Movers & Shakers

COBA names new CEO

The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) has appointed former financial services association chief Yasser El-Ansary as its next chief executive, following Michael Lawrence’s retirement after almost nine years in the role.

El-Ansary brings more than 30 years of experience in strategy and leadership, including a decade in financial services executive roles.

He previously served as CEO and managing director of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) and chief executive of the Australian Investment Council, which represents the private capital sector.

COBA chair Elizabeth Crouch AM said his experience leading member organisations and knowledge of financial services would support the association’s advocacy for customer‑owned banking.

“With extensive experience leading member organisations and a deep understanding of the financial services sector, Yasser is well placed to advocate for a purpose-led banking model,” Crouch said.

Peter White to chair aggregator’s advisory board

Former Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) managing director Peter White has taken up a new industry position, joining Adelaide-based Optimise Aggregation as chairman of its advisory board.

White will work alongside former Australian Finance Group (AFG) executive Chris Slater and financial services lawyer Peter Hagias on the board, which was formed earlier this year to help guide the asset finance aggregator’s national growth.

His responsibilities will include advising the leadership team on broker network expansion, technology development, and strengthening the business’s market presence.

“Peter has spent decades representing brokers and helping shape the finance broking industry in Australia, so having someone with his experience chair our Advisory Board is incredibly valuable to us,” Optimise Aggregation founder and director Bill Tsouvalas said.

FBAA appoints new membership and experience chief

The Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) has appointed Mary-Helen Lockton as its new chief membership and experience officer.

Lockton joins from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland, where she was membership and customer relationship manager, overseeing membership, customer service, events, communications and engagement.

Her previous roles include leadership positions at the Local Government Association of Queensland, NSW Farmers’ Association, and ING Australia, spanning membership services, marketing, customer engagement and advocacy.

“Mary-Helen understands how membership organisations work and how to deliver services and support that members value,” FBAA CEO Leo Gagic said.

“Her experience will help us build closer relationships with brokers, respond to their changing needs and ensure they get the most from their FBAA membership.”

Peter Nguyen joins Money Quest Group

Money Quest Group has appointed Peter Nguyen as its NSW/ACT state relationship manager.

Nguyen brings more than 20 years of experience across the mortgage and banking sectors, including a previous role as regional sales manager at brokerage brand Aussie.

His career has also included positions at Bankwest and Suncorp, while most recently he served as head of broker partnerships at aggregator Atlas Lending Group.

Money Quest said Nguyen had been “instrumental” in helping brokers grow their businesses and supporting those entering the industry.

Reflecting on his background as a business development manager (BDM), Nguyen said he had particularly enjoyed building relationships across the industry.

“I enjoyed [working as a BDM]. I made lots of friendships and relationships with colleagues, franchisees and brokers. I still keep in contact with them regularly,” he said.