's planning ahead to achieve his career end-goal, as well as his thoughts on the prospect of a 'best interests duty' imposed on the broking industry. Find out how this broker: - Ran various small businesses in financial services for 20 years - Formulated a three-tier service offering for the referral partner market - Balances B2B/B2C engagement for clients and businesses alike http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, Tony Bice from Finance Made Easy explains why he’s driven to control his own destiny through mortgage broking, and shares his unique journey into the industry – from how he first “stumbled” into broking during its infancy, to how he later merged his broking and financial planning experience into a thriving business. In this episode, find out how this broker: - Came to broking from a banking background - Made risk insurance products affordable to clients - Has prepared his business for potential industry disruption http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to Dan Holden about his business, HoldenCAPITAL, and how his role in property development differs from traditional mortgage broking. Here, he explains how the business operates without the guidance of an aggregator, the difficulties he’s experienced expanding the business interstate, and why he’s seen a large increase of non-bank funding to the business. In this episode, find out how Dan: - Differs from the traditional mortgage broker - Operates the business without an aggregator - Is working to expand HoldenCAPITAL interstate http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this first episode of In Focus, brought to you by Hashching, The Adviser talks to HashChing COO Siobhan Hayden about the value of fintech. The former MFAA boss delves inside HashChing’s tech-driven offering and explains how brokers can benefit from it. In this episode, find out about: - What attracted Siobhan to the role at HashChing - How brokers can acquire leads from HashChing’s offering - The business’ Virtual VOI platform available to all partner brokers http://www.theadviser.com.au
New-to-industry mortgage broker Kevin Sum of Let’s Do Mortgages speaks to The Adviser about how his love for property investment kick-started a career change into broking, the excitement and challenges of finding the perfect loan, how he chose his aggregator and the next property hot spots. Find out how this broker: - Began in broking from a funds management career - Generated new leads and referral partnerships - Plans to grow and diversify his business http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser talks to Paul Walshe of Fair Go Finance about how his business has evolved over time, why he’s developing technology to keep up with online players and his thoughts on open data. Find out how Paul: - Launched a finance business in the midst of the GFC - Specialises in personal loans - Works with mortgage brokers on customer acquisition and retention - Built an established national client base - Plans to develop technology in the face of online disruption http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to 1st Street Home Loans founder Jeremy Fisher about his start in broking, from labouring over his first loan to growing a national award-winning brokerage. Here he explains how he learned to delegate, what drives him to succeed and offers top tips for ambitious brokers. Find out how this broker: • Went from stockbroking to mortgage broking • Reclaimed a work/life balance • Implemented financial planning into the business • Learned the art of delegation http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser talks to brothers Tom and Ben Hawley about their new business, Azura Financial, their thoughts on financial education in broking and how this impacts clientele, and why they believe brokers should intermittently review their aggregator to ensure the needs of their business are being fulfilled. Find out how these brokers: - Began in broking from banking and funds backgrounds - Split the business and work together - Take the time to nurture relations with clients and referral partners
In this episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser talks to Empower Wealth founder Ben Kingsley about his origins in the broking industry, how he set up his own business and became a qualified property investment adviser and the advice he has to offer brokers looking to diversify and differentiate themselves from their competitors in the industry. Find out how this broker: - Began in finance with a tourism background - Researched asset classes before settling on property - Set up multiple businesses under Empower Wealth http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to Hank Hong about the decision-making process behind choosing an aggregator for his new business, how keeping in touch over social media turned many of his clients into life-long friends, and why he believes the emergence of online disruptors won’t have as large an effect on brokers as many believe. Find out how this broker: • Outsourced his support staff • Chose eChoice as his aggregator • Fosters clientele relationships through social media http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser talks to Sydney-based broker Chris Sales about his thoughts on the ASIC remuneration review, how he converted a client into an employee, and