The Adviser Podcast Network

With all four major banks locking in predictions for a Melbourne Cup Day cash rate hike and mortgage repayments eating up more than half of the typical household budget, borrowers and brokers are bracing for maximum financial pressure. Fresh from The Adviser's closed-door UK Study Tour, host Annie Kane returns to the mic alongside senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian to break down the latest macro shifts, association strategies, and executive moves shaping the broking channel. This week, they discuss: Key takeaways from the UK mortgage market and the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) national conference. Why hotter-than-expected September quarter CPI figures have pushed all four major banks to forecast another rate hike next week. Why economist Warren Hogan warns the terminal cash rate could reach 5.35 per cent. And much more!

As affordability and serviceability pressures challenge prospective home buyers and investors, lenders are tweaking their offerings to help borrowers enter the market. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Granite Home Loans, co-founder and director Bridget Sakr and national sales manager Kit Wong unpack how the lender's new 40-Year Extended Home Loan aims to improve access to credit for owner-occupiers and investors, with flexible loan terms and features designed to meet different borrowing needs. Tune in to hear: How the 40-year loan aims to help owner-occupiers overcome affordability and serviceability hurdles. What the extended term offers property investors, including interest-only repayments of up to 10 years. What brokers need to consider when assessing eligibility, serviceability, and exit strategies. And much more!

What pushes a retail banker of 10 years to leave the branch and launch an independent brokerage from scratch? For Nick Lissikatos, it came down to being sick and tired of telling clients "no". After a decade at Commonwealth Bank of Australia and St George Bank, the new broker and director of Sydney-based Trelos Finance made the jump to broking, going from casting a wide net across multimillion-dollar development sites to mastering a focused core of first home buyers and mum-and-dad investors. Here, he chats to host Charlie Tchetchenian, senior journalist at The Adviser, to break down how he's built his brokerage over the past three years, his digital-first approach to client communication, and why he believes new operators should invest in outsourcing admin and credit analysis long before they reach breaking point. Tune in to find out: How he built up a steady pipeline through educational social content and direct outreach. Why he chose a boutique aggregator over a major brand. His perspective on first-party lender competition and blanket clawback policies. And much more!

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. In this episode of What's Making Headlines, The Adviser's senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian and commercial content writer Ben Squires unpack the latest lending figures and what they mean for brokers, aggregators, and the wider industry. They also discuss: Criticism of lender cashback tactics from the FBAA. The Coalition's proposed reset of ASIC and APRA's regulatory approach. What the MFAA's Global Insights Report reveals about Australia's broking model. And much more!

What does it take to transition from a major bank background into building a high-performing solo brokerage writing over $120 million a year? In this episode of Elite Broker, host Charlie Tchetchenian catches up with Tony Xia, director of Sydney-based brokerage The Mortgage Agency, to discuss his 11-year journey in the broking industry, how he built a streamlined residential lending business, and why he works a strict four-day week without sacrificing massive growth. Tune in to find out: How he grew his settlement volume by 37 per cent while only increasing his personal workload by 5–10 per cent. Why 95 per cent of his business comes from residential lending and non-professional referrals. How leveraging sales tracker CRM workflows and dedicated support staff protects his client experience. And much more!

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. In this episode of What's Making Headlines, The Adviser's senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian and commercial content writer Ben Squires unpack the review and the immediate response from brokers, aggregators, and industry bodies. This week, they also discuss: Mortgage and borrower demand, alongside the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) latest minutes. Industry pushback against a proposed 1,000 per cent increase in brokers' Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) levy. A new appointment for an industry stalwart. And much more!

From starting out on the retail shop floor to spending years as CEO of iconic Australian brands Sportsgirl and Sussan, Colleen Callander has built a career in leadership while helping others build their own through her mentorship platform, Mentor Me Women. Ahead of her keynote at the Women in Finance Summit 2026, the transformational leader joins host Annie Kane to discuss her approach to leadership, career progression, and building authentic confidence. Tune in to find out: How she rose from folding denim as a 16-year-old to becoming CEO of major national brands. Why leading with empathy and kindness serves as a true leadership superpower rather than a weakness. Her practical approach to overcoming imposter syndrome and cultivating genuine confidence. And much more!

Retention tactics came under renewed scrutiny this week, with Macquarie Equity Research's latest broker survey revealing concerns that some lenders are holding back their strongest retention offers until a discharge is lodged. In this week's episode of What's Making Headlines, The Adviser's senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian and commercial content writer Ben Squires examine the findings and explore how borrower retention has become a major source of friction between lenders and the broker channel. The team also unpacks the latest APRA ADI statistics and other industry developments, including a new lender joining the federal government's Help to Buy scheme. This week, they discuss: New research showing prospective buyers increasingly want support from brokers. A non-bank lender's projections for commercial broker market share. What the RBA's latest Financial Stability Review reveals about the market. And much more!

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. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Greenlink Capital, CEO Kiro Georgy and chief investment officer Rory Gazarian explore the evolving private credit market, including what brokers need to know to approach this lending segment with confidence and what investors should consider when assessing private credit as an asset class. They also unpack Greenlink's approach and explain why the quality of due diligence behind each deal is critical to ensuring returns are appropriately matched to risk. Tune in to hear: Where private credit can provide an alternative to traditional bank lending and how it is emerging as an asset class for investors. How the lender assesses risk, structures multiple exit strategies, and undertakes due diligence on each deal. Why transparency, reliability, and accountability are central to Greenlink's proposition. And much more!

