The Adviser Podcast Network

Commercial finance is rarely a one-size-fits-all proposition, with businesses at different stages and with different needs requiring tailored solutions. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Shift, director – broker distribution, Andrew Wagg, and general manager, small business division, Natasha Brown, unpack how the lender tailors its approach across customer segments, from small businesses through to larger corporates. Tune in to hear: How technology and a digitally led model support small-business customers. Why a relationship-led model is key for established and larger businesses. The opportunities this segmented approach creates for brokers. And much more!

After more than a decade in lending and several years in aggregation, James Brett, principal broker at Truly Finance, made the move into broking and started up his own brokerage five years ago. Key to James' success has been building a business that he can be proud of, expanding the Truly Finance team to eight people, all while being a wellness champion and mental health advocate. Tune in to find out: How an 'early life crisis' changed his life trajectory. Why he uses AI video avatars for his marketing, How he integrates mental health advocacy, charity donations, and community sports into his business DNA. And much more!

The latest arrests in the mortgage fraud probe have been confirmed, with police now having seized $95 million in assets. Join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: Major arrests in a multimillion-dollar loan fraud probe targeting accountants and criminal syndicates. Rate hike predictions from Westpac and Macquarie as RBA inflation fears escalate. Suncorp and ANZ's next integration steps. And much more! Accountants arrested and charged as alleged loan fraud probe widens https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48926-accountants-arrested-and-charged-as-alleged-loan-fraud-probe-widens Spring auction start falters as buyer urgency fades https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48907-spring-auction-start-falters-as-buyer-urgency-fades National dwelling values post first fall since 2022 https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48916-national-dwelling-values-post-first-fall-since-2022 Section 2 Westpac flips as majors line up behind rate rise call https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48917-westpac-flips-as-majors-line-up-behind-rate-rise-call 'One big problem': RBA deputy governor warns rates may need to rise https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48920-one-big-problem-rba-deputy-governor-warns-rates-may-need-to-rise Broker says property downturn creating opportunities for borrowers https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48908-broker-says-property-downturn-creating-opportunities-for-borrows Section 3 Suncorp informs brokers banking products will migrate to ANZ https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48906-suncorp-informs-brokers-banking-products-will-migrate-to-anz One Nation's early super access for mortgagors lashed https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48914-one-nation-s-early-super-access-for-mortgagors-lashed AFG Brett mckeon to retire https://www.theadviser.com.au/aggregator/48924-afg-co-founder-to-step-down

What does it take to move from the lender side of the fence to building an elite, high-volume brokerage? Chris Raymond, founder of Unconditional Finance, joins host Annie Kane to share how he leveraged his back-office BDM expertise to scale a high-performing Sydney brokerage, structure his team, and build a succession plan that allows him to step completely off the tools. Tune in to find out: How he niched down into the investor space. The model he uses to develop junior staff. His strategy for navigating tax changes while retaining key referral partners. And much more!

Mortgage brokers are writing a record proportion of home loans in Australia, as more borrowers turn to the channel for credit advice in a changing market. But how high can market share get? Join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: How mortgage brokers secured 81.6 per cent of market share. Key takeaways from Mortgage Choice's national conference. Why the spring property market may be a little different than usual this year. And much more!

Specialist lending is no longer simply a solution for borrowers with impaired credit, with self-employed borrowers, investors, and customers with more complex financial circumstances increasingly looking beyond the mainstream lenders. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Bluestone Home Loans, head of non-standard lending Aaron Taylor unpacks the forces changing the specialist lending landscape. He also explores how brokers can use specialist lending to support clients through changing circumstances while building longer-term relationships that extend well beyond a single loan. Tune in to hear: The borrower scenarios brokers may be unnecessarily ruling out. Specialist lending market changes and broker misconceptions. How brokers can use specialist lending as part of a longer-term client strategy. And much more!

What does it take to transform a single-operator set-up into a high-performing, scalable brokerage? Building a resilient business requires completely different playbooks depending on your career stage. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane interviews Mortgage Choice franchise owner Luke Camilleri to discover how he went from faxing loan deals in a solo office to running an elite 11-person team in Parramatta. Camilleri breaks down his 13-year journey of scaling a mortgage brokerage to top-tier performance, sharing the operational shifts, hard-learned lessons, and game-changing technology required to grow a sustainable business. Tune in to find out: How he transitioned from doing every task himself to structuring a high-performing team. How his team leverages Google Gemini AI and open banking tools to streamline workflow. The power of co-locating with referral partners. And much more!

