Connective launches retail service

Connective expects iConnect Financial will have an engaging consumer presence, generate leads and provide a strong system and support model for its members.

Key to the iConnect Financial brand is a strong online and digital platform, with a focus on consumer education driven lead generation and best practice digital marketing, according to the group.

Steven Heavey, Connective's general manager of strategy, distribution and digital, said the aggregator has experienced strong growth and is excited about the new retail opportunity for brokers, consumers, and the entire group.

"Over the past 12 years we have worked to build the most successful wholesale aggregation platform for the benefit of all of our members. We’re very proud of what we’ve achieved, and in particular, we believe that all mortgage brokers now have a better, fairer deal due in part to the changes we have brought to our industry,” Mr Heavey said.

“We now think the time is right to extend Connective’s reach into those parts of the market where we haven’t focused previously – areas where we think we can bring the same benefits, and where we can use our expertise and scale to benefit those brokers who want to be part of a branded retail aggregator.

“We’ve all heard the stories of brokers looking to leave retail aggregators – and we think one of the great opportunities in iConnect Financial is to bring to retail aggregation what we have brought to wholesale aggregation – that is, a fairer agreement, better financial terms, and a mutually respectful relationship. All of this is based on the proven Connective platform, and the Connective way of doing business.”

Mr Heavey said Connective are investing significant resources into iConnect Financial and are really looking forward to launching the new offering in Victoria and New South Wales throughout the remainder of 2015.

"For our members who remain on our wholesale agreement, it is business as usual,” he said.

“iConnect Financial is simply another option that existing or new members of Connective may consider taking up. As always with Connective –  the choice is entirely up to our members.”

Connective will be conducting their initial launch phase in Melbourne and Sydney this year, with a national roll-out planned for early 2016. Briefing sessions will be held in Melbourne and Sydney on the 9th and 10th of September, respectively.

[Related: Connective brokers offered new growth opportunity]