My Journey: From Banking to Property Finance (and a Few Islands in Between)
Hey there, let me tell you, my career has been one heck of a ride. I’ve spent over 20 years in banking and finance, and during that time, I’ve worked across 8 countries, led teams in some pretty unique places (hello, Samoa and the Cook Islands), and helped some of Australia’s wealthiest clients navigate their financial journeys.
It all started in Australia, where I kicked off my career in Business Banking, working in a call centre. I didn’t even understand what a mortgage was, didn’t have a credit card, and had no formal education in finance – you could say I fell into the role. To this day, it’s probably my most impressive title: “Business Service Executive.” In reality, I was answering calls from small businesses and opening accounts. After 8 months, I was promoted to Business Manager, dipping my toes into business finance for the first time at 22 years old. Four months later, I became a Senior Business Manager. I worked around the clock, came in on weekends (we didn’t have laptops or mobile phones provided by the bank back then). Before I knew it, an opportunity came to light in a business called “Priority Banking,” soon to be known as “Premium Banking.” This was a consumer-focused business, a tier under their Private Bank division. I was managing a portfolio of high-value clients as the youngest Relationship Manager for Westpac’s Premium Financial Services. Yep, I was 23 and already knee-deep in the world of finance.
But I wasn’t content staying in one spot. My work then took me to the Pacific, where I had a regional role across 7 countries. I developed skills in business plan writing, conceptual thinking, and strategy. I was responsible for regional relationships with institutional clients, bringing them together across borders, sales and skill training for bankers, and improving customer experience. During this time, I had the opportunity to second out to places like PNG as Head of Retail Banking and Tonga as Head of Commercial Banking, all while working through Fiji, Samoa, the Cook Islands, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands. At 28, I accepted the offer to move to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands as Head of Business Banking, where I got to run the show as Acting General Manager several times. From this stint, I then moved to Head of Business Banking and Financial Markets in Samoa. Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like managing government banking and financial markets while soaking up the island vibes. I even got to launch the Pacific’s first prepaid card and grew business books that hadn’t seen growth in years. It was challenging, but man, was it rewarding. (the photo below was actually taken by me, we charted a plane, removed the door and headed up to get some photos of rarotonga, a great memory I will always remeber)
After a few years of island life, I headed back to Australia, diving into Private Banking. I was handed a portfolio worth around $150 million and helped it grow to nearly $1 billion of funds under management, generating over $8 million in revenue a year. The work I did here I’m extremely proud of. Having no investment banking experience and having to learn on the fly, I worked hard to be the best I could. After a few years, I was promoted to Senior Private Banker and started seconding into a Director role, looking after a team of bankers, all while still running this monster of a portfolio. This happened right when COVID hit, one of the most challenging times in my career. Managing the full portfolio, managing a team of Private Bankers and Associate Private Bankers, and adjusting to working from home was a whole new way of life. It was an incredibly challenging 7 months. I was finally rewarded with the permanent role of Associate Director, running a smaller portfolio this time and a team of great bankers. This became one of my favourite roles I’ve ever held. Then came the role that shaped my future and brought me to where I am today: National Director of Lending for Westpac Private Wealth. I built an entirely new business unit from scratch, hired 30 lenders across the country, and implemented new technology to make lending seamless for ultra-high-net-worth clients. Let’s just say the bank’s decision to roll this out in its current state wasn’t the best decision.
You’d think with all the above experience, my care for the people I led, and the love I had for the brand and business, I’d hold value. You’d think. However, at the end of the day, you’re just a number in an organisation like this. My career of over 22 years came to an end, primarily for cost reasons and because some individuals wanted an echo chamber rather than a business of people who challenge the status quo to make things better. That day, when no care or understanding was given, I vowed never to work for certain types of people again. I wanted to get back to helping people achieve their goals. So, after all those years in banking, I decided to do something different. Something fun. Something that lets me connect with more people. That’s why I partnered with a broker I’ve known for nearly as long as my banking career, someone with the same service ethics, passion, and drive as I have, and formed a partnership at Newstart Financial Solutions. Together, we’re bringing a fresh, client-focused approach to mortgage broking.
Now, I’m starting The Property Finance Broker. This is my space to share tips, tricks, and a bit of humour about Australian property and finance. I love talking about this stuff, and I want to make it easy and approachable for everyone – whether you’re buying your first home or planning your next big investment.
So, that’s me in a nutshell: a mortgage broker, a storyteller, and a guy who’s just really passionate about helping people achieve their property dreams. Thanks for being here – I can’t wait to share more with you!
The Property Finance Broker 