Broker Daily Podcast Network

Julian Barnes takes the reins as the new host of Finance Specialist, joining Trent Carter to take stock of a year that has already shifted the commercial finance landscape.

With business lending picking up as residential lending softens, the pair unpack the changing needs of SMEs, rising cash-flow pressures, tighter ATO settings, and what the latest bank results reveal about where lenders are putting their money.

They also look at how brokers can move beyond rates and products to become deeper financial partners to their business clients – and why now could be the time to sh...

Automation can save brokers time, but knowing what to automate, and what to keep personal, is where the real challenge lies.

Julian Barnes and Jason Back unpack how brokers can rethink their processes, identify repetitive tasks, and use automation and AI to create a more efficient business without handing over the client relationship.

The conversation looks at where automation can make the biggest difference, how to measure the value of time saved, and why brokers should fix a broken process before automating it.

Back also shares how smaller brokerages can use technology to...

Open banking is moving fast. This week's Spotlight explores how verified banking data is fundamentally changing the way brokers work while creating new opportunities for lenders and customers.

Following on from an unforgettable Broker Innovation Summit, held in principal partnership with NextGen, Broker Daily's Julian Barnes catches up with NextGen's chief customer officer Tony Carn to explore the rapid evolution of open banking and what it could mean for the future of broking.

From reducing data collection and rework to improving fraud prevention and building trust with customers, open banking is already delivering tangible benefits...

The investor pullback is showing up in the numbers, but are borrowers actually walking away?

NAB, ANZ, and CBA have all released their latest results, with declines in mortgage applications and investor activity pointing to a softer lending market, while CBA continues to report growth in broker-originated lending.

Broker Daily's Julian Barnes is joined by Finni brokers Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos to unpack what is keeping investors on the sidelines, from servicing constraints and rates to changing lender policies.

The team also digs into the growing impact of AI on brokers, alongside...

Building a successful brokerage takes more than writing a strong loan book, as Focus Finance's founder and director Katie Thomas would know.

Speaking with host Joseph Daoud on The Broker Show with Joe, Thomas opens up about the 28-strong brokerage, how she identifies and develops talent, and why she believes the strongest businesses are built from within.

The conversation also digs into the relationships behind Focus Finance's growth, the importance of understanding what clients actually want from a loan, and how you can build on failure. Now focused on building the next generation of brokers...

For brokers, finding the right niche can help build expertise, stand out in a crowded market, and make it easier for clients and referral partners to know what they do. But does specialising mean narrowing the business too far?

Broker Daily's Julian Barnes is joined by Broker Essentials founder and broker coach Jason Back to unpack the relationship between specialisation and diversification and why the two don't necessarily have to be competing strategies.

The pair discuss how brokers can identify a niche with enough demand to support a business, build genuine expertise and credibility, and...

With investor activity under pressure, changing lender policies are creating new questions for brokers, from how servicing is assessed to where investors can turn as the residential SMSF borrowing rules come to an end.

Broker Daily's Julian Barnes is joined by Finni brokers Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos to unpack whether developments in neutral gearing could push borrowing capacity and what the shift could mean for the investor market.

The team also examines the end of residential SMSF borrowing and the rush to settle deals before the deadline, whether commercial lending can fill the gap...

As residential yields compress, investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional property plays for stronger returns, with commercial property, unit blocks, and higher-yielding regional markets drawing greater attention.

But as investors chase yield, are they also taking on more risk?

Broker Daily's Liam Garman and Accendo's Trent Carter unpack the changing investment landscape, from the growing appeal of commercial property and whole unit blocks to the risks emerging in regional markets where yields can reach double digits.

The pair also discuss the role brokers can play in pressure-testing investment assumptions, from asking what happens...

Liberty Financial's appointment to the Home Guarantee Scheme's 5 per cent Deposit Scheme panel is the latest move aimed at expanding opportunities for first home buyers.

But while much of the attention has focused on new schemes and policy changes, the bigger opportunity may lie with brokers themselves.

Broker Daily's Julian Barnes and broker coach and Broker Essentials founder Jason Back discuss why first home buyers should be viewed as the start of a long-term relationship rather than a one-off transaction.

They explore how brokers can move beyond simply arranging finance to becoming trusted...

Lenders are increasingly looking beyond interest rates to stand out, with new policies and product innovations reshaping the options available to borrowers. But what do these changes actually mean for brokers and their clients?

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes with Finni brokers Costa Arvanitopoulos and Rebecca Carlson as they unpack the latest lender policy changes, including Liberty becoming the first non-bank to join the 5 per cent Deposit Scheme, AMP's new 40-year investor loan, the growing competition in SMSF refinancing, and ASIC's findings into widespread mortgage offset account failures.

