Finance and Coffee: Friday Wrap

Finance and Coffee

Discussing all things finance lending related in Australia. Specifically aimed at the 3rd Party Lending (broker) space. Mortgages, business, asset, development funding and a myriad of other associated topics will be discussed....over a coffee.

  1. The Blue Sheep and Beyond: Unpacking AMP Bank's New Digital Platform

    11/26/2025

    The Blue Sheep and Beyond: Unpacking AMP Bank's New Digital Platform

    In this episode, we sit down with Travis Hall and Melissa Christie from AMP Bank to discuss the bank's recent "reinvigoration" and significant digital transformation. Melissa details the launch of AMP Bank's new digital platform, which focuses on providing a transformed service proposition to mortgage brokers. The platform validates and verifies key credit data upfront, aiming for greater efficiency. Despite some issues due to unexpected high volume, brokers are adopting the new system. Melissa emphased the importance of utilising digital income verification via Equifax or OCR payslip scanning for a smoother a quicker process. The team also announced future plans, including the launch of 90-second documents for quicker settlements!  Key Policy Niches for Brokers: Self-Employed Policy: A True 12-month policy (only requiring one year's tax returns) up to 90% LVR. Master Limit: A flexible line of credit designed for those planning for retirement and retirees. 10-Year Interest Only: A 10 year interest only product that does not require a further assessment at the five year mark.Do you long to differentiate your business? Then you need to hear about AMP Bank's platform, and more importantly, their mascot: Sparky the Blue Sheep! Yes, that's right. While other banks might be handing out boring ballpoint pens, AMP is helping you stand out from the crowd with a fluffy, azure icon that represents doing things differently (and probably guarantees you the best lender merch at your next PD day). Tune in to find out how a reinvigorated AMP Bank is achieving game-changing success with their new digital platform, and discover if the secret to your business efficiency is actually just embracing the spirit of the Blue Sheep. Warning: Listening to this podcast may cause a spontaneous desire to try the funner Blue Bank! Grab your finest mug and a comfy chair, because it's time for a finance chat that's anything but black and white!

    25 min
  2. Rate Money's Growth, Specialisation, and Franchise Opportunities

    10/05/2025

    Rate Money's Growth, Specialisation, and Franchise Opportunities

    Finance and Coffee sat down with Ryan Gair, CEO from Rate Money, discussing the lender's rapid growth and unique business model since its founding in 2019. Rate Money has experienced exponential growth, escalating from approximately 15 franchises to 41 across the Eastern seaboard (Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria). Their current goal is to reach 55 "high-performing" franchisees, with expansion planned for South Australia and other key locations. The company reports over $11 billion in total settlements since inception, with $9.7 billion settled on their own product, and $4.3 billion of funds under management. The core of Rate Money's strategy is specialisation. They exclusively focus on AltDoc (Low Doc) and self-employed lending, differentiating themselves from competitors who offer a wider, less specialised product range. This niche focus helps streamline their marketing, messaging, and target clientele. Rate Money operates as a mortgage manager, allowing them to offer bespoke products not available through third-party channels. Key examples include: Alt Doc Loans for self-employed Australians Construction Low Doc Product: They were one of the first to market with this highly sought-after product. One-Year Tax Return Product: Designed to compete with major lenders while catering specifically to the self-employed customer. Customer-Centric Fees: Their prime Low Doc products typically feature no application fee, no valuation fee, and no risk fee, providing a streamlined and predictable process for the customer. Significant Growth and FocusExclusive Products and Unique Value 📢 Immediate Opportunity: Rate Money is Actively Seeking Brokers A major takeaway from the interview is Rate Money's current recruitment drive. They are looking for experienced brokers (typically 2-5 years in the industry) who are ready to take the next step and grow their business into a high-performing franchise. Rate Money Head Office is positioned purely to support its franchisees, offering comprehensive assistance in: Infrastructure: Setting up the necessary systems and processes. Compliance: Providing full training and support to ensure all deals are processed correctly. Team Building: Assistance in building out sales and credit/admin support teams. Business Development: Extensive sales, marketing, and local area marketing training, including access to B2C leads from an upcoming major media push. The company views its relationship with franchisees as a true business partnership, providing the tools and products needed for brokers to stand out and build a sustainable business within the profitable AltDoc space. They even noted that several brokers who previously referred business to Rate Money have converted to become successful franchisees themselves.

    21 min
  3. Friday Wrap 29 Nov 2024

    12/19/2024

    Friday Wrap 29 Nov 2024

    Todays hosts are Sadish Visvalingam and stepping in for Beth CominoBeth Comino is the lovely Chelsea Deacon. As always we will chat about the happenings in the group and news in the wider industry that may be interesting to brokers. In the hotseat this week we have David Browne, Mortgage broker with 16+ years experience in finance. Prior o being a broker, David worked for Westpac for almost 20 years. Manager Legal & Compliance and establishing loan processing centres! David is also Co Founder and Director of Remote Broker Solutions. ------------------------------------------------------------------- News Topics this past week: (1) Fair Work Australia case where a business directly employing someone outside of Australia is still subject to FWA rules and regulations. Source: https://www.fwc.gov.au/.../decisionss.../pdf/2024fwc2669.pdf ------------------------------------------------------------------- (2) AMP announces commission changes last Friday (after the wrap had gone to air. Will others follow? Source:https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=3899141367037120&set=gm.2773700406170253&idorvanity=471487283058255 ------------------------------------------------------------------- (3) VIC State Government implements changes to reduce investment properties? New Victorian Short Stay Tax & Vacant residential land tax. Good or Bad?Source:https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/short-stay-levyhttps://www.sro.vic.gov.au/vacant-residential-land-tax-- ------------------------------------------------------------------- (4) Australian Gov takes steps to ban under 16 from Social media.What does this mean for you? Will F&C need a new home???? Source: https://www.abc.net.au/.../how-the-age-minimum.../104571790

    39 min

About

Discussing all things finance lending related in Australia. Specifically aimed at the 3rd Party Lending (broker) space. Mortgages, business, asset, development funding and a myriad of other associated topics will be discussed....over a coffee.