Overseas brokerage posts strong growth ahead of local launch

Revenue for the year ended 31 December 2016 increased by 23 per cent to £92 million ($153 million).

MAB said its revenue growth was driven by a 20 per cent increase in the total number of advisers (brokers) to 950 at 31 December 2016.

"Despite the uncertainty the EU referendum brought to the housing and mortgage markets last summer, MAB has delivered yet another strong performance,” MAB chief executive Peter Brodnicki said.

“Activity levels picked up following the expected summer lull, and from this position the housing and mortgage markets are forecast to be flat over the next few years.

"Our increase in adviser numbers was ahead of our expectations last year and we remain confident about continued growth in 2017 and 2018, both organically and from new appointed representatives.”

Late last year, MAB revealed that it will enter the Australian mortgager market through a join venture with Mortgageport.

Mortgageport director Darren Cantor, who will head up the joint venture as managing director, said the opportunity to work with one of the UK’s largest and most successful brokers is a great win for Australian consumers.

“MAB brings proven technology and processes to ensure customers have the flexibility to interact in a variety of ways, whether that be face-to-face, phone or digital. Whereas most of the current market participants specialise in one channel, MAB has been successful in delivering customer-focused solutions on all fronts,” he said.

“The new entity will leverage Mortgageport’s unique market positioning as a broker, mortgage manager and a lender to provide Australian customers with access to the widest range of products and lenders, disrupting the current market and providing something truly different.”

[Related: Analysis: What brokers can learn from the UK]