The Adviser Podcast Network

Mortgage fraud has become a key talking point across the broking industry, with fresh reports suggesting the ongoing probe by lenders and regulators uncovered alleged involvement from both bankers and mortgage brokers. So just how widespread is the issue? Senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian and commercial content writer Ben Squires delve into the latest developments in this week's episode of What's Making Headlines, your go-to source for the week's biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. They also discuss: How major banks are responding to declining consumer confidence. The RBA's acknowledgment of uncertainty in the current economic outlook. How recent shifts in policy are impacting first home buyer behaviour. And much more!

With SMEs in the core industries underpinning the Australian economy under mounting pressure, brokers who can unlock working capital are becoming indispensable. James Beeson, CEO of invoice finance lender Earlypay, joins In Focus to explain why working capital solutions have become an important funding tool for SMEs looking to stabilise, grow, and navigate an increasingly uncertain environment. He also outlines how a more holistic funding approach enables brokers to deliver smarter, integrated solutions and how Earlypay has refined its offering in response to broker feedback. Against a challenging economic backdrop, cash flow has become the defining pressure point – and one that brokers are increasingly at the centre of solving. Tune in to find out: The opportunity for brokers to move beyond transactional lending and become strategic partners to SME clients. How working capital solutions can help businesses stabilise, fund growth, and manage volatility. What a holistic funding approach looks like in practice. And much more!  

After starting out in asset finance, Ivan David shifted his focus to residential mortgages and hasn't looked back, building a brokerage centred on education and support. Mentorship has been a defining part of his journey at SLAN Finance, earning him a nomination for Mentor of the Year for Victoria at the Better Business Awards 2026. David joined In Focus to discuss his approach to mentorship and what it takes to build a brokerage where brokers can prioritise clients rather than back-end administration. Tune in to find out: How strong systems and clear roles enable brokers to scale without losing control. The importance of investing in learning and development to stay competitive. How the right infrastructure frees brokers to focus on clients and relationships. And much more!

How can the mortgage industry stay ahead of criminals using AI to forge documents? It's a question becoming increasingly urgent as a new wave of sophisticated fraud hits the Australian lending landscape Join host Annie Kane, senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian, and commercial content writer Ben Squires as they review the week's biggest stories in finance and real estate, distilled into bite-sized insights. This week, the team discusses the move by finance associations to lobby for ATO data integration into open banking as a "single source of truth" to verify borrower income and crush fraudulent applications. They also dive into the recent acquisition, creating Australia's largest deposit bond provider, and how the government thinks it can fix the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort. This week, they discuss: The pros and cons of introducing ATO data in open banking. The details of the merger between Deposit Power and Deposit Assure. What the proposed Compensation Scheme of Last Resort changes mean. And much more!

As mortgage brokers look to transition from sole traders to small businesses, many are turning to offshore support to free up their time for high-value client engagement and sustainable growth. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by VA Platinum, Annie Kane sits down with Kate Garrett, director of Littlespring Finance, to explore her journey of doubling her business volume through strategic outsourcing. Together, they discuss the practicalities of embedding a virtual assistant (VA) into a brokerage and the mental clarity that comes with having a trusted support team. Tune in to learn: How utilising full-time offshore support can provide the momentum needed to manage exponential growth. Why investing time in initial training is critical for long-term success and trust. The impact of outsourcing on a broker's wellbeing during high-capacity periods. And much more!

The drive away from dealership finance and toward a transparent, client-first model in broking has helped Luke Meisenhelter build an eight-man brokerage that is giving back. Now the director of Mooloolaba-based Loanright Financial Services, Meisenhelter has successfully navigated the transition from a sole trader earning $30,000 in income to the leader of a successful brokerage that is supporting the local community. Annie Kane catches up with the Better Business Awards finalist to discuss his recent experience switching aggregators to gain better data control and how he has helped raise $75,000 for charity through community-led business events. Tune in to find out: How he overcame the "dark period" of moving aggregators while building a custom tech stack. Why he believes hiring people better than himself was the key to uncapped growth. The "give first" philosophy behind his Legacy Lunch that has funded the rescue of 42 children from trafficking. And much more!

