Judges

Rex is a principal and the founder of M A Legal. Rex started M A Legal with an immense drive to help his clients achieve success within the framework of the law.

Rex has an extensive legal background holding roles as General Manager and Legal Counsel for a large manufacturing distribution company, Senior Solicitor acting for members of the BRW 1000 Entrepreneurs List as well as legal counsel for government bodies and charitable organisations.

He is known for his business acumen and ability to guide clients not only through complex commercial litigation and business negotiation but in their strategic growth and planning needs. He has played a pivotal role not only in start-ups but in existing large enterprises with his clients comprising real estate moguls and business leaders.

Rex brings a unique and fresh perspective to legal challenges in business and commerce as he himself engages in significant property development ventures, sits on a number of boards as well as is a founding director of the charity, Build 4 Kids Inc.

Rex develops and extremely strong rapport with his clients and is driven to achieve the best possible outcomes for them and in return has built a significant and loyal following. He is an extremely passionate individual who does not do anything in half measures; it takes one look at his collection of motor and boxing memorabilia to know that he will fight for his clients. His lovely demeanour aside, he is fierce and fearless in all his pursuits.

Rex is a family man having welcomed his daughter into the world in 2017 and has an ambitious list of pursuits outside of work not limited to snowboarding, racing cars and motorbikes, boxing, weight training, enjoying a good wine and espresso martini, and travelling.

Jason is the Director of Broker Essentials and is Australia’s leading Mortgage Broker Mentor and sort after media commentator. In 2016 Jason foundered Broker Essentials and launched a training program for brokers after years of inquiries into the best practices and habits of a high-performance business.
Jason was named 2021 Mentor of the Year at The Adviser Better Business awards, 2021, APAC Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 - Financial Services, ABA 2020 Mentor of the year, and AMA 2020 Service provider of the year. He was the Managing Director of The Australian Lending & Investment Centre (ALIC) and has been instrumental in taking ALIC to the forefront of the mortgage brokering industry. In 2014,15,16 and 2017 ALIC was voted the top independent brokerage of the year by Mortgage Professional Australia, Australia’s best brokerage in 2014 & 15 at the Australian Mortgage Awards and MFAA in 2016 and 2018.

Jason has over 30 years’ experience in the finance sector, having worked in senior sales, distribution and management roles for ANZ and having provided financial advice and services on behalf of financial planning, equity trading platforms, private banking, lending and retail distribution brands.

More details can be found on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-back-broker-essentials/ and at Broker Essentials www.brokeressentials.com.au

Sarah Barnett is the founder of content marketing solutions Social Broker and socialreview.io, which helps busy finance and property professionals get noticed online.

Sarah previously headed up marketing and innovation for a leading behaviour change consultancy where she spearheaded data-driven solutions for big banks, insurers, telcos and energy retailers. She has deep insight into the sales and marketing behaviours that high-performers consistently demonstrate to win and retain business.

Professor Kevin Daly joined the University of Western Sydney (Macarthur) as an Associate Lecturer in 1993; prior appointments included Senior Tutor in Economics at the University of Adelaide, Lecturer in Business Studies at the University of Brighton (UK) and Economics and Fiance Tutor at Sussex University. Before joining academia Kevin worked at various positions in Merchant Banking in the City of London. Kevin holds a BA (Hons) Economics, and MA (Economics Analysis and Policy) University of Sussex and a PhD University of Western Sydney (Macarthur). Kevin’s research passion revolves around applied finance and open economy macroeconomics; researching the effects of financial volatility on real economic activity. Kevin’s PhD thesis was published as a book by Ashgate in 1997. His international PhD examiner was Professor Philip ARESTIS, Director of Research, Cambridge Centre for Economic & Public Policy (CCEPP). Examples of his research focus includes an examination of the extent to which exchange rate volatility affects trade (Japan and the World Economy), an investigation of the extent to which financial instability affects the poor in developing countries (Asia Pacific Journal of Economics and Business. 2008), an empirical study of the extent to which volatility in interest rates affect the availability and affordability of credit (International Review of Financial Analysis. 2010), analysing how oil price volatility impacts on stock prices (Emerging Markets Review 2010), estimating the determinants of foreign direct investment and portfolio investment (Australian Economic Review 2006),analysing the determinants of house prices and the affordability of housing (Journal of International Business Research 2010). Current research interests focuses on banking in China and Vietnam, foreign direct investment in China and Vietnam and financial volatility of stock markets in South East Asia.

