What made you choose your aggregator?

Support and strategy

The aggregator I chose was AFG, and the primary reason is they view their brokers and broker groups as a strategic partnership and look to assist their brokers to become business owners, providing advice and guidance along the journey.

All aggregators do well at providing the tools required to function as a mortgage broker, but AFG – as a publicly listed business – are more aligned to supporting their broker groups with strategic thinking. They focus lots of time and effort on this from their partnership managers, state managers, general managers, all the way to the CEO David Bailey.

If you’re looking solely at cost and not appreciating the value behind what you’re paying for, then you will be leaving opportunity on the table.

People-first approach

For me, Finsure stands apart from traditional aggregators. With a background in banking and prior experience with another aggregator, I can confidently say that Finsure provides unparalleled support for both me and my business.

What truly differentiates Finsure is their people-first approach. I’m not treated as just another broker in their network – I’m seen and valued as an individual. The relationship I’ve built with my BDM is exceptionally strong, fostering a level of trust that allows me to share candid feedback.

Finsure not only listens, but takes meaningful action when they believe it will help me succeed. That kind of responsiveness and partnership is rare – and it’s why I chose Finsure.

Close support network

It’s just that family feel I suppose – that close support network.

I’ve just opened an office in Evans Head, which is my hometown. Little things like Daniel Marsi – the CEO – flew up, got a hire car and hotel, just to have dinner with me and see the office.

That sort of thing is second to none for me.

The business side of it is really attractive as well. The structure works for me, the splits are amazing, and they incentivise you to do well.

Once you’re backing yourself to write those sorts of volumes, I find it hard to beat from a value proposition, let alone the other side of it – the support as well.

They have got a large network of people I’ve worked with over the time, plug and play into that sort of thing, technology, smart classes – all of that side.

But then at the same time, they have that small sort of community feel, the boutique feel, I suppose. And honestly not a throwaway line – they genuinely care.

Care and guidance

When I started as a mortgage broker nearly 10 years ago, I came from a completely different industry, but I was obsessed with property and investing. Once I decided to change careers, follow my passion, and take the leap – Aussie stood out instantly.

They hosted regular info nights and made it easy to learn more without any pressure. They were honest, transparent, and genuinely supportive for someone new to the industry. That level of care and guidance – before, during, and after starting – made all the difference.

Aussie was also a trusted household name. Starting out in my late 20s, I didn’t yet have the confidence or credibility, but being backed by the Aussie brand gave me both. It helped me grow faster, build trust with clients, and truly find my footing.

Now, nearly a decade later, I still wear the purple with pride. Aussie isn’t just my aggregator, it’s my community, my launchpad, and the reason I get to do what I love every single day.

Connection and culture

Like many good things in life, it started with family. My brother-in-law brought me into the Mortgage Choice world when I made the leap from 30 years in the clothing trade to mortgage broking (from suits to settlements, you could say!). But it wasn’t just the connection – it was the culture that kept me here.

What stood out was the genuine support. Mortgage Choice isn’t just ticking boxes. They genuinely want brokers to succeed. I’ve had brilliant backing from day one – from people who care, share knowledge, and go the extra mile. You never feel like you’re on your own, and for a solo operator starting from scratch, that meant everything.

There’s also something to be said for aligning yourself with a brand that genuinely reflects your own values: down-to-earth, customer-first, a bit fun, and focused on long-term relationships over short-term wins.

I chose Mortgage Choice because I wanted to build something meaningful – for my family, my clients, and my future. And with them behind me, I know I’m not just running a business – I’m building a legacy I can be proud of.