why he believes industry bodies need to work harder to get brokers “out of the gutter” and improve the financial literacy of clientele. Find out how this broker: • Builds and maintains his networks with the big banks • Plans to expand Finance Warehouse • Selected his aggregator http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to Neue Black’s Marshall Condon about his passion for working with millennial clientele, the strategies he’s put in place for generating new leads, his plans to release new technology to ensure a holistic customer experience, and why he believes in the importance of educating Generation Y and preparing them financially for the future. Find out how this broker: • Moved into commercial broking • Worked with a tech provider to create a ‘concierge service’ • Plans to improve the financial literacy of his younger client base
In this special episode of Elite Broker, The Adviser talks to digital marketing guru and Better Business Summit speaker Beth Powell, who reveals her tips for brokers looking to attract new leads, the common misconceptions about social media marketing and how brokers can build their online presence. In this week’s episode: • Educating brokers on marketing • Reviewing your online presence • Common social media mistakes http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to Dylan Salotti of Divitis Finance about how a passion for property led him to break into broking, the obstacles he experienced while beginning his own business, the learning curve he faced as a new-to-industry broker and how he found his niche through securing finance for young working professionals. Find out how this broker: - Obtained referral partnerships as a first-time broker - Learned through an MFAA mentorship program - Cultivated relationships with new clients
The Adviser talks to Melbourne-based broker Tim Leonard about the importance of having a life outside of work and taking time for yourself, how he plans to better his business, and why he’s bringing on a new employee after 11 years of broking on his own. Find out how this broker: • Chose to become a Mortgage Choice franchisee • Wrote $80m of residential loans, and • Rejuvenated his passion for broking http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser talks to Melbourne-based consultant Vincent Moore of Stratton Finance about how he moved from asset finance to home loans, why he believes the emergence of online, price-driven models could be “fraught with danger”, and why he has a framed picture of MADD broker George Samios. Find out how this broker: · Began in the finance industry at a young age · Nurtures communication with his clients · Aspires to write bigger volumes in the years to come http://www.theadviser.com.au
Sydney-based broker Joel Wyld returns to Elite Broker to discuss Peasy’s engagement with the local community, his thoughts on implementing technology into the business and why he believes the emergence of online disruptors shouldn’t be ignored. Find out how this broker: • Engages with the local community • Harnesses social media to advertise • Focuses on improving Peasy’s loan writing processes. For the latest news and intelligence on the broking industry, visit theadviser.com.au
In this episode of Elite Broker, Pink Finance director Nicole Cannon talks to The Adviser about the origins of her business, the importance of close referral partnerships and her biggest takeaway from The Adviser UK study tour. Find out how this broker: • Began her business after the GFC • Maintains close referral partnerships • Plans to integrate insurance as a new revenue stream http://www.theadviser.com.au
In this episode, Sydney-based broker Graeme Salt talks to The Adviser’s Elite Broker podcast about the benefits of joint venture partnerships, his thoughts on the economy and why he believes mentorship and training are essential to strengthening the industry. Find out how this broker: • Began in broking from a communications background • Balances mentorship with mortgage broking • Focuses on new revenue streams to strengthen business http://www.theadviser.com.au
Sydney-based broker Will Foster, of Foster Finance, talks to The Adviser’s Elite Broker podcast about why he doesn’t spend money on advertising, the importance of educating his clients on mortgages, and his thoughts on the financial year ahead. Find out how this broker: • Retains client relations through a smaller business model • Broke down and rebuilt his business from the ground up • Implements new strategies to reduce his working week
The Adviser talks to Steve Milligan of Launch Finance about his experience as a broker during the GFC, his thoughts on the emergence of “online disruptors”, why he believes industry bodies can be doing more to better represent the broking industry, and why he feels the Australian economy may be worse off than ever before. Found out how this broker: • Began in broking during the global financial crisis • Wrote $100 million over the last year • Plans to further develop his business to better provide for clientele
One of the country’s most prolific residential mortgage brokers wrote more than 1,000 loans in FY2016. The Adviser talks to Mark Davis about how he did it, his business’ pure investment model, why non-banks are becoming more prevalent amongst brokers, and why he feels ALIC has the recipe for success in training new-to-industry brokers. Find out how this broker: • Writes 1097 mortgages • Sets up processes to help control his workload • Trains and educates new-to-industry brokers • Works on his relationships with both banks and clients
