Movers & Shakers

youX appoints new CCO

Fintech company youX – which specialises in asset finance technology for lenders, brokers, and dealers – has reappointed Matt Perry into the role of chief commercial officer (CCO).

Perry has more than 25 years of experience in finance in both the UK and Australia, having worked at Eric Insurance, St.George, Angle Auto, and most recently as head of product at Pepper Asset Finance. He previously worked at youX in the CCO role before moving to Pepper.

In his new role, Perry will focus on advancing go-to-market strategy; expanding embedded lender integrations; turning youX’s tech offerings into measurable commercial outcomes for partners; and scaling OEM, dealer, and broker programs.

Simon Penhaligon, CEO of youX, said: “Few, if any people have Matt’s mix of real-world, boots on the ground experience as well as a holistic, informed view of where auto finance is headed. We are pumped to have him back. Matt gives us executive depth and gives existing and prospective partners peace of mind.”

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Solomons Capital names commercial and specialist lending head

Solomons Capital has named Darren Stratford as its new head of commercial and specialist lending, overseeing strategic growth, product development, and broker relationships.

The new hire brings over 35 years of experience in sales, risk, and product management across banks and non-banks.

Most recently, he served as senior product manager at RedZed, where he helped develop its self-managed super fund (SMSF) and private credit products.

Prior to that, Stratford spent more than three years at Resimac and held roles at Bluestone, Bank of Queensland, and Suncorp Group, along with nearly a decade as a mortgage broker and business owner.

Stratford noted the firm’s breadth of expertise.

“This allows us to manage clients comprehensively across these pillars,” he said.

“The business empowers its people to find solutions, overcome challenges and embrace innovation to help customers.”

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MFAA welcomes new board members

The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has unveiled its new board after electing two new board members and re-electing a third, while farewelling two directors.

Following its annual general meeting on 19 November, the MFAA confirmed that commercial brokers – Melissa Ashcroft (left), broker and general manager at AAA Mortgages, and Sana Hosseini (right), senior broker and franchisee owner of Aussie South Yarra and Aussie Northern Rivers – have been elected to the board.

Rob McFadden, founder and CEO of Sydney-based brokerage Hypothéque, has also been re-elected to the MFAA board. He will continue as a member of the nominations, remuneration, and governance committee.

With the new board directors elected, Mortgage Choice broker Caroline Jean-Baptiste will now retire as a board director after serving two three-year terms (the maximum allowed).

Peter Clark, principal at Beckmitch Consulting, will also be leaving the MFAA board.

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FBAA announces new chairman

Brett Spencer has been appointed as the new chairman of the board of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA), taking over the position held by Tony Carter for the past eight years.

Spencer – who has been on the FBAA board since 2023 – is the CEO of fintech company DocuScan and has worked in the finance industry for more than 20 years, with a strong focus on mortgages and lending.

Speaking at the FBAA National Industry Conference 2025 on the Gold Coast on 31 October, Spencer said the outgoing chair had led the organisation through “perhaps the toughest climate in our entire history, being COVID” and helped drive broker membership.

“On behalf of all our staff, our partners, our sponsors and our brokers, thank you,” he said.

“It’s a great honour to take on the role as chair of the FBAA and I thank my fellow board members for their confidence…

“The FBAA board is not about one person but about the collective, and our focus is firmly on our members. This will not change.”