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Articles by Ben Squires
In Focus: Extending property ownership reach
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •1 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! As affordability and serviceability pressures challenge prospective home buyers and investors, lenders are tweaking their offerings to help borrowers enter the market.
SMEs push non-bank investment plans to record high
SMEs push non-bank investment plans to record high By Ben Squires 26 October 2026 Share this article The proportion of small businesses planning to use non-bank finance for new business investment has hit a record level, according to new research. A record proportion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have planned to turn to non-bank lenders to fund growth and expansion, according to ScotPac’s latest SME Growth Index.
Video podcast: What’s Making Headlines – Refinancing demand spikes
• •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! Refinancing is accounting for a growing share of broker lending at one aggregation group, while the latest figures point to shifting conditions across the mortgage market. Click here to listen on your device You’re out of free articles for this month Username or Email Keep me signed in on this device.
Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 19–23 October
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The weekly round-up of the biggest news stories from across Momentum Media’s property brands from the week ending 23 October.
Why Privacy Professionals Should Be Paying Attention to Antitrust Enforcement Trends
When discussing artificial intelligence and data governance, the conversation typically focuses on privacy, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance. Increasingly, however, competition regulators are becoming part of that conversation as well. A recent episode of the Antitrust Amplified podcast explores developments in government antitrust investigations and private litigation across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Wellness Wednesday: Tony Xia, The Mortgage Agency
• •2 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! With the world of broking being as busy as ever, it’s crucial that brokers ensure they can deal with the stress of a constant barrage of phone calls, emails, and meetings. We find out what members of the broking industry do to de-stress and unwind.
SFG adds Remara Money to lender panel
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •4 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The non-bank has become the latest addition to the group’s lender panel, giving accredited brokers across the SFG network access to its products.
Banking Code review issues call for feedback
Banking Code review issues call for feedback By Reporter 19 October 2026 Share this article An independent review is seeking feedback on whether the Banking Code remains fit for purpose, including its provisions covering small business lending.
Video podcast: What’s Making Headlines – ASIC’s BID review unpacked
• •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC’s) long-awaited review into the best interests duty (BID) landed this week, prompting plenty of discussion across the mortgage broking industry. Click here to listen on your device You’re out of free articles for this month Username or Email Keep me signed in on this device.
Wellness Wednesday: Melissa Ashcroft, AAA Mortgages
• •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! With the world of broking being as busy as ever, it’s crucial that brokers ensure they can deal with the stress of a constant barrage of phone calls, emails, and meetings. We find out what members of the broking industry do to de-stress and unwind.
AFG expands referral program with new integration
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •4 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! AFG brokers will now have access to home, contents, landlord, and motor insurance referrals with Allianz through its Partner Connect program.
Video podcast: What’s Making Headlines – Retention tactics in the spotlight
• •2 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! Retention tactics came under renewed scrutiny this week, with Macquarie Equity Research’s latest broker survey revealing concerns from some brokers. Click here to listen on your device You’re out of free articles for this month Username or Email Keep me signed in on this device. If you check this box before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.
Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 5–9 October
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The weekly round-up of the biggest news stories from across Momentum Media’s property brands from the week ending 9 October.
Finalists announced for the Commercial Finance Awards 2026
• •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! After receiving a record-breaking number of submissions from Australia’s commercial and asset finance sectors, the finalists for the third annual Commercial Finance Awards 2026 have been revealed. Momentum Media, in partnership with principal partner Judo Bank, has officially announced the top-performing individuals, brokerages, aggregators, lenders, and accounting firms competing for this year’s national awards.
Transport firms face cash flow crunch across 3 fronts
Transport firms face cash flow crunch across 3 fronts By Ben Squires 08 October 2026 Share this article Rising diesel prices, persistent late payments and the introduction of Payday Super are creating working capital pressures across the transport and logistics sector.
In Focus: What brokers and investors need to know about private credit
• •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! Private credit can provide flexibility for borrowers, but getting the right outcome requires careful structuring, clear communication, and a strong focus on the exit strategy. Sponsored by You’re out of free articles for this month Username or Email Keep me signed in on this device. If you check this box before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.
The hidden costs that could cut your borrowing power by $120k
The hidden costs that could cut your borrowing power by $120k New research has highlighted the impact of factors beyond salary and deposit size that can affect an individual’s borrowing power. Australian Financial & Mortgage Solutions (AFMS Group) has released new research detailing how everyday financial commitments can reduce borrowing power.
Australia’s top asset finance brokers revealed
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •4 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! Australia’s leading asset finance brokers have been revealed in The Adviser’s Elite Broker Ranking 2026 – Asset Finance, partnered by Optimise Aggregation.
