Episodes

  • Business Accelerator: Escaping the business plateau
    Nov 20 2025

    In this episode of Business Accelerator, Alex Whitlock and Jason Back tackle a common challenge for established mortgage brokerages: hitting a growth plateau. They explore why the strategies that fuelled initial success may no longer be working and what brokers can do to reignite momentum.

    In an increasingly competitive environment with over 22,000 brokers and banks prioritising proprietary lending, maintaining growth requires more than just relying on repeat business. How can brokers evolve their business model to find new pathways when growth seems to have stalled?

    Tune in to find out the importance of the stress-test questions you can be asking yourself that can help double your volume in less time and how adapting your role through diversification and technology can pave the way for sustained expansion.

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    27 mins
  • Finance Specialist: What you need to know before starting a broking business
    Nov 18 2025

    Launching a mortgage brokerage is one of the biggest career leaps a broker can make and demands more than just technical expertise. It requires a mindset shift, solid systems, and a clear understanding of why you want to build a business in the first place.

    In this episode of Finance Specialist, hosts Trent Carter and guest host Liam Garman, unpack what brokers need to know before starting their own brokerage, revealing the motivations, challenges, and practical steps that separate successful business owners from those who struggle.

    They explore the critical transition from broker to business owner, highlighting the importance of strong infrastructure, solid processes, and the discipline to "walk before you run" when setting up a new operation.

    The episode also dives into essential tools for new brokerages – from CRM systems to accounting software – while urging caution against chasing shiny tech that doesn't solve real problems.

    Garman and Carter tackle the debate around commissions versus advisory fees, encouraging brokers to articulate and monetise their value, and break down licensing and compliance considerations that new business owners must weigh carefully.

    Above all, the hosts emphasise clarity of purpose, realistic goal setting, and a customer-first approach as the foundations of a thriving brokerage.

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    46 mins
  • Navigating the stop-start mortgage cycle
    Nov 17 2025

    In this episode of Broker Daily Uncut, co-hosts Alex Whitlock and Eva Loisance dissect the current pulse of the Australian mortgage market as the spring selling season peaks, and the calendar year draws to a close

    From the intricacies of a "stop-start" market environment and regional variations in buyer sentiment, the conversation pivots around the pervasive uncertainty regarding interest rates, with the Reserve Bank's next move being the subject of intense speculation among borrowers and investors.

    The hosts also explore how investor sentiment is evolving, noting a shift from hopeful anticipation of rate cuts to a strategic reassessment of borrowing capacity, plus changes in fixed-rate pricing and why the variable/fixed-rate gap is narrowing.

    The hosts conclude by reviewing the signals from major banks, such as CBA, which suggest the current rate-cutting cycle may have reached its conclusion.

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    20 mins
  • Business Accelerator: Navigating end-of-year fatigue
    Nov 13 2025

    In this episode of Business Accelerator, Alex Whitlock and Jason Back take a look at how brokers can maintain momentum as the spring selling season ramps up, and the demand for investor and first- home buyer loans surges.

    While many people may be focused on the upcoming holidays at the end of the year – brokers are racing to the finish line – with some finding themselves in a state of fatigue. So how can brokers ensure they're working smarter both now and into the future?

    Tune in to find out why Back recommends conducting a 'reverse bucket list', the perils of comparing yourself to others, and the beauty of working in 90-day sprints.

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    26 mins
  • Evolving market: Buyer's agents reshape mortgage industry roles
    Nov 10 2025

    In this episode of Broker Daily Uncut, hosts Phil Tarrant and Alex Whitlock explore the evolving landscape of Australia's mortgage industry and what it means for brokers and investors.

    They highlight the importance of celebrating achievements, noting that recognising successes boosts morale and reinforces professionalism during busy periods.

    With around 22,000 brokers and nearly 80 per cent of loans now processed through brokers, they discuss whether the industry has reached a growth plateau.

    The rise of buyer's agents is examined, as their entrepreneurial approach may encroach on traditional broker roles and drive greater professionalisation.

