Judges

Rex Afrasiabi is a director of New Chapter Legal and Bond Property Lawyers, commercial and property law firms dedicated to helping clients achieve success within the framework of the law. Rex’s career spans diverse legal and business roles, including General Manager and Legal Counsel for a major manufacturing distribution company, Senior Solicitor for high-profile entrepreneurs on the BRW 1000 List, and counsel for government bodies and charitable organizations.

Known for his business acumen, Rex expertly guides clients through complex commercial litigation, business negotiations, and strategic growth initiatives. His clientele includes real estate moguls and business leaders, where he has been instrumental in helping both startups and large enterprises reach their goals.

He also co-hosts the business advisory show “Real Estate Renovators,” bringing together industry experts to discuss growth and strategy. His expertise is widely recognized, with features in Forbes, Times, Entrepreneur Magazine, and the Herald Sun, as well as appearances on numerous podcasts.

Outside of his professional pursuits, Rex values time with friends and family, especially with his two daughters, embracing the balance that family life brings to his career.

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

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.

Chris Eves is Professor in Property at RMIT University and the Associate Dean, Research and Innovation in the School of Property, Construction and Project Management. Chris is also the Higher Degree Research Director in the PCPM School.

Prior to his appointment at RMIT, Chris was the Professor of Property Economics and Academic Program Director at Queensland University of Technology from 2009 to 2017 and the Professor of Property Studies at Lincoln University from 2006 to 2008. He has also held positions at the University of Western Sydney, where he completed his Master (Hons) and PhD degrees in the areas of rural property values and investment performance.

Chris is A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is currently appointed to the RICS Global Land and Resources Board. He is also an Associate of the Australian Property Institute and has been a member of the API National Education Committee since 2009. He has appointments on national and international Journal editorial boards in the fields of Property and Valuation.

Before commencing his academic career at UWS, Chris was employed for 16 years with the State Bank of NSW in Valuation, Agribusiness and Credit Administration roles.

Chris has numerous publications in Australian and International journals on topics ranging from valuation methodology, property stigma to property investment performance and market analysis.

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.

Brian Knight is the Chief Executive Officer of Kaplan Professional. He first joined the company in 2003, where he held senior management and leadership roles focused on cultivating client relationships across Australia. Knight became Kaplan Professional’s CEO in 2012.

Brian has played a focal role in establishing Kaplan Professional at the forefront of industry education in Australia, Asia and New Zealand.

His knowledge and insights make him a sought-after speaker on education issues in the media, and he regularly contributes to a range of industry forums and panels.

Brian holds Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Law degrees from The University of Queensland.

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.

Professor Fariborz Moshirian is the Director of the Institute of Global Finance (IGF) at the UNSW Business School, Sydney. The IGF does collaborative research on Systemic risk, financial innovation and global financial stability with NYU, UCLA and has done joint work with the Asian Development Bank, the IMF, the World Bank, PwC and a number of world-class research centres. Fariborz was the Bertil Danielsson Professor of Finance at the Stockholm School of Economics. He is a consultant to the Asian Development Bank. He served as the Head of the School of Banking and Finance at UNSW for over four years.

Fariborz has published a number of influential research works in leading international journals including the Journal of Finance, the Journal of Financial Economics, the Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis, and the Journal of Banking and Finance. These research works cover subjects such as global governance, global financial stability and prosperity, interconnectedness, world order, systemic risk and the financial and social challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century.

He has been the editor of several publications on global financial, economic and social issues published by Elsevier. He has also been a co-editor of a number of policy works with senior researchers from the World Bank, the IMF, the Bank for International Settlements, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the Bank of England and the Reserve Bank of Australia including the following publications: “Globalization and Financial Services in Emerging Countries”; “Global Financial Crisis, Risk Analysis and Risk Management”; “Systemic Risk, Basel III, Governance and Financial Stability” and “Systemic Risk: Liquidity Risk, Governance and Global Financial Stability”

Professor Rahat Munir is the Head of Department of Accounting and Corporate Governance, Macquarie University. He is FCA, FCPA and PhD. Professor Munir is internationally acclaimed for his engagement with industry-driven curriculum and has been at the forefront of leading development and change initiatives. He is also forensic accounting specialist with financial crime investigative skills. He has pioneered innovative learning and teaching (L&T) practices, academic standards & accreditations. He maintains strong ongoing relationships with external stakeholders, including professional associations, universities and communities - Universities in China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Europe. He has served on the panel for Faculty/Course Reviews of various Universities in Australia and New Zealand. With his strong engagement with industry, he leads CFO Forum, Industry Academic Series, Thought Leadership and Business Leaders Roundtables. He has written over 100 peer reviewed journal articles, conference papers, books, book chapters, monographs and commissioned reports, and over 50 publications for professional and lay audiences. Although the bulk of his research focuses on management accounting and controls, he has also published in important cognate areas such as education, CSR, corporate governance, corporate culture and research expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Professor Munir has delivered scores of invited/keynote presentations, and his expert opinions has been featured in radio, television, newspapers, newsletters, and web outlets. He is affiliated with several professional bodies including the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, Professional Risk Managers International Association, USA, American Accounting Association, British Accounting Association, Canadian Accounting Association and European Accounting Association. Professor Munir serves on various high-level Committees and Advisory Boards. Professor Munir’s sustained excellence in teaching and research has been recognised through international awards.

"Helping mortgage brokers build valuable businesses"

Andrew Phanartzis is the visionary Director of Property Association, Australia’s boutique consultancy for residential developers. Under his leadership, the firm delivers end-to-end expertise—from site acquisition and strategic planning through creative marketing, sales execution, and ongoing property management—helping clients transform land parcels into thriving communities.

With more than 15 years’ hands-on experience alongside some of the nation’s largest master-planned communities, apartment complexes and house-and-land subdivisions, Andrew has contributed to more than $2 billion in residential projects across the East coast of Australia. His strengths lie in anticipating market shifts, innovating sales strategies, and unlocking hidden value at every stage of the development lifecycle.

A licensed real-estate agent and FS146-qualified financial planner, Andrew holds a BA in Human Resource Management and English from the University of New South Wales. He is celebrated for his unwavering professionalism, unrelenting work ethic and a client-first mentality that consistently delivers above-market returns

Brett is a second-generation mortgage stalwart, having been actively involved in the Mortgage & Finance industry for over 30 years after starting his career working at the family-owned lender Interstar (now Advantedge). He then went onto to run the Stargate Group where he pioneered outsourced mortgage processing services by creating the first BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) operation for Mortgage Brokers and was instrumental in introducing the first Mortgage Broker CRM Systems in the early 2000’s, used by over 5000 mortgage brokers prior to its acquisition by then ASX listed Rubik Financial Limited (RFL).

Brett set about using AI to build supportive systems for mortgage participants, building the first Responsible Lending platform at Opica Group, and now as founder & CEO of Docuscan Australia he is building industry leading platforms for Brokers, Lenders and Mortgage Professionals using his vast experience in the latest AI technologies to Eliminate Data Entry using Drag & Drop Data Capture and Document Fraud Detection solutions to facilitate digital customer acquisitions.

Brett also serves on the Board of an advisory services firm, a responsible lending technology firm, a new to market fintech lender specialising in loans to Australia’s front-line responders and has been an investor and advisor to lenders, aggregators and regulators in Australia and abroad.

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.