Capra Financial Group expands into South-East Queensland
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •5 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The brokerage has said the acquisition will double the size of its business and give it an immediate footprint in a market that’s less saturated than Melbourne or Sydney.
Hidden factors squeeze borrowing power
Hidden factors squeeze borrowing power By Ben Squires 06 October 2026 Share this article New research has highlighted the impact of factors beyond salary and deposit size that can affect an individual’s borrowing power. Australian Financial & Mortgage Solutions (AFMS Group) has released new research detailing how everyday financial commitments can reduce borrowing power.
Entries open for Top 25 Brokerages 2027
• •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The Adviser is once again on the search for the leading brokerages in the country, with submissions now open for the Top 25 Brokerages 2027. Submissions are now open for the Top 25 Brokerages 2027, with brokerages across Australia invited to enter The Adviser’s annual ranking of the industry’s top performers. Now in its 17th consecutive year, the ranking recognises leading brokerages based on key business metrics.
Viking expands mentoring support with Mr Mentor partnership
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •4 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The partnership will support new-to-industry brokers across the aggregation network.
RBA finds borrowers resilient as economic pressures build
The central bank’s latest review has found that most households and businesses appear to be well placed to manage more challenging conditions. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has run its ruler over the nation’s financial system, finding that most households and businesses appear resilient enough to manage a period of declining house prices or slowing economic growth.
VIDEO PODCAST: What’s Making Headlines – Cash rate hits 15-year high
• •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) hiked the cash rate again this week, taking it to a 15-year high. But that was just one of the big stories shaping the mortgage and finance broking space. Click here to listen on your device You’re out of free articles for this month Username or Email Keep me signed in on this device.
Hot Property: The biggest property headlines from the week 28 September–2 October
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The weekly round-up of the biggest news stories from across Momentum Media’s property brands from the week ending 2 October.
Money Quest Group appoints NSW/ACT state relationship manager
Money Quest Group appoints NSW/ACT state relationship manager By Reporter 29 September 2026 Share this article Peter Nguyen has joined the boutique aggregator, bringing more than 20 years’ experience across the mortgage and banking sectors to the role. Money Quest Group has appointed Peter Nguyen as its NSW/ACT state relationship manager, with the new hire formally joining the boutique aggregator on Monday (28 September).
OnDeck names new chief credit officer
OnDeck names new chief credit officer By Reporter 25 September 2026 Share this article SME lender OnDeck Australia has said its new chief credit officer will bring international expertise to the organisation as it continues to scale. OnDeck confirmed that Chris McCall will join the business in the newly created role, reporting to current chief risk officer Dr Nicholas Brown.
Banks release financial abuse safeguard guideline
Banks release financial abuse safeguard guideline By Reporter 21 September 2026 Share this article The banking industry association has released an updated guideline aimed at helping lenders detect, prevent, and respond to financial abuse. Released last Thursday (17 September), the Australian Banking Association’s (ABA) updated guideline consolidates separate resources on financial abuse into a single framework, building on existing provisions in the Banking Code of Practice.
Video podcast: What’s Making Headlines – Mortgage demand dips ahead of cash rate call
• •2 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! Mortgage demand is continuing to slide across key borrower segments, while crude oil prices and rising inflation are adding to uncertainty ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) September meeting next week. So, what could the shifting market mean for brokers? Click here to listen on your device You’re out of free articles for this month Username or Email Keep me signed in on this device.
outsource Financial launches new Fraud Finder for brokers
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •5 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The aggregation group’s new fraud detection solution will empower brokers to identify document manipulation before an application proceeds.
Yellow Brick Road launches new AI platform
Yellow Brick Road launches new AI platform By Reporter 11 September 2026 Share this article The group has launched a new multi-agent AI platform, with the technology designed to speed up customer settlements and improve broker productivity. Yellow Brick Road (YBR) has launched Nectaria, a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform that utilises proprietary data, at its Next Level conference on the Gold Coast.
Brokers encouraged to check in on R U OK? Day
• •5 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The annual campaign to start meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing has returned, with brokers encouraged to make use of new resources. Brokers are being encouraged to take the opportunity to check in with colleagues, friends, and loved ones on R U OK? Day, the annual campaign designed to highlight how a meaningful conversation can make a difference in someone’s life.
AltX completes inaugural RMBS raising $400m
AltX completes inaugural RMBS raising $400m By Ben Squires 09 September 2026 Share this article The transaction marks a significant milestone as the group looks to support the growth of its Horizon funding platform through the broker channel. AltX Financial Group (AltX), the parent company behind non-bank Assetline Capital, has completed its first residential mortgage-backed securitisation (RMBS).