Sydney-based broker, Raymond Teh from Mortgage Choice, talks to The Adviser about how he went from a back office role to breaking into broking, the difficulties he experienced in the early days of his career, the importance of choosing a good aggregator and why he believes that what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. Find out how this broker: • Achieved $100m over the last year • Began broking after a fund management career • Focuses on his point of difference for attracting clientele And plenty more! http://www.theadviser.com.au
Tune in for the first of a two-part interview with Sydney-based mortgage broker Joel Wyld, who talks to The Adviser about launching his own business, what the process has taught him and why he believes there’s no excuse for not working hard. Find out how this broker: • Went from sleeping on a friend's floor to being a leading young broker • Established a brand and opened his first office • Works to ensure consistent processes are in place • Was empowered by high achieving brokers to work harder http://www.theadviser.com.au
Sydney-based broker Tim Werner talks to The Adviser about his success in the SME sector, his experience on The Adviser UK Study Tour, and how he's securing finance for his clients through new fintech businesses. Find out how this broker: • Got started in the broking industry • Wins SME clients • Generates referrals through an accountancy relationship • Implements his relationship-based model http://www.theadviser.com.au
Former school teacher and Mortgage Choice veteran Leeanne Scott talks to The Adviser about why her office has gone paperless, how her self-taught marketing strategy generates new business and why she believes staying in touch with and staying relevant to clients is a great way to balance new and existing clientele. Find out: • How Leeanne got her start in broking 20 years ago • Why she believes support staff are critical • How she generates new business through SEO • Why she’s not afraid to say ‘no’ http://www.theadviser.com.au
Loan Market’s Josh Bartlett talks to The Adviser about how he got into the broking business after owning a gym, why he likes to implement better systems and processes within his business, why honesty is the best policy when it comes to dealing with clients and why he believes a supportive team is paramount to a broker’s success. Find out how this broker: • Achieved $348 million in total loans • Broke into insurance writing • Manages a healthy business and customer service balance • Promotes education and teamwork within his staff http://www.theadviser.com.au
Melbourne-based broker, Matt Mannaert from Acceptance Finance, talks to The Adviser about his experience working in his own furniture business and moving into a brokerage, how he grew a strong investor clientele through his work and why he believes joining a large brokerage and finding a good mentor is the best start for brokers entering the field. Find out how this broker: • Wrote $84m over the last year • Started in the broking industry from a furniture and sales background • Navigates his investor clientele through lender changes • Avoids the traps of “lazy broking” for clients http://www.theadviser.com.au
Andrew Algie from Addisons Advisory Group talks to The Adviser about the pros and cons of business scaling, why he likes the nitty-gritty of loan writing for customers, how he generates business through referrals and why he recommends researching aggregators to find the right fit for your business. Find out how this broker: • Wrote over $140 million in total volumes FY16 • Started in the industry with a sales/telemarketing background • Maintains client relationships and generates new contacts • Changed aggregators to better his business http://www.theadviser.com.au
Top Aussie broker, Ross Le Quesne, returns to The Adviser to discuss Aussie Parramatta’s success, his acquisition of a new branch, why he’s big on educating clients about the industry and why he favours attitude over skill when extending his team. Find out how this broker: - Went from being a PE teacher to writing $280 million in the last financial year - Aims to get 4.3 applications per business day - Got 200 years of experience in his office - Plans to grow his business 'organically' - Handles his recruitment process - Manages his referral network and relationships http://www.theadviser.com.au
MADD Loans founder and mortgage broker, George Samios, returns to The Adviser to give advice to new brokers entering the field, discuss future plans to open a new location extend his business, and explain why he believes in industry and won’t take business from other brokers. Find out how this broker: • Wrote $150 million in FY16 • Plans on opening a new location ‘organically’ • Manages a successful work-life balance • Reviews cases to maintain strong relationships with clientele http://www.theadviser.com.au