Jason Goodacre has spent more than 25 years working in the finance industry, delivering stand-out customer experiences. As Customer Relationship Manager, Jason makes sure Loanworks fulfills service levels and continues to improve products and services to meet, and go beyond, client expectations.

Jason is the key local contact for all of Loanworks’ software, technology and outsourcing services clients, and is responsible for expanding and deepening those customer relationships. He also represents Loanworks at industry events, professional development days and conferences.

Prior to joining Loanworks, Jason was Sales Manager at Thomson Financial (now Reuters) for 11 years, and had previously served in a variety of business development roles for fintech companies, including with IRESS, Powerwrap and City Networks.

Jason holds a Certificate in Financial Markets from the Securities Institute of Australia and an RG 146 – Provision of General Advice from Kaplan Australia.

Adam is an award-winning mortgage broker turned fintech entrepreneur who’s passionate about making the home loan landscape a more level playing field for brokers and homeowners.

After 12 years as a broker, and frustrated with banks offering better interest rates to new mortgage customers while existing customers were being charged a ‘loyalty tax’ (a higher interest rate the longer they’re with the bank). In 2021, he launched Sherlok; powered by AI technology, Sherlok helps brokers retain clients by automating the repricing process and generating quality refinancing leads from their trail book. The AI technology predicts two things: when a client will leave a broker, and when a client is paying too much interest. Sherlok then
automatically lowers the client's interest rate, potentially saving them thousands.

Sherlok’s mission is to put brokers and their clients first, and help everyone save money with a single click. It's a win-win situation: brokers' clients save thousands, the brokers keep the clients for longer, the aggregators retain larger loan books and have happy brokers, and the lenders keep their clients.

Ruth has 25+ years experience in the Finance Industry, working in roles specialising in residential and commercial finance. Throughout this period she was regularly awarded for sales delivery and performance success in both Big 4 Banking and Aggregation broking companies.

Ruth founded Moneycatcha Ltd in 2017 to develop solutions to solve the challenges in the mortgage origination journey for consumers in Australia. Since then she has been awarded the Winner of 2019 Fintech Entrepreneur of the Year and AFR Qantas Women of Influence Awards and others, reflecting the growth and success of Moneycatcha Ltd.

She regularly presents at seminars to help educate the industry and share learnings about the exciting potential of these new technologies, as well as mentor other founders to encourage more bravery in financial services innovation.

Neville Hurst is a senior lecturer in property studies at RMIT University, Victoria, Australia. Originally trained as an electrical engineer he has worked extensively in industry and for the last 33 years in the property sector as a practitioner and academic. Prior to joining education Neville owned and operated his own real estate agency for many years selling and managing properties on behalf of clients. A significant part of this business was a business brokerage run in partnership with his business partner. Academically Neville’s research interest focuses on real estate industry practices, valuation practices, housing markets and in particular energy efficient housing. Currently undertaking his Phd, Neville is investigating real estate agent attitudes and engagement with sustainable housing and is working with peak industry bodies to create greater awareness of the importance of energy efficient housing for a sustainable future.

Peter Lynch is a leader in Professional Indemnity Insurance in the real estate, valuation and management right industry sectors.

He boasts over 30 years’ experience with Aon Risk Solutions and as the Client Manager is responsible for developing new business within the real estate sector including the identification of business opportunities with franchise groups and other stakeholders.

He took a significant role in providing advice and support to introduce a Real Estate specific indemnity insurance scheme and is responsible for the highly successful REIQ/REINT schemes which he coordinated with the assistance of industry, lawyers, underwriters and claims staff.

Peter has a strong interest in promoting safe and quality business practices in real estate and has been a regular contributor to course materials, presentations and editorial submissions. He has been called upon to be a guest speaker at training forums for the REIQ, REIA, REINT, REIWA and various franchise groups.