Video podcast: From BDM to broker – How Chris Raymond built an investor-focused powerhouse
• •2 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! What does it take to move from the lender side of the fence to building an elite, high-volume brokerage? Click here to listen on your device You’re out of free articles for this month Username or Email Keep me signed in on this device. If you check this box before you log in, you won’t have to log back into the website next time you return, even if you close your browser and come back later.
SME cash flow problems hiding in plain sight
SME cash flow problems hiding in plain sight By Reporter 02 September 2026 Share this article Brokers have been cautioned to look beyond pure profit and loss statements when assessing the cash flow needs of their SME clients. Speaking on Broker Daily’s Finance Specialist podcast, Accendo Finance founder Trent Carter unpacked the reality of business cash flow and some of the key warning signs brokers should look for when assessing an SME client’s funding needs.
Video podcast: What’s Making Headlines – Banks backflip on rate calls
• •3 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! 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. Click here to listen on your device You’re out of free articles for this month Username or Email Keep me signed in on this device.
Shift bolsters leadership team with GM appointment
Shift bolsters leadership team with GM appointment By Reporter 18 August 2026 Share this article The new GM will oversee credit and customer experience for the lender’s corporate business division. Shift has announced the appointment of Genevieve Walker as the SME lender’s new general manager, corporate business division, a role that will see her help shape the lending experience for larger and more established SMEs with “sophisticated finance requirements”.
In Focus: Why investor opportunities could be closer than brokers think
• •1 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! 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. Sponsored by PRPTY 360 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.
In Focus: How SME lending will change over the next 5 years
• •1 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! 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.
Trilogy Funds appoints new head of origination
Trilogy Funds appoints new head of origination By Ben Squires 30 July 2026 Share this article The appointment comes as part of plans to expand the organisation’s lending business. Trilogy Funds has appointed Daniel Trist as its new head of origination, as the property fund manager responds to growing demand for non-bank lending solutions.
Lending emerges as leading source of Banking Code breaches
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •5 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The latest compliance data has identified lending to individuals as the area accounting for the highest number of reported Banking Code breaches.
Moula appoints new national sales manager
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •4 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The lender has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of an experienced financial services leader as its new national sales manager.
Bridgit bolsters team with new state manager appointment
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •4 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The new hire will lead the bridging lender’s BDM team in NSW and brings two decades of industry experience to the role.
Auditor-General review flags housing delivery concerns
First announced in 2023, the HAFF was established with an initial $10 billion investment, with returns from the fund used to support social and affordable housing delivery, while the NHAF provides additional funding through agreements with states and territories. Responsibility for both schemes sits with the Department of Treasury. The schemes have a combined target of delivering 40,000 social and affordable homes by 30 June 2029, with 30,000 through the HAFF and 10,000 through the NHAF.
Assistant Treasurer backs brokers as drivers of competition
• •7 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The Assistant Treasurer has backed the role mortgage brokers play in driving competition, describing the growth of the channel as a “very positive trend”. Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister Dr Daniel Mulino MP has thrown the government’s support behind mortgage brokers, saying the channel plays a crucial role in driving competition and expanding consumer choice.
Assistant Treasurer backs brokers as drivers of competition
• •7 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The Assistant Treasurer has backed the role mortgage brokers play in driving competition, describing the growth of the channel as a “very positive trend”. Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister Dr Daniel Mulino MP has thrown the government’s support behind mortgage brokers, arguing the channel plays a crucial role in driving competition and expanding consumer choice.
SMEs adopt defensive posture amid rising costs
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •4 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The latest data from SME lender Banjo Loans has provided some insight into how Australia’s SMEs are adapting to an increasingly difficult operating environment.
Revolut launches local bank after securing ADI licence
Following approval, Revolut can begin transitioning customer funds to deposit accounts, with eligible deposits now protected under the government’s Financial Claims Scheme. APRA’s ruling allows Revolut to offer customers an expanded product suite, including instant-access savings accounts to retail and business customers and credit cards. However, Revolut told The Adviser it has no current plans to distribute lending products via brokers, instead focusing on an app-first banking experience.
ASIC chalks up $830m in civil penalties
You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. You have 0 free articles left this month. Become a Premium Member to enjoy a wide range of benefits. • •4 min read Share Share this article on: Link copied! The corporate watchdog has closed out a busy financial year of enforcement that included major actions against several banks and lenders.
ANZ appoints former NAB leader to board
ANZ appoints former NAB leader to board By Ben Squires 03 July 2026 Share this article The major bank has announced the appointment of the experienced banking executive, known for her work at both NAB and Westpac. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) has announced the appointment of Rachel Slade as a non-executive director to its group board, effective 13 July 2026.
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