Could the escalating conflict in the Middle East be the catalyst that pushes Australia's cash rate to its highest level in nearly two decades? As fuel security concerns take centre stage, and Treasury officials scramble to rewrite the federal budget, the ripple effects are already being felt across the lending landscape. In this week's episode of What's Making Headlines podcast, host Annie Kane, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist Charlie Tchetchenian review the economic fallout of the conflict, including forecasts that Australia's cash rate could reach GFC levels. This week, they discuss: Why Westpac is forecasting a series of aggressive rate hikes by August. The surge in electric vehicle loans as borrowers scramble to bypass the "fuel crunch". How the home buyer schemes may be backfiring for the very people they aim to help. And much more!

Michael Killiner of Tusk Finance has never been afraid of the hard graft required to succeed in the Western Australian broker market. After launching his own brand two years ago, the Subiaco-based broker has grown his brokerage into a high-volume business, writing over 320 loans a year while embracing a "give first" philosophy to win over referral partners. Annie Kane catches up with the multi-finalist for the Better Business Awards Western Australia to discuss his approach to leadership, why he believes the number of brokers in the industry will shrink, and how he uses video technology to provide ultimate transparency to his clients. Tune in to find out: How he built a "spider web" of referrals reaching from Perth to Sydney and Canberra. Why he uses video tools for every single client interaction and team training session. His advice for new-to-industry brokers on surviving the first two years of business. And much more!

Cost-of-living pressures and fuel supply chain constraints continue to weigh on the mortgage market following the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) second interest rate hike in 2026. This week, the central bank offered a glimpse at its thinking, noting most mortgagors still have sufficient buffers to withstand tougher conditions. But questions remain about how resilient households will be if rates rise further and fuel prices continue to spike. In this week's episode of The Adviser's What's Making Headlines podcast, Charlie Tchetchenian and Ben Squires analyse the RBA's March 2026 Financial Stability Review and what it signals for borrowers amid the latest inflation data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). They also review key developments across the mortgage and finance sector, including Recludo's latest acquisition, a Connective survey on broker AI adoption, and a warning from FICO's Corey Smith that the rise in fraudulent income documents and AI-generated paperwork has escalated the issue into what is now an industry-wide challenge. Enjoy the podcast,  The Adviser team

As the mortgage landscape undergoes rapid digital transformation, lenders are increasingly leveraging automation, AI, and insurance to deliver a more seamless, efficient experience for brokers and their clients. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by First Title, Annie Kane speaks with Chris Evans, general manager of sales and relationships at First Title, and Darren McLeod, head of third party and lending solutions at Beyond Bank, to unpack how innovation in lending technology is reducing friction in the settlement process and helping lenders scale consistently. Tune in to find out: How First Title is helping lenders process a refinance within a single day. The importance of high-quality API data in ensuring a human-touch-free journey from approval to funding. First Title's move to overcome the certificate of currency delays. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and Julian Barnes, senior journalist on Broker Daily, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: How brokers have responded to the RBA's latest cash rate decision. Senate report on the CGT discount plus a surge in low-deposit lending. APRA highlighting the "widening structural divide" in the mutual banking sector. And much more!

As Bankwest pivots to a digital-first model, the lender is doubling down on its commitment to the third-party channel with a clear goal: to become the number one bank for brokers in Australia. In this episode of In Focus, host Annie Kane is joined by Grant Roden, executive manager of operations in home buying distribution at Bankwest. They explore how the bank's digital transformation is reshaping its identity, and why human-led relationships - supported by BDMs and credit quality managers - remain at the heart of its strategy. Tune in to learn: The "Four Ps" strategy: How Bankwest is leveraging People, Process, Policy, and Price to aim for the top spot in the broker market. Tech-driven efficiency: How tools like DocBox and the revamped Broker Portal are simplifying complex applications and speeding up the home-buying journey. Niche policy strengths: Why the bank's approach to self-employed borrowers, high-LVR investor loans, and digital offset accounts is driving its recent market share growth. And much more!