Peter also provides individual Risk Management training to a number of his Franchise Group clients.

Sascha Moore is a marketing specialist, who focuses on providing highly strategic, creative solutions – predominantly to the financial services and legal industries. Sascha has extensive experience in Australia and the United States with developing effective integrated marketing programs, and directing their implementation. She is now the Director of Create Design & Marketing, a boutique marketing communications agency that fuses solid strategy and powerful designs that directly resonates with a clients’ end markets. This approach creates a true connection: and connection drives results, deepens brand equity and furthers relationships. In addition to her professional obligations, Sascha is actively committed to educating brokers on how to enhance their business through incorporating smart marketing practices.

Alison Morgan is a specialist online Business Coach based in Sydney, working 1:1 with Business Owners and Brands to create tailored Marketing and Business solutions.

Alison launched Relauncher 11+ years ago. During this time she has mentored over 500 clients 1:1 to set up, grow or evolve their businesses.

Alison’s Mindfulbiz Podcast is designed to help Small Business Owners with tips and insights. Search for Mindfulbiz Podcast on Apple / Spotify / Amazon Music and you’ll find it!

Alison is also founder of Sticky Studio; a boutique branding, website, packaging and marketing solutions studio. The studio specialises in creating brands that stick.

In addition, Alison is a respected Influencer and Content Creator.

Dr Rahat Munir is a Professor, Head of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, Macquarie University. With extensive experience in all forms of academic endeavours - research, teaching and engagement, Professor Munir offer an unbeatable track-record of excellence in curriculum development, research leadership, change management, building teams, effective human resource and financial management. He has published in leading international journals as well as presented at international conferences and seminars in many parts of the world. He is affiliated with several professional bodies. Professor Rahat Munir is actively involved in learning & teaching and research activities and brings a host of administrative and service experience across a wide range of contexts. Professor Munir has earned numerous national and international level research and teaching awards during his career.

Mike has 20+ years of experience in leading and scaling businesses across the technology, start-up & data markets. His expertise includes consulting, general management, sales, partnerships and business development. He is currently Global CEO of MogoPlus, a data analytics business that provides decisioning insights to the lending market.

Andrew Phanartzis is currently the Director of Property Association, a consultancy firm for residential developers in Australia. The company offers a suite of services including, acquisition, planning, creative, sales and property management.

Andrew is extremely motivated, knowledgeable, loyal and reliable. He prides himself in exceeding expectations, adding dollar value to clients and sets the bar high. He believes the property market is dynamic and constantly evolves his strategic approach to enhance its effectiveness.

Andrew’s exposure to large residential developments, master planned communities and house and land subdivisions has provided a wealth of experience with some of the largest developers in Australia.

Andrew is a licenced real estate agent, holds a BA in Human Resource Management & English from the University of NSW and has completed PS146 Financial Planning qualifications.

At Opica Group, we provide Lenders & Brokers with Australia’s only Customer Transaction Verification and Responsible Lending Engine designed to manage and verify a consumers’ spending habits. We are due to launch “YourRentCheck”, Australia’s first AI Assisted rental payment verification platform for Real Estate Property Managers using our proprietary Artificial Intelligence engine. Brett been working in the Mortgage & Finance industry for over 25 years and in 2011 was recognized by the MFAA as a Fellow of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia. In 2001, he pioneered outsourced mortgage processing services by creating the first BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) operation for Mortgage Brokers in Australia, ultimately becoming the world’s first and only rated Loan Processing solutions provider by Standard & Poor's. After taking the reins of the Stargate Group in the early 2000’s, he was instrumental in introducing the first Mortgage Broker CRM Systems into the Australian Mortgage Landscape all while guiding it through the GFC. . In 2014, he led the Stargate business through its acquisition by the ASX listed Rubik Financial Limited (RFL) and worked through a 2-year transition as Group Executive – Mortgages. He also serves as Executive Director of business advisory firm TICH Consulting Group, Chairman of soon to be launched Equity Lending fintech Lendmore Australia & is an advisor to a number of Mortgage and Real Estate companies in Australia.

