The non-bank lender has hinted at major expansion plans as the nation’s ageing population fuels demand for equity access in retirement.
Australian non-bank lender Brighten has announced the appointment of industry veteran Sharon Yardley as its first head of reverse mortgages, with the company signalling a major strategic push into the growing later-life lending market.
The Sydney headquartered lender revealed on Thursday (12 February) that Yardley would take on the newly created role of head of reverse mortgages – positioning the move as part of its ambition to broaden its offering and strengthen distribution.
Building capability for growth
Brighten CEO Jason Azzopardi said the appointment reflected rising interest in home equity solutions among older borrowers and the need to expand carefully in a complex segment.
“I am a huge believer in providing older customers the option to access equity in their home with simplicity,” Azzopardi said.
He emphasised that the strategy would prioritise safeguards alongside growth.
“We are committed to ensuring our expansion into later-life lending is grounded in deep technical capability and customer protections,” he said.
“Sharon will play a critical role developing this capability with care, transparency and strong governance.”
Brighten said the move also highlighted its broader strategy of strengthening its product suite as brokers look for more diversified lending pathways – often without consistent tools or established frameworks.
Deep sector experience
Yardley brings more than two decades of experience in reverse mortgages, including work designing responsible lending frameworks, leading consumer protection initiatives, and delivering large-scale education programs.
She joined Brighten in September after a 20-year stint at Heartland Bank Australia, where she held several senior roles, including chief compliance and sustainability officer, general manager – reverse mortgages, and leadership positions across communications, risk, compliance and marketing.
According to Brighten, her work since 2015 has focused on helping Australians understand how housing wealth can support retirement planning.
Yardley said demographic trends were increasing the need for clear guidance and well-structured products.
“As people live longer and face more complex choices in retirement, they need access to clear information, strong protections and helpful guidance,” she said.
She added that Brighten’s approach would focus on usability and customer outcomes.
“Brighten’s approach provides the right foundation to build its reverse-mortgage offering with simple, tailored and easy-to-use lending solutions.”
Yardley will be supported by a specialist team as the lender develops its offering – with further product details expected to be announced in the coming months.
The move comes as later-life lending gains mounting attention amid an ageing population and growing pressure on retirement incomes – as non-bank lenders increasingly target niche segments to differentiate and expand their distribution opportunities.
[Related: Brighten launches new residential and commercial SMSF loans]