The team also discusses what softer auction...

Residential lending may be showing signs of slowing, but does that mean brokers should be worried? Or is it the perfect time to start looking beyond the home loan?

Join Broker Daily's Liam Garman and Accendo's Trent Carter as they unpack what a changing property market could mean for brokers, why diversification is becoming more important than ever, and how commercial lending can help build a more resilient business through every stage of the market cycle.

The pair also discuss why your existing client database could be your biggest growth opportunity, how to build stronger...

A great client experience doesn't begin with a loan application or end at settlement. It starts long before the first conversation and continues well after the keys have been handed over.

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes and Broker Essentials founder and broker coach Jason Back as they explore how brokers can build client journeys that create lasting relationships, stronger referrals and long-term business growth.

From making the right first impression and reducing friction throughout the lending process to delivering memorable moments that clients genuinely talk about, the pair unpack the practical strategies that separate good...

What does innovation look like inside a modern brokerage? As technology reshapes the industry and AI becomes an increasingly common part of a broker's toolkit, many are finding that the biggest opportunity isn't replacing the human touch – it's making more time for it.

In this special Broker Innovation Summit edition of Broker Daily Spotlight, senior journalist Julian Barnes goes behind the scenes at the event, held in partnership with principal partner NextGen, to hear directly from brokers about how they're adapting to a rapidly changing industry.

From AI-powered workflows and streamlined client experiences to building st...

Help to Buy has expanded again with another lender joining the scheme, but are limited lender participation and broker access holding it back?

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes and Finni brokers Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos as they unpack why the shared equity scheme has struggled to gain broader traction, discuss whether borrower concerns are preventing greater uptake, and explore what needs to change for Help to Buy to reach its full potential.

The team also discusses the latest investor lending trends following the federal budget, whether more investors are turning to new builds, fresh...

What if your trail book wasn't just a source of recurring income, but the key to levelling up your brokerage?

Joseph Daoud sits down with Broker Capital founder Simon Lewis to unpack why trail could be the key to scaling a brokerage – whether that's funding growth, acquiring another business, or simply making smarter decisions about the one you've already built.

The pair also dive into broker consolidation, what separates a good trail book from a bad one, and why the brokers who treat their business like a business – not just a pipeline of loans – will be the...

Open banking is often talked about as the next big technological shift in broking. But is the industry overlooking its biggest benefit

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes with Broker Essentials founder Jason Back as they unpack why open banking is about far more than faster document collection, exploring how it could free brokers from administrative tasks, strengthen client relationships, and reshape the role of the modern adviser.

The pair also discuss the expansion of the Consumer Data Right to non-bank lenders, how open banking could help combat fraud, where AI fits into the picture, and...

What will define the next generation of lending? It's a question lenders across the industry are grappling with as technology evolves, borrower expectations shift, and brokers look for new ways to deliver for their clients.

In today's special Broker Innovation Summit edition of Broker Daily Spotlight, senior journalist Julian Barnes goes behind the scenes at the event, held in partnership with principal partner NextGen, to speak with lenders about the trends, innovations, and opportunities shaping the future of the industry.

From AI and digital lending platforms to speed to decision, broker support, and the growing...

ING's decision to ease its clawback policy has reignited debate over whether the current model is still fit for purpose. So, is it time to rethink clawbacks?

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes, with Finni brokers Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos, as they unpack the implications of ING's policy changes, discuss the growing calls for clawback reform, and explore what the latest developments could mean for brokers, lenders, and borrowers.

The team also discusses falling mortgage demand, softer auction clearance rates, the latest lender policy changes from AMP, Westpac, and ANZ, and what recent market data...

Change is inevitable, but how brokers respond to it can make all the difference. Whether it's policy shifts, economic uncertainty, or the rapid pace of technological innovation, the businesses that succeed are often those that can adapt quickly and effectively.

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes and Broker Essentials founder Jason Back as they explore how brokers can move beyond simply reacting to change and instead build businesses that are ready for whatever comes next. From turning disruption into opportunity and staying curious to creating space for strategic thinking, they unpack the habits and mindset that help businesses...

What does the future of broking look like? According to the fintechs building the next generation of broker technology, it's faster, smarter, and increasingly focused on giving brokers more time to do what they do best.

In today's episode of Broker Daily Spotlight, senior journalist Julian Barnes heads behind the scenes at the Broker Innovation Summit, held in partnership with principal partner NextGen, to sit down with some of the industry's leading fintechs and technology providers, exploring the challenges they're solving and the innovations they're bringing to market.

