Movers & Shakers

UBank appoints new CEO

National Australia Bank (NAB) has named Kanishka Raja as CEO of its digital bank subsidiary UBank, succeeding Philippa Watson who departed in June this year.

Prior to his appointment, Raja was a member of the UBank leadership team for four years, leading the bank’s home lending business before heading up the everyday banking, growth, and data and analytics teams.

He previously held leadership roles at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) spanning strategy, performance, data, and analytics.

UBank chair and NAB chief operating officer, Les Matheson, said the appointment marked an exciting chapter for the digital bank.

“Kanishka is a highly capable and dedicated leader with a passion for innovation and customer experience. His leadership will be instrumental as Ubank continues to scale and deliver simple, smart banking for Australians,” he said.

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Loan Market names WA state director

Loan Market has named Kaine Adamson as its new state director for Western Australia.

The former general manager of broker at P&N Bank/BCU started at his new role on 8 September, bringing more than 20 years’ experience in finance and banking in Western Australia.

As state director, he will be responsible for leading the performance of Loan Market’s broker network in Western Australia, focusing on recruitment and strategic partnerships across the state.

Adamson will also be tasked with advocating for brokers, connecting them to new tech and supporting new-to-industry brokers.

Loan Market CEO David McQueen said Adamson’s leadership and industry knowledge made him a strong leader for Western Australian brokers.

“Kaine understands the trust customers place in their broker, and he’s seen first-hand how important it is to strengthen and protect that relationship,” he said.

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MA Money welcomes new head of commercial

Non-bank lender MA Money has appointed Craig Stuart, the former national commercial business development manager (BDM) for RedZed, as its head of commercial.

The recruitment comes ahead of the launch next month of MA Money’s new commercial loan products, including SMSF commercial loans.

Stuart began in the role on 15 September and joins MA Money with almost three decades in the mortgage industry, having spent time at Msquared Capital, Resimac, Bluestone Home Loans, and National Australia Bank.

National sales manager Tim Lemon said: “We’re excited to bring this new offering to market, and Craig is the right person to lead this division and drive long-term growth for MA Money.”

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Thinktank promotes 3 to new leadership roles

Non-bank lender Thinktank has promoted from within to fill three newly created leadership roles, strengthening its focus on broker support.

Joel Harrison has been appointed head of partnerships and distribution, while Matt Petering takes on the role of head of residential. Harrison has been with Thinktank for more than five years, most recently serving as national manager – commercial partnerships.

Both will report directly to Belinda Wright, general manager for partnerships and distribution.

In addition, the non-bank lender also confirmed regional sales executive Heather Noonan has stepped into the newly created role of national partnerships manager.

Commenting on the appointments, Wright said: “By simplifying our structure, sharpening our leadership focus, and creating more dedicated resources, we’re aiming to give brokers the support, consistency, and confidence they need to deliver for their clients.”