Elite Business Writer veteran and Mortgage Choice franchisee, Deslie Taylor, talks to The Adviser about how she began in the broking industry from a banking background, how she manages loan writing as a single operator and why providing ongoing customer service is paramount to a successful business. Find out how this broker: • Settled $115 million last year on her own • Decided to go with Mortgage Choice franchising • Managed her funds when first starting out • Maintains strong relationships with her clients http://www.theadviser.com.au
Adelaide broker Michael Karp returns to The Adviser to discuss the growth and diversification of his business through face-to-face networking, forming consistent relationships with new and existing clients, and his experience working with a financial planner, as he aims to write $60 million in loans. Find out how this broker: • Plans on reaching $60m • Structures his approach with new clients • Formalised a beneficial relationship with a financial planner • Works on his ‘remarkable’ factor http://www.theadviser.com.au
Tune in for part one of a two-part interview with Aussie broker Ross Le Quesne, who talks to The Adviser about how he got his start in mortgage broking from a credit union background, as well as his transition from working with Wizard Home Loans to his success with Aussie. Found out how this broker: • Wrote 40 million in loan applications in his first year • Used sales expertise to produce results • Garnered success with Wizard and moved to Aussie http://www.theadviser.com.au
Tune in for part one of a two-part interview with George Samios, Brisbane-based mortgage broker and founder of MADD Loans, who talks to The Adviser about how he got his start in mortgage broking from a real estate background, as well as what separates him from other brokers in the business. Find out how this broker: • Settles $150 million in residential loans • Works on his ‘x-factor’ • Views fintech within his business • Implements hands-on marketing strategies • Is expanding into commercial broking http://www.theadviser.com.au
Todd Hunter, founder of Sydney-based buyer’s agent and mortgage broking company wHeregroup, talks to The Adviser about how he made the shift from motorbikes to the mortgage industry, his experience at Aussie, how he balances being a buyer’s agent and a mortgage broker, and why he believes brokers will start charging for their services. Find out how this broker: • Writes $60 million a year • Started specialising in property investment • Markets his buyer’s agent/broking services to clients • Brings in a passive income http://www.theadviser.com.au
Adelaide broker Michael Karp reveals how he’s built a booming broking business after taking the leap from a successful family business into building his own thriving brokerage. Michael shares his story and the fundamentals that have helped him build a solid and expanding mortgage business. Find out how this broker - Built $40 million a year in volumes - Plans to hit $70 million as the next milestone - Retains a high percentage of clients - Developed a strong referral network http://www.theadviser.com.au
Huntley Mitchell is joined by Phil Tarrant(https://twitter.com/philliptarrant), managing editor of The Adviser’s sister publication, Smart Property Investment, and an investor in his own right, as well as Ross Le Quesne, one of Aussie’s leading brokers and the man behind every mortgage that Phil has ever had. We reveal how you can help property investors like Phil successfully build their portfolio, and ultimately become an elite broker like Ross. The Adviser's Emma Ryan joins Huntley a little later in the show to discuss some of the recent happenings among the lenders. http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser's Huntley Mitchell is joined by Aaron Upcroft, CEO of MORE Group, as well as Gerard Hansen, principal of financial services firm FinVu, to discuss broker remuneration – where is the third-party channel headed in regards to how brokers are paid? Should the industry adopt the fee-for-service model, or be nothing but commission? Also on this episode, The Adviser's Emma Ryan provides an update on the latest happenings in 'lender world'. http://www.theadviser.com.au
We explore the retail presence of banks and the impact on broker market share, with a special focus on ANZ’s new mortgage play. Mortgage broking veteran Troy Phillips and Joel Wyld, one of Australia’s top young loan writers, join The Adviser’s Huntley Mitchell for an in-depth discussion on these issues. Also featured in this episode is our junior journalist, Emma Ryan, who provides an update on some of the recent happenings among the lenders. http://www.theadviser.com.au
This episode we discuss the emergence of household brands in the mortgage market, with Virgin Money set to become a third-party player via BOQ in 2016, and Google launching its own home loan comparison tool. Peer-to-peer lending is also on the agenda, with ThinCats Australia CEO Sunil Aranha joining Huntley Mitchell and James Mitchell from The Adviser to talk more about this growing sector. The Adviser's Emma Ryan also provides an update on what’s been happening recently among the lenders. http://www.theadviser.com.au
The Adviser's Huntley Mitchell discusses the necessity of commission clawbacks – do they belong or should they be scrapped? Also on the agenda is AMP Bank’s return to investor lending, with two industry figures providing their take on the bank’s actions. Finally, The Adviser’s Emma Ryan reveals some of the latest news from Australia’s lenders. http://www.theadviser.com.au