B. Bus (Mgmt), M. Bus (Acct/Fin), M. Tax Law, DBA, CEPA
Craig West is a strategic accountant with over 25 years of experience advising business owners. His background as a CPA in public practice provided invaluable experience in the key issues of concern to business owners. Following six years of study to gain two master's degrees, Craig focused on Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for business sales, advising on strategic management of tax issues. This experience formed a strong view that business owners (and often their advisers) were unprepared and unaware of the steps required to prepare a business for exit.
Craig is now a strategic mentor for mid-market business owners and has written four critically acclaimed books on employee incentives, succession planning, asset protection and exit strategies. Craig has conducted numerous seminars and keynote presentations throughout Australia & internationally, including adviser education programs for the Institute of Chartered Accountants, IOOF and CPA Australia.
Craig’s practice Succession Plus is Australia's largest Business succession and exit planning firm, with offices in every state. It provides advice and strategy for clients preparing their business and finances for a successful exit. Succession Plus launched into the UK market in 2019, in New Zealand in 2020 and in the USA in 2023.
In March 2014, Craig was appointed Executive Chairman of the SME Association of Australia, Australia’s largest small business organisation representing over 300,000 business owners. In October 2014, he was awarded the Exit Planner of the Year at the Exit Planning Institute Annual Conference in Texas, USA, for his innovative development of an exit planning process to help business owners maximise business value and achieve a successful exit.
Craig’s proprietary structure—a Peak Performance Trust—has won the Australia-wide award for the Employee Share Ownership Plan of the Year twice in four years. In November 2018, Craig launched SME Experts in partnership with Mark Bouris’ Mentored on Podcast One and quickly grew the monthly podcast audience to over 26,500 downloads. In October 2019, he released a new podcast focused on medium-sized businesses – “Mid-Market Matters”.
In July 2022, Craig West received the Doctor of Business Administration award for his research thesis titled,
“Examination of the key factors driving business exit options in Australian Small and Medium Enterprises.” Craig is passionate about encouraging business owners to think strategically, maximise the value of their business and achieve a successful exit.

The Exit Planning Institute admitted Craig to the International Exit Planning Circle of Excellence in May 2024.
Media:
Exit Coach Radio – Exit planner of the year interview
Interview with Ben Fewtrell on Business Succession and Exit planning
Ovations Speakers Bureau

Pete Williams is a noted thought leader in Innovation and Digital. Pete started working in the Digital realm in the early 1990’s and went on to be the founding partner of Deloitte Digital. Pete now leads Deloitte’s Centre for the Edge a futures think tank that identifies emerging opportunities arising from digital and social trends. Pete is also an Adjunct Professor at RMIT University – School of Management.

Roland Youakim has been helping businesses in the mortgage broking and third party banking space for the past 8 and a half years. He’s passionate about helping business owners get ahead and educating them on how to find, qualify, attract and retain great talent within our industry. In 2017, he launched Platinum People Group, a specialist recruitment agency aimed at helping mortgage brokers take their businesses and careers to the next level.

As Director of Encore Advisory Group, Mark is well known in the Advice industry and is a highly sort after trainer, educator and coach. Mark has worked with numerous mortgage broking and financial planning businesses enabling them to undertake the key important action of building a successful client advice practice, for the long term.

In 2017, after decades leading Wealth, Broking and Advice businesses, Encore was reimagined to better serve and prepare brokers and planners for the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead. Encore believes a better advice business means a better industry and therefore a better community.

Mark delivers practical, real-world solutions helping businesses navigate today’s complex environment whilst providing essential advice, helping to improve the quality and value of their business. This is achieved through partnerships with the right people and solutions thus enabling practices to deliver increasingly valuable advice to more clients.

Believing every Australian deserves advice on “both sides of the balance sheet”, Mark successfully built a mortgage broking business that partnered with over 200 financial planning practices and accounting firms, delivering advice services to over 5,500 Australian families a year.

Mark is known as a leading authority in bringing together Broking and Planning groups to deliver integrated “debt advice” and “broker planner” solutions. He is dedicated to this community as an SME owner himself. Mark is himself a consumer and advocate of Advice services and has led and steered advice businesses successfully through market, regulatory and consumer change and disruption for over 20 years.