With inflation proving stickier than expected and the RBA adopting a more hawkish tone in its latest minutes, several major banks have completely rewritten their rate calls. So, could borrowers face another rate hike as early as September? Join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian as they review the latest CPI figures along with the biggest stories in mortgage and finance broking. The team also dives into fresh scrutiny facing private lenders, big themes from the latest round of lender reports, plus some of the highlights from the Australian Broking Awards. This week, they discuss: The shifting inflation picture and what it means for the RBA's September meeting. What strong non-bank results tell us about the lending landscape. A major announcement for the Women in Finance Summit 2026. And much more! News stories mentioned: NAB predicts September hike in major forecast overhaul https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48867-nab-predicts-september-hike-in-major-forecast-overhaul Majors flag rate-rise risk after 'hawkish' RBA minutes https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48861-majors-flag-rate-rise-risk-after-hawkish-rba-minutes ASIC flags non-bank SME lending scrutiny https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48865-asic-flags-non-bank-sme-lending-scrutiny Wave of new private credit compliance requirements unveiled https://www.theadviser.com.au/compliance/48863-wave-of-new-private-credit-compliance-requirements-unveiled Non-banks reveal how they're scaling in a mortgage downturn https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48872-non-banks-reveal-how-theyre-scaling-in-a-mortgage-downturn Turia Pitt to keynote Women in Finance Summit 2026 https://www.theadviser.com.au/growth/48860-turia-pitt-to-keynote-women-in-finance-summit-2026

Refinance activity is soaring as property dynamics shift, creating a goldmine of opportunity for brokers who know where to look When federal budgets change and market pressures mount, adaptable brokers don't slow down – they pivot. In this episode of In Focus, Annie Kane talks with Sergio Delvescovo, national sales manager broker at ING Australia, about how market volatility, new tax realities, and shifting borrower needs are fuelling a massive surge in refinancing and self-employed lending opportunities. Tune in to learn: Why the shift toward refinancing and self-employed lending is opening new growth avenues for brokers. How ING Australia is listening to broker feedback to overhaul clawbacks and simplify credit policies. What role technology, fast settlements, and AI are playing in freeing up broker capacity and improving client outcomes. And much more!

What drives a senior healthcare manager overseeing 300 support workers to leave executive life and step into mortgage broking? Gold Coast-based broker James Allen, co-founder of Coastal Financial Consultants, made that exact leap after a decade spanning insurance broking and disability support management. Having crossed the first-year mark in his broking career, he brings a fresh perspective on client education, leveraging old-school networking, and navigating the early days of building a brokerage. Tune in to find out: How he built an 80 per cent referral-driven pipeline. Why he uses AI tools to streamline client communication, compliance, and local market research. His hands-on strategies for guiding first home buyers through the market and deposit schemes. And much more!

AUSTRAC has referred over 200 entities, including brokers, lawyers, and accountants, to authorities over suspected mortgage fraud following a major operation. But that is just the tip of the iceberg in a week packed with massive industry updates. Join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian break down what AUSTRAC has discovered in its latest mortgage fraud probe, which has uncovered potentially hundreds of millions in suspected fraud, and the vulnerabilities being exposed across the lending sector. This week, they discuss: What AUSTRAC uncovered in Operation Claw. The widespread pullback in nationwide mortgage demand. The government's long-awaited CSLR overhaul. And much more! News stories mentioned: AUSTRAC refers brokers to authorities in mortgage fraud probe https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48830-austrac-refers-brokers-to-authorities-in-mortgage-fraud-probe Associations urge united action on mortgage fraud response https://www.theadviser.com.au/compliance/48833-associations-urge-united-action-on-mortgage-fraud-response Home loan commitments plummet as investor lending slumps https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48814-home-loan-commitments-plummet-as-investor-lending-slumps Property downturn extends into regional Australia https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48826-property-downturn-extends-into-regional-australia Number of FHBs with 5% deposit loans in negative equity revealed https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48819-number-of-fhbs-with-5-deposit-loans-in-negative-equity-revealed Viridian mothballs Smartmove brand, relaunches broking business https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48823-viridian-mothballs-smartmove-brand-launches-new-broking-business Government announces major changes to CSLR https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48835-government-announces-major-changes-to-cslr

