The bridging-finance lender has bolstered its presence in Victoria and Tasmania as it expands distribution through major broker networks.
Bridgit, a non-bank lender specialising in bridging finance, has appointed mortgage-distribution executive Jess Vaiano as its new Victorian/Tasmanian state manager to lead its growth efforts across the two states.
The lender said the appointment strengthened its sales team and represented further investment in Victoria and Tasmania, where it sees an opportunity to increase its in-market presence.
Vaiano will be responsible for developing relationships with aggregators, lifting engagement with brokers and representing Bridgit face to face in the market.
He will also lead and develop the lender’s sales team in Victoria and Tasmania.
The new state manager brings more than 20 years of experience across mortgages and broker distribution.
In his previous role with NAB/Advantedge, Vaiano worked on the rollout of white label lending programs with major aggregator groups.
Vaiano said he saw scope to build on Bridgit’s existing standing in the specialist-finance sector while increasing its local presence.
“I’m really pleased to be joining the team at Bridgit. I’ve watched the business build a genuine reputation in bridging finance, and I can see the opportunity to grow that presence further across VIC and TAS,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to getting out in-market, building on the relationships already in place, and giving brokers in this state the support they deserve.”
Bridgit chief operating officer David McQueen said Vaiano was appointed to lead a deliberate expansion in Victoria and Tasmania, citing his relationships and experience across the third-party channel.
“I have known Jess for a long time and he is exactly the leader that we want here at Bridgit leading the VIC/TAS team as we invest in growing our footprint there,” he said.
“His track record across lenders, aggregators and brokers speaks for itself, and I’m confident he’ll bring real energy to the team and drive the growth we know is possible in this market.”
Distribution push accelerates
The appointment comes as Bridgit continues to broaden the distribution of its bridging-finance products through aggregator partnerships and white label arrangements.
On Tuesday, aggregator Australian Finance Group (AFG) launched AFG Home Loans Bridge, a Bridgit-funded white label product available nationally to AFG brokers.
The aggregator said the product was designed to help customers buy their next property before selling their existing home.
AFG added that the offering could be used across a range of property-transition scenarios, including upsizing, downsizing, retirement, equity release, and situations where borrowers required greater flexibility between the purchase of a new property and the sale of their existing home.
Bridgit has also continued to grow access to its product suite through lending panels.
In April, the lender joined the Specialist Finance Group panel, making its bridging solutions available across SFG’s national broker network.
[Related: Bridging tipped to move centre stage after budget shake-up]
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