For over 46 years, Firstmac has been reshaping Australia’s lending landscape by challenging the big banks and giving brokers and borrowers more choice.

Its focus on simplicity, transparency, and innovation continues today, particularly in self-managed super fund (SMSF) lending, where Firstmac has also initiated a national bespoke webinar series for all accredited brokers, covering the intricacies of SMSF lending, so brokers can serve a broader range of client needs.

The webinar series has been incredibly well-received by brokers and oversubscribed on numerous occasions.

Making SMSF lending simple

Historically, SMSF lending has been viewed as complex and costly. Firstmac has addressed this by launching streamlined SMSF products that allow borrowers to refinance or purchase residential investment properties with ease.

Chief commercial officer Marie Mortimer says that simplicity is the key to the success of Firstmac’s SMSF products in an area traditionally bogged down by complexity and red tape.

“At Firstmac we like to keep things simple, even SMSF lending,” Mortimer says.

“We offer simple, low-fee products with both variable and fixed-rate options and a straightforward application process.”

By reducing paperwork and offering easy-to-understand policies, Firstmac empowers brokers to confidently recommend SMSF loans and helps borrowers move quickly toward their investment goals.

A new era: The commercial SMSF loan

A major step forward is Firstmac’s Commercial SMSF loan – its first foray into commercial property lending via SMSFs. Designed mainly for business owners, this product allows them to purchase their own premises through their super fund. This creates stability, eliminates rental uncertainty, and allows business owners to build long-term equity.

Commercial SMSF loans from Firstmac feature competitive rates – starting at 7.19 per cent for a 70 per cent LVR and 7.49 per cent for 80 per cent LVR – well below typical commercial loan rates. The fee structure is refreshingly transparent, with only a valuation fee, an optional $350 rate lock fee, and a $490 SMSF review/trust fee.

Fast, integrated service

Firstmac handles every stage of the SMSF lending process in-house – from credit assessment to legal documentation and settlement. This internal management speeds up approvals and ensures a seamless experience.

Mortimer says the residential SMSF loans are particularly straightforward.

“Our residential SMSF loans go through the same quick approval process as our regular loans. We do everything in-house, which gives us end-to-end control of the process and makes SMSF lending truly simple,” Mortimer says.

This level of efficiency and oversight ensures brokers and borrowers benefit from faster turnaround times and fewer administrative headaches.

Adapting to a changing economy

With high inflation, many investors are reconsidering their strategies. A more accessible SMSF refinancing process can provide valuable savings and financial stability.

Mortimer says prospective borrowers should not put SMSF investing in the too hard basket.

With expert guidance and streamlined systems, SMSF lending can become a powerful tool for long-term success.

Supporting brokers through education

Firstmac’s commitment to brokers extends beyond products. Firstmac can help brokers specialise in SMSF and target this underserved market segment, reaping the same benefits that Firstmac has from addressing a gap in the financial landscape.

Proper training is crucial and for this reason, Firstmac regularly hosts webinars and training sessions for brokers, both online and face to face, aiming to enhance their understanding of SMSF as an additional service.

Firstmac’s popular bespoke webinar series, which features a new topic every month, has covered issues such as how to get one-touch approval, SMSF Residential, and SMSF Commercial.

This training equips brokers with the knowledge to navigate SMSF lending confidently.

By offering both residential and commercial SMSF loans, Firstmac enables brokers to diversify their portfolios and cater to a broader range of clients. This positions brokers to better compete and succeed in an increasingly complex market.