The major brokerage and fintech brand has announced that it has appointed Sebastian Watkins as its new CEO, starting 1 January 2026.
Watkins has been appointed CEO of Australian fintech platform and brokerage group Lendi Group, effective from the beginning of next year.
Watkins – who co-founded Lendi Group in 2013 has been chief operating officer since Lendi Group’s acquisition of major brokerage brand Aussie in 2021. He will succeed co-founder David Hyman on 1 January 2026.
Hyman will remain as a director on the Lendi Group board and as special adviser focused on driving the group’s artificial intelligence (AI) and growth strategy.
According to Lendi Group, Watkins has “been effectively acting as CEO since March 2025” as part of the group’s succession planning and shift to become a property ecosystem under Find.Buy.Own, while Hyman has been primarily focused on the group’s AI-native transformation.
Commenting on the change, outgoing CEO Hyman said: “After 13 years building Lendi Group, I’ve decided to transition from my current CEO role, while remaining on the board focusing on priority areas where I can add the most value to the business.
“Sebastian (Bas) is a world-class leader and a true champion for customers and broker success. Bas has been integral to the business since the beginning, has the depth of experience to lead this business and is the right leader to drive this next chapter. He is backed by a very strong executive team and has the full support of the board.
“In an ongoing board capacity, and as the largest non-institutional shareholder, I will continue to fully support the business, prioritising the growth, AI and innovation agenda, while also exploring new ventures in 2026.”
Speaking of his new appointment, the incoming CEO said: “Dave made the decision for this shift from a position of strength for the Lendi business, and I’m grateful to continue working alongside him as a partner and board member. As a long term committed shareholder myself and with Dave continuing on our board, we have continuity and a strong and deeply experienced advocate focused on our future and enhancing value.
“As CEO, my focus now will be delivering for customers and brokers, scaling Find, Buy, Own to its full potential, and building on the momentum in the business. I’m proud to lead Lendi Group into its next chapter with our people, brokers, lending and product partners, and the support of an exceptional leadership team.”
Lendi Group chair Ellie Comerford added: “This leadership transition reflects thoughtful succession planning and the strength of the successful founding partnership built by David and Sebastian over the last decade. Sebastian has proven himself as an outstanding leader through this period, and David’s continued involvement as a member of the board ensures we retain his strategic vision and AI expertise as we scale.
“The board has full confidence in Sebastian and the executive team to deliver on our growth ambitions.”
The evolving Lendi Group strategy
The change in leadership comes as Lendi Group adjusts its strategy.
Earlier this year, the group announced that it was making Aussie its main brokerage brand – and shifting it from a linear mortgage broking business to a platform that helps Australians ‘Find, Buy and Own’ property.
According to the group, the move will provide borrowers with a ‘one-stop shop’ for their home buying needs:
- FIND – Aussie Buyer’s Agents and Aussie Homes will help borrowers look for property, supported by listings from referral partner real estate agents using Aussie for Agents.
- BUY – Aussie Brokers will provide financing, white label lending and insurance services.
- OWN – Aussie Conveyancing will provide legal support in property transactions, and customers will be able to access products such as Live Equity and Seller Assist (where brokers can offer a free comparison service connecting the customer with agents to match their needs. These leads are then distributed to agents via the Aussie for Agents platform, allowing for direct agent-customer interactions for property appraisals).
As part of the evolution for Aussie, stores will evolve from a linear broking experience to “property hubs” that will integrate core mortgage broker expertise with Aussie Buyer’s Agents and Conveyancing.
Meanwhile, Lendi will continue to operate as a digital mortgage brokerage. However, it will streamline down to having fewer than 50 salaried brokers (called home loan specialists), with the majority having moved across to Aussie.
[Related: Aussie becomes Lendi Group’s primary broking brand]