From AI, open banking, and fraud prevention...

Open banking has been talked about for years, but as Consumer Data Right expands into the non-bank lending sector, what will it actually mean for brokers and their clients?

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes alongside Finni brokers Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos as they unpack the next phase of open banking, exploring how instant access to financial data could reduce paperwork, speed up applications, and reshape the way brokers gather and verify client information.

The Broker Daily Uncut team also dives into the latest movements in the property market, from improving auction clearance rates and...

The federal budget has shaken up the lending landscape, but could the changes also push brokers to look beyond their traditional patch and find new opportunities?

In the first episode of The Broker Show with Joe, mortgage broker and Its Simple Finance founder Joseph Daoud sits down with LoanOptions.ai founder Julian Fayad to unpack the fallout from the budget, where brokers could find their next phase of growth, and the opportunities emerging across asset finance, commercial, and SMSF lending.

From finding the right partners and building new revenue streams to embracing technology and carving...

Broker technology is moving faster than ever, but as the industry shifts from experimenting with new tools to putting them into practice, how can brokers build a tech stack that actually supports their business?

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes and broker coach Jason Back as they unpack the next phase of broker technology, from getting more out of your CRM and cleaning up client data to APIs, integrations, and the increasingly connected systems shaping the industry.

With new solutions emerging at pace, the pair explore how brokers can identify the right technology for their business...

With the clock ticking on residential SMSF lending, FOMO is taking hold, with Finni reporting record inquiry levels as borrowers scramble to beat the incoming ban.

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes and Finni brokers Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos as they unpack the last-minute SMSF rush, the risks facing borrowers starting from scratch, and why a single delay could now derail an entire transaction.

The trio also explores how post-budget uncertainty is reshaping investor strategies, why owner-occupier suburbs are outperforming investor-heavy areas, and whether the expanded Help to Buy scheme is opening the door to...

Residential SMSF lending may be on the way out, but could the government's crackdown open the door to a new commercial property opportunity?

Join Liam Garman and Accendo Financial founder Trent Carter as they unpack what the LRBA changes could mean for business owners, including the potential to buy commercial premises through an SMSF and redirect rent that may otherwise be paid to a landlord into building a retirement asset.

From understanding SMSF structures and lender requirements to knowing where a broker's role ends, and specialist advice begins, the pair explore what brokers need to...

Ever had a full day stretching out in front of you, only to watch it disappear in a blur of emails, phone calls, and firefighting? If so, the problem may not be your workload – it may be how you're managing your time.

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes and broker coach Jason Back as they unpack the strategy behind effective time management; exploring why the busiest brokers aren't always the most successful; and how intentional planning, prioritisation, and time blocking can help you regain control of your calendar.

From protecting high-value work and eliminating distractions to bu...

The government's decision to ban new SMSF borrowing for residential property has reshaped the lending landscape almost overnight. So what happens now?

Join Broker Daily's Julian Barnes, with Finni brokers Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos as they unpack the implications of the reforms, from the race to settle existing deals before the transition deadline to the industry's response and what the changes could mean for brokers, lenders, and property investors.

The team also discusses the latest developments in AI, lender policy updates, and the growing push for a co-ordinated response to economic crime, breaking down...

Could one conversation transform the way your SME clients manage their business?

Liam Garman and Trent Carter unpack why cash flow is emerging as one of the biggest challenges facing SMEs, from the impact of Payday Super to the warning signs brokers should be spotting before problems arise.

The pair also explore how working capital solutions – including trade finance, debtor finance, and overdrafts – can help businesses stay ahead, and why asking better questions could uncover opportunities long before clients ask for finance.

For many brokers, EOFY is synonymous with tax planning and paperwork. But it can also provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with clients, reflect on business performance, and lay the foundations for the year ahead.

That was the focus of this week's Business Accelerator, where Broker Essentials founder Jason Back joined Broker Daily's Julian Barnes to unpack how brokers can use EOFY as a catalyst for stronger client relationships and smarter business planning, rather than simply another compliance milestone.

The pair explore why meaningful client conversations often begin with a simple check-in, how brokers can...

As brokers face growing compliance requirements, rising client expectations, and increasing pressure to diversify, the technology underpinning their businesses has never been more important. This week's Broker Daily Spotlight explores how Lend's do-it-all platform has the capacity to be the engine room of the modern brokerage.

Julian Barnes is joined by Lend's head of broker and third-party distribution, Andrew Beckett, to discuss the evolution of broker technology and why the right CRM is becoming central to growth, efficiency, and diversification.

The conversation explores how Lend's platform is helping brokers streamline workflows, gain market share, improve...

