The former general manager – lending of major brokerage Smartmove, Darren Little, has joined AFG in a new role working with brokerages in its Broker Investments program.
ASX-listed aggregator Australian Finance Group (AFG) has welcomed Darren Little, the former general manager – lending of major brokerage Smartmove Professional Mortgage Advisors (now Viridian Lending), to the new position of head of broker investments – origination.
Little – who has 38 years of experience across banking, mortgage distribution and broking, including as the former head of mortgage broker services at St George Bank and head of third party at BankSA – has had a connection with AFG for more than 20 years, as both a lender partner and an AFG member.
Between 2014 and 2026, he led the team at major brokerage Smartmove, guiding the business through several stages of its evolution and helping build it into a Top 25 Brokerage and leading independent brokerage.
In the newly created position at AFG, Little will work alongside Viknesh (Vik) Sukumaran (AFG’s head of broker investments – execution and operations) to help the aggregator further support broker businesses that are part of the group’s Broker Investments program, which first launched in 2024.
The scheme sees AFG take minority, non-controlling stakes in established brokerages, providing access to growth capital, acquisition support and strategic expertise while allowing owners to retain operational control.
Together, Little and Sukumaran will work with brokerages that have received investment from the major aggregator and identify where AFG’s capital and experience can help them reach their goals.
Speaking of Little’s appointment, AFG chief financial officer Luca Pietropiccolo said: “Darren brings deep industry experience, strong relationships and a genuine understanding of what it takes to build and grow a successful brokerage.
“His appointment gives us additional capacity to pursue new investment opportunities while continuing to support the broker businesses we’ve already partnered with.”
AFG’s newly appointed head of broker investments – origination said that he was “excited to join AFG and help ambitious brokerages across Australia reach their next stage of growth”.
“I’ll focus on identifying brokerages with strong growth potential in New South Wales and across Australia, both within and outside the AFG network, where AFG’s capital and experience can help owners achieve their ambitions.
“I look forward to contributing to the next phase of investment and partnership opportunities,” Little said.
Sukumaran said: “Having been at AFG for just over two years, I see an opportunity in this industry. Consolidation done well creates real value for all involved and, from my experience in other industries, I see enormous opportunities for brokerages.
“Darren’s insight into quality businesses provides an invaluable complement to AFG’s existing investment expertise, with our partner brokerages reaping the benefits.”
Looking to the future, Pietropiccolo said: “We’ve navigated market cycles before and remain confident in the fundamentals and long-term outlook for the housing market and broking industry.
“We continue to see compelling opportunities to invest in quality broker businesses, and I look forward to what the team will achieve in growing the program and supporting our broker partners.”
[Related: Video podcast: Building Australia’s Major Independent Brokerage of the Year]
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