As housing affordability and supply bites, the shift toward alternative housing like kit homes and modular builds has seen inquiry volumes surge. Teressa Fisk, senior finance broker and director of YourFinanceBroker.co, has been at the forefront of this movement, working to modernise lending policies for factory-built homes. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the Sunshine Coast-based director and Queensland Thought Leader of the Year finalist to discuss how she is pioneering finance solutions in the modular housing market and helping Australians navigate the hurdles of financing non-traditional construction. Tune in to find out: How she worked with major lenders to update policies for modular and alternative construction. Why demand for tiny homes and factory-built housing is skyrocketing across Australia. Her strategies for financing "fast and affordable" housing in a restrictive lending environment. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and special guest Liam Garman, managing editor for REB and Smart Property Investment, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: What APRA's monthly ADI statistics are telling us about the lending market. The latest lender to join the 5 per cent Deposit Scheme and the potential negative equity risks for first home buyers using the scheme in a high-rate environment. Changing rate forecasts and a hawkish outlook ahead of the RBA's next decision. 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 Phil Tarrant, Major General (Ret'd) Dr Marcus Thompson, and Momentum Media journalist Stephen Kuper as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: How the widening conflict in the Middle East is driving up fuel prices and adding further pressure to inflation and interest rates. The urgent need for Australia to pivot from a consumer of global security to a producer of national resilience. Why domestic social cohesion is under threat and what the recent flashpoints mean for Australia's future as a middle power. And much more!

As optimism returns to the SME sector, commercial lending is booming. With businesses rebuilding margins and household consumption rising, brokers are finding that business lending is no longer a niche - it's a core part of a broker's offering. In this episode of In Focus, Annie Kane catches up with George Obeid, chief third-party officer at Judo Bank, to discuss the shifting demands for SME finance, the importance of relationship-led lending, and how the fastest-growing business bank in Australia is helping brokers access judgement-based commercial lending. Tune in to learn: The evolution of the commercial broker market and the value they unlock for business lending customers. The importance of working closely with experienced bankers who understand the SME landscape during times of uncertainty. Judo's commitment to direct access to decision-makers and how this facilitates quicker turnaround times. And much more!

Having spent over a decade in banking before launching his own brokerage, Matt Spears of Evoke Capital has built a reputation for solving complex problems and bridging the gap between residential and commercial finance. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the Sydney-based broker to discuss how he scaled his business to a team of 17 in just six years and why he believes diversification is the ultimate key to long-term wealth and business resilience. Tune in to find out: How he manages a high-volume brokerage writing approximately $40 million a month. How he uses systems, processes, and an intranet to onboard staff in just two days. His advice for graduating from residential to commercial lending to increase client lifetime value. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: New MFAA data showing broker market share reached a record December high of 76.7 per cent. The industry's response to allegations of a $1 billion mortgage fraud involving AI-doctored documents. The top performers in the inaugural Women in Finance Elite Broker ranking and the upcoming Better Business Summit. And much more!

Edward Chin, managing director and head finance broker at CZM Finance, has built a reputation for turning "Band-Aid" financial fixes into long-term growth strategies. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the Brisbane-based broker to unpack his 10-year career and his obsession with efficiency and agility – working with everyone from local butchers and cafes to large-scale manufacturing and medical clinics. Tune in to find out: The reality of the "Band-Aid versus sustainability" approach when dealing with ATO debt and working capital. How to handle complex M&A (mergers and acquisitions) and identify operational efficiencies for clients. The impact of upcoming reforms, including Payday Super and the removal of tax deductibility on ATO interest. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian, and Accountants Daily and Accounting Times journalist Emma Partis as they review the news of the week. This week they discuss: The latest updates on the push to reduce the capital gains tax discount, rising property values nationwide, and climbing mortgage demand. Changes to payday super and the lack of wider awareness. The latest results from some of the industry's biggest lenders. And much more!

As part of its commitment to improvement, Ubank has rebuilt its lodgement platform to deliver one of the fastest and simplest digital home loan experiences in the market. In this episode of In Focus, Ben Squires speaks with George Srbinovski Ubank's head of broker distribution, about how Ubank has been hard at work doubling down on the things that make UBank home loans a reliable part of the broker toolkit and how Ubank is planning to continue to grow and strengthen in 2026. Tune in to learn: How they transformed their broker experience from the ground up. How they turned application times from 45 minutes to 15 minutes. Products issued by Ubank, part of NAB. Credit criteria and other conditions apply. Find out more Ubank broker - ubank