    Tarrant and Whitlock also review first home buyer schemes, warning that while these boost market activity, they may increase debt burdens for younger Australians.

    Major banks are engaging more closely with brokers to strengthen relationships and better understand market dynamics.

    The hosts stress the role of self-regulation, citing examples like Macquarie Bank's withdrawal from trust lending as a way to maintain integrity and limit external oversight.

    Looking ahead, they predict increased consolidation, professionalisation, and the need for brokers to stay informed and adaptable in a changing market.

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    28 mins
  • Business Accelerator: Are small brokerages doomed to struggle?
    Nov 6 2025

    In this episode of Business Accelerator, Phil Tarrant and Jason Back delve into the evolving landscape of mortgage broking and its implications for brokers in 2026.

    They discuss the pressures facing solo practitioners, including burnout and the challenge of being the "hero" of their business, and examine the potential shift toward more collaborative and sustainable business models.

    The duo highlight how the industry's rapid growth – brokers now write around 75 per cent of all mortgages – is creating both opportunity and competition, forcing brokers to rethink traditional approaches.

    Back outlines how solo brokers can still thrive by leveraging technology, building strong client relationships, and excelling in marketing, sales, and service.

    For those struggling to scale independently, he suggests joining larger brokerages to access support, resources, and sustainable growth pathways.

    Tarrant and Back also consider broader industry shifts, advocating models similar to those found in accounting or legal practices, where brokers can work in structured firms with opportunities for partnership and equity.

    They emphasise the critical role of aggregators in supporting productivity, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

    By combining mindset, technology, and strategic business structures, this episode equips brokers to adapt, remain relevant, and thrive in a transforming market.

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    31 mins
  • Finance Specialist: Turning client challenges into revenue opportunities
    Nov 5 2025

    The mortgage broking industry in Australia is becoming increasingly competitive, prompting brokers to adopt strategic marketing, personalised client engagement, and diversified services to stay ahead.

    In this episode of Finance Specialist, hosts Liam Garman and Trent Carter explore effective marketing strategies, emphasising multichannel approaches, consistent engagement, and personalisation to build trust and strong client relationships.

    They stress the importance of understanding client problems and delivering value, moving conversations beyond rate comparisons to meaningful financial solutions.

    Goal setting and habit-based planning are highlighted as essential tools for brokers to achieve momentum and long-term success.
    Diversification into commercial lending and SMSF opportunities is encouraged, helping brokers reduce risk, while tapping into new revenue streams.

    Garman and Carter also highlight the role of automation and technology in streamlining workflows and improving client retention, while cautioning that the human touch remains critical.

    Education and professional development are central, equipping brokers with deeper financial insights to provide tailored advice and stay ahead of market trends.

    Throughout, the hosts emphasise strategic planning, personalised service, and continuous learning as keys to navigating the complexities of today's mortgage broking landscape.

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    27 mins
  • Trust lending shake-up: How Macquarie's move affects the market
    Nov 3 2025

    In this episode of the Broker Daily Uncut, host Alex Whitlock is joined by mortgage expert Eva Loisance from Finni Mortgages to unpack Macquarie Bank's abrupt withdrawal from trust lending, and what it means for investors.

    Loisance explains that while trusts have long been used for asset protection and tax benefits, they also come with complexity and compliance risks that have made lenders increasingly cautious.

    Macquarie's decision to exit the trust lending space entirely shocked brokers and investors, arriving without warning and signalling potential concerns over ethical and administrative issues.

    Other banks, including Westpac and St.George, have already made trust lending more difficult, but Macquarie's full retreat marks a turning point in the market.

    In contrast, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia quickly moved to position itself as an alternative, offering to apply negative gearing to trust structures to boost borrowing capacity.

    Loisance notes that the changes will prompt investors to reassess whether a trust structure truly aligns with their goals, as many are now advised that simpler ownership models may be more effective.

    She also cautions that unqualified professionals, such as some buyer's agents, are influencing structural decisions they aren't licensed to advise on, heightening investor risk.

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    22 mins