What makes a successful property investor turn into a high-volume broker? For Jack Williams, founder of Insightful Capital, maxing out his own borrowing capacity was the ultimate catalyst to master the financial system and become a broker. Having transitioned from a background in plumbing, electrical trades, and corporate project management three years ago, Williams has built a fully remote, investor-focused brokerage writing hundreds of loans a year. In this edition of New Broker, host Annie Kane discovers how he built his business from day one, why he bucked industry trends by charging a fee for service, and how he's now transitioning off the tools to coach a high-performing team of brokers. Tune in to find out: How he has standardised systems, processes, and remote operations early on. Why he charges a fee for service. The hiring strategy that saw him recruit top-producing brokers. And much more!

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. In this week's episode of What's Making Headlines, The Adviser's senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian and content writer Ben Squires unpack some of the biggest stories from the week. They discuss the RBA's latest 25-basis-point rate hike and what governor Michele Bullock's latest comments could mean for rates and broker conversations. Other topics include: ASIC's upcoming review of lender controls. Updates on brokers' share of the CSLR special levy. Solo brokers losing ground as business pressures build. And much more! News stories mentioned: RBA announces latest cash rate call https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/49001-rba-announces-latest-cash-rate-call-2 Bullock labels current rate 'restrictive' yet says more hikes possible https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/49004-bullock-labels-current-rate-restrictive-yet-says-more-hikes-possible Westpac joins ANZ in forecasting November hike https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/49010-westpac-joins-anz-in-forecasting-november-hike Associations urge early loan reviews after rate hike https://www.theadviser.com.au/growth/49002-associations-urge-early-loan-reviews-after-rate-hike ASIC to review introducer programs and lender oversight of brokers https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/49005-asic-to-review-introducer-programs-lender-oversight-of-brokers Draft CSLR special levy slammed as brokers face hefty share https://www.theadviser.com.au/growth/48984-draft-cslr-special-levy-revealed-as-brokers-face-hefty-share Solo brokers lose ground as business pressures build https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48995-solo-broker-share-falls-as-business-pressures-build Over 80% of brokers report investor inquiry plunge https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/49000-over-80-of-brokers-report-investor-enquiry-plunge

Of all finance sectors, commercial finance is perhaps the most male dominated. But Melissa Ashcroft, managing director of AAA Mortgages and Altura Funding, has been making a name for herself as a leading name in complex construction finance. In this candid conversation ahead of the Women in Finance Summit 2026, host Annie Kane sits down with the award-winning commercial finance broker to unpack how she established her authority in male-dominated commercial finance, how she is scaling her two businesses, and how she balances innovation with authentic leadership. Tune in to find out: Her approach to winning major deals and building key referral partnerships. Practical strategies for navigating market pivots amid a changing economy. Her advice for female entrepreneurs aiming to step up, stand out, and build lasting success. And much more!

From ASIC issuing stern warnings to private credit providers to the ongoing challenges in housing feasibility, this week's news highlights the ongoing headwinds impacting the property and mortgage market. Join host Annie Kane and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: ASIC's crackdown on private credit funds over transparency concerns and upcoming enforcement action. New MFAA research showing nearly half of broker clients are struggling to refinance due to servicing constraints. RAMS' $29 million settlement for its class action with former franchisees And much more! News stories mentioned: News stories mentioned: ASIC private lending probe and action UDIA on supply and valuation issues https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48978-udia-warns-smsf-and-budget-changes-threatens-supply RAMS pays nearly $30m over franchise terminations https://www.theadviser.com.au/lender/48980-rams-reaches-29-6m-deal-over-franchise-terminations MFAA broker survey 50% cant refinance https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48982-near-50-of-broker-clients-unable-to-refinance 40% of prospective FHBs want expert help https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48979-40-of-prospective-fhbs-want-expert-help Bragg on super at Financial Services Council https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48974-bragg-suggests-super-should-be-accessible-for-mortgages-2 New Senate inquiry into offset failures https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48964-senate-launches-inquiry-into-bank-offset-failures-asic-flaws Finalists for Women in Finance announced https://www.theadviser.com.au/broker/48972-women-in-finance-awards-2026-finalists-revealed Cash rate forecasts for next week https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48969-anz-predicts-back-to-back-hikes-as-majors-tip-september-rise

Buying two properties by age 20 and going viral in a QR code box on the streets of Sydney isn't your typical entry into mortgage broking. But for Sinead Grant, a new broker with Flint Group, taking bold risks and speaking directly to the next generation of property investors is all in a day's work. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Sydney-based broker to discuss how she settled nearly a dozen loans in her first year of broking, how she leverages social media to educate 16-year-olds on property, and why she relies heavily on back-end support and tech to build her personal brand. Tune in to find out: How she safely leveraged her inner circle and social media to generate her first leads. The key strategies she uses to maintain strong referral partner relationships. Her tips for new brokers on overcoming early income stress and staying the course. And much more!

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? In this episode of What's Making Headlines, The Adviser's senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian and commercial content writer Ben Squires break down the latest developments shaping the mortgage markets – and what brokers should be watching in the months ahead. They also discuss: Fresh scrutiny of the private lending sectors. New technology being rolled out by leading aggregators. Submissions opening for the 2027 Better Business Awards. And much more!

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!