After two decades in banking, Ali Mehboob transitioned into the world of mortgage broking in 2024 and has found success specialising in Islamic finance. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the founder of Noor Finance during Ramadan to discuss how he wrote $10 million in his first year and the ins and outs of writing sharia-compliant finance. Tune in to discover: The mechanics of sharia and Islamic finance. How he safely leveraged his inner circle to write his first 22 loans. His plans for growing his brokerage into the future. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian, commercial content writer Ben Squires, and senior journalist on Broker Daily, Julian Barnes, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: The latest results from some of the industry's biggest lenders and aggregators. Fallout from the alleged cyber incident involving asset finance fintech youX. A new shadow ministry and IMF warnings about the 5 per cent Deposit Scheme. And much more!

As demographic shifts, rising complexity, and evolving income trends reshape the lending landscape, brokers have a powerful opportunity to step up. In this episode of In Focus, Annie Kane speaks with Ryan Harkness, co-founder and COO of ORDE Financial, about why non-bank lenders are becoming critical partners in helping brokers support self-employed Australians, complex borrowers, and the next wave of upsizers. Tune in to learn: Why complex scenarios are where brokers build the strongest client relationships. How population growth and changing workforce trends will impact lending demand. What role non-banks can play as income streams become more diverse. And much more!

Having navigated the shift from a downturn to a booming Western Australian market, Adam Donald of Capita Finance has been scaling his brokerage into one of the state's most decorated businesses. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane welcomes back the founder and multi-award-winning broker Donald to discuss how his business has evolved over the years and different economic cycles and how he manages a high-volume brokerage, while maintaining a strict four-day work week. Tune in to find out: How he writes over 380 loans a year, while focusing only on client-facing tasks. Why he moved away from traditional real estate referral partnerships. His "Die with Zero" philosophy on work/life balance and mental health. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: The news that Peter White is stepping down as managing director of the FBAA. Treasurer Chalmers' position on scrapping clawbacks. REA Group's move to acquire a commercial brokerage. And much more!

Having made the leap from aggregation to broking, Colin Mason and Jessie Spencer at Mason Finance Group have been leading one of Australia's Top 25 Brokerages through a season of massive transformation. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the leaders of Mason Finance Group – which recently merged with Invest Blue (part of Ironbark Group Australia) – to discuss how they've grown the Queensland-based brokerage from a small business to one of the nation's top broking businesses. Tune in to find out: How they quickly built a high-performing team writing over $130 million a month. How "front office ninjas" help improve efficiencies. Why they've merged with Invest Blue and what a major merger entails. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: Why the RBA decided to lift rates this week. Why ASIC levies are coming in higher than expected. What the broking industry wants to see in the federal budget. And much more!

With a finance career spanning 40 years, from the policy halls of the Reserve Bank of Australia to corporate lending, Matt 'The Cashman' Erwin is now helping SMEs access finance to better manage their cash flow and turn around their businesses. In this episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane sits down with the Cashman Consulting director to unpack how he helps business owners rescue their reputations and operations when facing the threat of insolvency and how he uses his "The Cashman" persona to differentiate his brand. Tune in to find out: How he transitioned from the RBA to building a specialised cash flow brokerage. What his "money tool" philosophy is and how it helps SMEs better manage cash flow. How he manages his pipeline of working capital and asset finance solutions. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: Two big mutual merger announcements. Concerns about how brokers market and advertise on social media. Why the market thinks the RBA will hike on Tuesday. And much more!

As more brokers plan retirement and more firms grow via acquisition, knowing your trail book value (and how to fund growth) matters more than ever. Annie Kane speaks with Jeff Zulman, managing director of TrailBlazer Finance, on practical steps brokers can take now. Tune in to learn: How to assess your trail book value (beyond the multiple). The key risks buyers miss - and how to protect yourself. Funding strategies to support growth without strangling cash flow. 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 Charlie Tchetchenian, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: The first new resi aggregator for 15 years. New appointments, including a new bank CEO. What the new unemployment figures mean for the cash rate. And much more!