What happens when a deal looks perfect on paper until a last-minute valuation shortfall, stamp duty gap, or LMI threshold threatens to derail it completely? In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Latitude Financial, host Annie Kane speaks with Natasha Murray, general manager, broker and partnerships at Latitude Financial, about how brokers can solve funding shortfalls and help more clients achieve their property goals. Tune in to learn: What's driving the rise of funding gaps at settlement day. Practical ways brokers can diversify their revenue while navigating complex borrowing scenarios. How Latitude's Funds to Complete product is helping brokers find a solution before settlement day. And much more!

With 257 high-achieving finalists revealed across 29 categories, competition for the 16th annual Australian Broking Awards has reached a record high. But which brokers are among the country's elite residential brokers, commercial brokers, asset finance brokers, and what are the top aggregators doing to succeed in this market? Hosts Annie Kane and Charlie Tchetchenian detail some of the broker finalists for the Australian Broking Awards 2026 and unpack submission highlights, growth models, and key trends shaping this year's standout contenders ahead of the national awards ceremony on 28 August. From custom artificial intelligence platforms and workflow automation to proactive rate repricing strategies and content-led client education, this special episode reveals how top performers across regional and metro markets are scaling their businesses while delivering exceptional client care. Tune in to find out: How ABA broker finalists are leveraging technology to boost productivity. The proactive repricing and client education strategies driving record-high retention rates. What sets the contenders apart in the race for the coveted Broker of the Year title. And much more!

With inflation target timelines pushed out to 2028, hopes for interest rate reductions any time soon are dwindling – but some lenders are already dropping rates out of cycle. Join host Annie Kane and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian as they examine the biggest stories shaping the finance broking space this week. This week, they discuss: Why the RBA held the cash rate in August and why rate cuts may not be coming any time soon. What the latest predictions on house price corrections mean for broker clients. CBA's turnaround in broker flows. And much more! Featured stories: RBA cash rate decision https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48792-rba-reveals-latest-cash-rate-decision-2 Michele Bullock on potential higher rates https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48795-bullock-flags-quite-possible-path-to-higher-rates Equifax softening mortgage demand https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48785-mortgage-slump-spreads-across-every-state-and-age-group What the banks have been seeing in flows: Westpac: https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48783-mortgage-applications-fall-at-westpac-as-proprietary-share-dips CBA: https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48797-cba-broker-flows-rise-as-mortgage-applications-fall ANZ: https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48805-anz-applications-slide-as-suncorp-mortgage-book-contracts Interesting data from Agile/Cotality on broker communications https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48777-many-brokers-still-quiet-between-client-conversations Congratulations to ABA finalists https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48801-finalists-revealed-for-australian-broking-awards-2026

For mortgage brokers, uncovering new revenue opportunities doesn't always mean finding new clients – it can mean helping existing clients take the next step in their property journey. Julian Fadini, founder of PRPTY 360, joins In Focus to explore the current investor landscape and why experienced investors are looking beyond the market noise to identify opportunities. He also unpacks how PRPTY 360 works with mortgage brokers, why long-term relationships and local networks can provide an edge in a crowded market, and how brokers can help clients approach investment decisions with greater clarity and confidence. Tune in to hear: Why experienced investors may be looking to re-enter the market. Why data alone isn't enough when assessing property investment opportunities. How mortgage brokers can build valuable referral partnerships. And much more!

After a decade in banking, former BOQ franchisee Nicholas Barker made the leap into broking, starting a brokerage that quickly scaled to a team of five and settled $145 million in its first year. In this edition of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the founder and mortgage broker at Brokers for Queensland to learn how he hit the ground running, why he offers a fully diversified loan offering, and the operational strategies behind his business growth. Tune in to find out: How he managed to write more than $100 million in his first year of broking. The key takeaways and operational lessons behind rapidly scaling a brokerage. Why thorough planning is critical when transitioning from banking into broking. And much more!