The federal government's proposed changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax have already reshaped the property investment landscape.

Now, attention is turning to self-managed super funds (SMSF), with the Greens calling for tighter rules around SMSF property investment as part of the broader housing affordability debate.

Broker Daily's senior journalist Julian Barnes is joined by Finni's Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos to unpack the growing focus on SMSFs, what the proposed changes could mean for investors, and whether alternative ownership structures are becoming more attractive in the post-budget environment.

Note this episode...

For brokers looking to expand beyond residential lending, SME finance can offer significant opportunities. But making the transition successfully requires more than simply adding new products to your toolkit.

That transition was the focus of this week's Finance Specialist, where Liam Garman and Trent Carter explored what it takes to build a successful foundation in SME finance, from choosing a niche and developing technical expertise to building referral networks and understanding the needs of business owners.

The pair discuss why new SME brokers should resist the temptation to do everything at once, how existing client...

AI is transforming the way brokers work, helping automate tasks, streamline workflows, and free up valuable time. But as the technology becomes more widely adopted, a new challenge is emerging: if everyone has access to the same tools, what sets you apart?

In this week's Business Accelerator, Julian Barnes and Jason Back explore how brokers can use AI to improve productivity without losing the expertise, relationships, and personal touch that clients value most.

The duo also discuss the growing gap between AI adoption and AI integration, the risks around privacy, compliance, and fraud, and why...

What does the future of broking look like in an industry being reshaped by technology, regulation, and shifting client expectations? This week's Broker Daily Spotlight explores why trust will remain at the heart of this question, even as the pace of change accelerates.

Broker Daily's Julian Barnes is joined by Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) CEO Anja Pannek to discuss the forces shaping the industry, from AI and cyber security to housing affordability and the growing role of brokers as trusted advisers.

The conversation also previews the upcoming MFAA National Conference, where the...

Mortgage demand is slowing, even as housing remains firmly on the national agenda. So what's keeping buyers on the sidelines?

In this week's Broker Daily Uncut, Julian Barnes, alongside Finni's Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos, unpacks the slowdown in mortgage demand, the challenges facing first home buyers and investors, and why affordability remains one of the biggest barriers to home ownership.

The trio also examine falling auction clearance rates, the impact of recent tax and housing policy changes, and whether stamp duty reform could help unlock activity in Australia's increasingly complex property market.

...

Innovation has become one of the most talked-about topics in broking, but what does it actually look like in practice? Is it AI, automation, and new technology, or can innovation also be found in the way brokers market, communicate, and serve their clients

In this week's Business Accelerator, Julian Barnes and Jason Back unpack what separates the industry's most innovative brokers from the rest, exploring how curiosity, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking can create a lasting competitive advantage.

Ahead of the Broker Innovation Summit in Sydney on 24 June and Melbourne on 3 July...

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future trend for brokers – it's already being tested in real businesses, on real clients, and in real workflows. 

How this will affect business, competition, client expectations, or compliance remains to be seen. 

In this week's Broker Daily Uncut, Julian Barnes is joined by Finni's Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos to explore how brokers are using AI to save time, improve efficiency, and streamline everything from policy research to client communication.

The trio also discuss where AI is delivering genuine value, where it still falls short, and why the...

As the broking industry continues its push towards bigger teams, greater scale, and increased automation, can smaller brokerages still compete?

In this week's Business Accelerator, Broker Daily journalist Julian Barnes and broker coach Jason Back explore the advantages small brokerages can bring to the market, from agility and faster decision making to stronger client relationships and niche expertise.

The duo also unpack the challenges of running a lean operation – including hiring, leadership, and capacity constraints – and discuss how technology and AI are helping smaller businesses punch above their weight without sacrificing service.

From buil...

Australia's property market is changing – and not just because of interest rates, house prices, or government policy.

New data suggests property investing is increasingly being concentrated among older Australians, while younger generations face growing barriers to entering the market.

In this episode of Broker Daily Uncut, Julian Barnes is joined by Finni's Eva Loisance and Costa Arvanitopoulos to unpack the widening investor generation gap, the impact of negative gearing reforms, and what falling auction clearance rates could signal for the months ahead.

The trio also discuss low-deposit lending, the outlook for interest rates, an...

As brokers compete in an increasingly crowded market, how do you build referral partnerships that create sustainable growth — not just one-off deals?

In this week's Business Accelerator, Julian Barnes and Jason Back unpack how referral relationships are evolving from transactional lead sharing into long-term strategic alliances built on trust, communication, and shared client outcomes.

The duo also explore why becoming "referable" first, niching your expertise, and focusing on fewer, deeper partnerships can help brokers stand out in today's market.