Nicole Taylor has spent over two decades in asset and medico finance before making the leap into broking, and in just two years she's carved out a niche in asset and medical finance across two separate businesses. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane catches up with the Queensland-based broker Taylor, the founder of Medifund and one of the co-franchisees of Loan Market's first dedicated asset finance brokerage, about why she left a long career in banking for broking, how she built a business from scratch, and what it takes to specialise in asset finance. Tune in to discover: How she combined her experience in car dealerships and medical finance to create unique brokerage offerings. The strategies she uses to grow her pipeline Her tips for brokers on leveraging niche expertise 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: A stream of brokerage acquisitions. How lenders are supporting flood and bushfire victims. The first non-bank to tighten up trust lending policies. And much more!

As the new calendar year begins, many SMEs are shifting focus from getting by to actively planning for growth, taking stock of their funding needs and looking for smarter ways to scale. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Bizcap, we speak with Isaac Garson, senior business development manager at the non-bank lender, to unpack the key trends shaping SME lending in 2026 and what they mean for the brokers who service this segment. Tune in to learn: Why SMEs are prioritising speed, flexibility, and cash flow-aligned funding. How brokers can leverage non-banks to deliver faster, more adaptive solutions. Why a human-centred approach still matters. And much more!

The year 2026 will not be a normal year for the broking industry. The gap between brokers who adapt quickly and those who don't is widening fast – driven by AI, changing borrower behaviour, rising competition, and new expectations around speed and visibility. In this episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane unpacks how and why the 13th annual Better Business Summit 2026, run with the support of principal partner NAB, is helping top brokerages across the country pull away from the pack in 2026. Tune in to find out: How the Better Business Summit agenda will deliver tactical and practical business advice. The new normal in lead generation, visibility, and broker operations in 2026. How brokers can help come up with a solution to the awards conundrum. 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 on Broker Daily, Julian Barnes, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: What the broking industry thinks 2026 will look like. Why Western Australian brokers think Help to Buy could be improved. How the 5 per cent Deposit Scheme is pushing up house prices. And much more!

As more Australians look to upsize, downsize, or relocate in a fast-moving property market, bridging finance is emerging as a critical – yet often misunderstood – tool to help borrowers make their next move with confidence. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Athena Home Loans, we sit down with Athena's chief product officer, Mira Hohn, to unpack what's happening in the property market, why so many Australians feel "stuck", and how better bridging solutions could unlock greater mobility. Hohn shares how Athena has been working with brokers to co-create an innovative new product and scenario modelling tool to help brokers and their clients navigate complex buy-sell decisions. Tune in to discover: Why fewer Australians are moving – and what's holding them back. How bridging finance can help borrowers buy before they sell. How Athena's new tools and policies are making bridging simpler, fairer, and more flexible. And much more!

Stephanie Thomas never planned to become a mortgage broker – but four years on, she's leading a 20-person team across three Queensland offices and was named Mortgage Broker of the Year at the Women in Finance Awards 2025. In this episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane sits down with the Loan Market Ignite director to unpack how she built a high-growth brokerage from scratch without a client database; why education and service sit at the heart of her model; and how she's used people, process, and technology to scale quickly without sacrificing client experience. Tune in to find out: How she's built her team to settle around $450 million a year. How she structures a multi-office, pod-based team across Brisbane, Ipswich, and Buderim. How AI, automation, and delegation help her manage hundreds of loans a 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 and commercial writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: The growing volume of lenders forecasting a rate hike in February. The flurry of regulatory action taken against lenders and brokers. The top brokers listed in the Elite Broker Ranking – Asset Finance, partnered by Optimise Aggregation. And much more!

As more mortgage brokers look to elevate their performance and build sustainable, scalable businesses, broker coaching is emerging as one of the most in-demand support tools in the industry. In this episode of In Focus, sponsored by Success & Broker, we sit down with broker-turned-coach Ruan Burger to explore why coaching has become a critical component of broker growth – and what it actually looks like behind the scenes. Burger shares how he transitioned from elite broker to business coach, the common challenges he helps brokers overcome, and the importance of building a brokerage that aligns with your life, not the other way around. Tune in to discover: What today's brokers really need help with – and why demand for coaching is rising. The most common "hidden problems" in broker businesses (and how to spot them). How social proof, client experience, and strong internal processes can transform a brokerage. And much more!