History was made this week as HSBC sold its Australian loan book to Blackstone in what is believed to be the largest home loan portfolio transaction globally. From banks selling their loan books to tax reform clarity, join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian as they review the biggest news in mortgage and finance broking this week. This week, they discuss: HSBC's departure from the Australian residential mortgage market. Macquarie and RAMS both complete loan book sales. The first non-bank joins the 5 per cent Deposit scheme. And much more! Featured stories: HSBC to sell Australian home loan book to Blackstone https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48741-hsbc-to-sell-australian-home-loan-book-to-blackstone Household Capital completes Macquarie reverse mortgage acquisition https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48761-household-capital-seals-macquarie-reverse-mortgage-deal Westpac completes RAMS mortgage book sale https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48752-westpac-completes-rams-mortgage-book-sale First non-bank joins 5% Deposit Scheme https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48749-first-non-bank-joins-5-deposit-scheme Mortgage demand dives as hardship climbs https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48753-mortgage-demand-dives-as-hardship-climbs Complaints hit record highs as banking dominates case load https://www.theadviser.com.au/compliance/48760-complaints-hit-record-highs-as-finance-dominates-caseload Treasury revises tax overhaul after releasing new carve-outs https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48765-treasury-revises-tax-overhaul-after-releasing-new-carve-outs

The opportunity to unlock new revenue doesn't always require finding new clients – sometimes it's about having different conversations with the ones you already have. Stephen Lew, state manager for NSW and the ACT at SME lender Lumi, joins In Focus to explore how SME lending is set to evolve over the next five years, from the rise of data-driven decision making to the expectation that brokers act as full-service credit advisers. Lew explores why more SMEs are looking to their broker for broader funding support and explains how Lumi Spark delivers real-time indicative quotes through a soft credit check in under five minutes. He also discusses how brokers can turn existing client relationships into an additional revenue stream without adding complexity to their workflow. Tune in to hear: Why working capital represents a significant revenue opportunity for mortgage brokers. How brokers can proactively identify funding opportunities in their existing client base. How Lumi Spark helps brokers generate indicative working capital quotes in minutes. And much more!

Elite broker Fabio De Castro currently writes over 400 loans a year and recently doubled his team to expand his brokerage's capacity as it aims to become a fully diversified financial services business. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane brings Simplify Finance director and principal broker Fabio De Castro into the studio to share how he went from being a bank BDM to writing more than $200 million a year in a multidisciplinary financial services business. Tune in to find out: How he writes more than 400 loans a year. How he's managing the transition from broker to business owner. The importance of strict daily boundaries to manage high volume. And much more!

Are major banks failing to link offset accounts, leaving thousands of home loan borrowers out of pocket without even knowing it? Join host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: Widespread failures uncovered by ASIC across major lenders' mortgage offset accounts. Westpac reversing its cash rate hike forecast following cooler-than-expected CPI data. Pepper Money raising its maximum LVR to 98 per cent alongside AMP's launch of a 40-year investor loan. And much more! News stories mentioned: Banks slammed over offset failures in ASIC probe https://www.theadviser.com.au/compliance/48733-banks-slammed-over-offset-failures-in-asic-probe New lender joins Help to Buy scheme https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48720-new-lender-joins-help-to-buy-scheme Productivity Commission calls for overhaul of housing rules https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48730-productivity-commission-calls-for-overhaul-of-housing-rules Westpac scraps double hike call as CPI drops https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48736-westpac-scraps-double-hike-call-as-cpi-drops Lending emerges as leading source of Banking Code breaches https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48715-lending-emerges-as-leading-source-of-banking-code-breaches Pepper unveils sweeping expansion of lending parameters https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48726-pepper-unveils-sweeping-expansion-of-lending-parameters Bluestone flags major trends reshaping borrowers and credit https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48729-bluestone-flags-major-trends-reshaping-borrowers-and-credit 40-year investor loan with 10 years of IO launches https://www.theadviser.com.au/growth/48739-40-year-investor-loan-with-10-years-of-io-launches Qudos Bank brand to be retired in 2027 https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48724-qudos-bank-brand-to-be-retired-in-2027