Felix Katzen stumbled into the world of asset finance by accident, but he's been hitting the ground running, rapidly growing his brokerage, and expanding out his team. In this episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane sits down with Katzen – founder of Katzen Financial Group – to unpack his journey from contractor to business owner, how he rebuilt lender accreditations from scratch, and the high-volume, rapid turnaround model that defines his business today. Tune in to find out: How he's grown his brokerage into a busy commercial outfit in just 18 months. How he manages 40 loans a month. His approach to hiring and building culture in a new 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 and commercial writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: The RBA's surprising rhetoric on the cash rate trajectory. The problems with the CSLR funding model. Why we might need to start calling Macquarie a major bank. And much more!

Elite Broker Katrina Rowlands was among the first generation of mortgage brokers and has gone to win countless awards for her and her team. But what's next? In this special return episode of Elite Broker, Annie Kane catches up with Rowlands – AFG's first Hall of Fame recipient and a mentor and champion of the broking industry – to unpack her three decades in the industry, why she started up a female broker scholarship program, and how she's running her successful Wollongong-based brokerage with her daughter. Tune in to find out: Why she set up a women's broking scholarship (now called Women on the Move). The ins and outs of succession planning with a family member. Her top tips for aspirational mentors. 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 writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: Controversy around the new Help to Buy scheme. Why another major bank thinks this is the end of rate cuts. RACQ Bank offloads its retail banking arm. And much more!

Momentum Media was proud to bring the Women in Finance community together for the 2025 Women in Finance Summit and Awards in Sydney – a day and night celebrating excellence, leadership, and authentic storytelling across financial services. In this episode of the Women in Finance Podcast, host Annie Kane is joined once again by Natalie Smith, general manager, retail broker at ANZ, and a platinum partner of the Women in Finance Summit and Women in Finance Awards 2025. Fresh off the back of the event, they unpack the themes and standout moments from this year's summit – from the importance of building authentic businesses, to the power of community, flexibility, and support in helping women thrive in finance. Tune in to hear: Why authenticity and clarity of purpose are essential for building successful businesses. How ANZ is fostering gender inclusion through initiatives like its Doyenne program. How ANZ's new 2030 strategy will reshape the bank's customer-first approach. And much more!

Despite only becoming a broker 18 months ago, Aussie broker Dominy (Dom) Vaughan has been quickly establishing himself as a successful broker in Liverpool, NSW. In this episode of New Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with Vaughan from Aussie Liverpool to discuss how and why he made the transition from hospitality to broking, what he learned during the Aussie Broker Academy, and the tools and tech he's using that help him write a loan in an hour. Tune in to find out: How he generates leads in every location. The main misconceptions he's busting about the 5 per cent Deposit Scheme. The growing popularity of buyer's agents. 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. In this special, cross-over episode with Momentum's property brands, host Annie Kane is joined by Phil Tarrant, SPI director, and REB managing editor Liam Garman, as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: Whether APRA will bring further limits on investor lending. Why concerns are mounting about unlicensed advice from buyer's agents. The problems with the government's 5 per cent Deposit Scheme. And much more!

From payments to policy, few roles carry as much responsibility and visibility as that of Michelle McPhee, assistant governor (business services) at the Reserve Bank of Australia. In this candid conversation from the Women in Finance Summit 2025, host Annie Kane sits down with the central banker to discover the leadership lessons she's learned navigating high-stakes decisions, career pivots, and a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Tune in to find out: How she built confidence and resilience in complex roles. The pivotal moments that shaped her leadership journey at the RBA. Her advice for women aspiring to be senior leaders in finance. And much more!

Earlier this year, Katie Thomas from Focus Finance took out the top spot of the Elite Broker Ranking 2025 – Residential, becoming the first woman to do so. In this episode of Elite Broker, host Annie Kane sits down with the Hunter Valley-based broker to find out how she wrote $496 million in residential loans over the last financial year, with her broker colleagues also writing substantial volumes. Tune in to find out: How her relationship-first, self-sourced lead generation model works. How her brokerage manages to lodge nearly 1,000 applications a year. Her advice for building a successful, rapidly growing 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 and commercial writer Ben Squires as they review the news of the week. This week, they discuss: Why commercial finance is the buzz of the moment What's blowing out lender turnaround times Athena's bridging finance innovation And much more!