BDM for AMP Bank reveals the key to staying connected
BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same questions – giving you regular insights into the lives of some of the top names in the country.
Name: Anthony Gebrael
Years in the industry: Six Years
Company: AMP Bank
Location: Parramatta
What did you do before entering the industry?
My first taste of this industry was working as a teller with St George Bank while I was studying at university. But, it was a stint working in settlements for a law firm that really got me hooked.
How often do you see mortgage brokers in a week?
I usually speak with about 50 brokers each week. As a desk-based BDM, my ways of working and connecting with brokers virtually were already well established, which has really helped through COVID. Staying connected is key, and technology is a key driver to this.
What do mortgage brokers want most from you?
I think brokers are after three key things from us – responsiveness, guidance and support. I have set myself a pretty strict turnaround time to respond to brokers calls and emails, I hope to act as a trusted sounding board for them and, above all, provide guidance through the process in the most efficient way possible.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Every day is different, but what I love about it the most is the challenge, as well as working with brokers to support people make one of the most significant and exciting financial decisions of their lives.
What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
The best brokers know their clients’ needs back to front and can clearly relay these to a lender. Attention to detail is key.
What’s your ideal weekend?
I’m Lebanese, so it’s all about family, food and sport, and lots of it!
What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
Strange has become the norm and there are too many to mention. One specific scenario that comes to mind though is a broker seeking cash out to fund a film producer’s next passion project.
What’s your top time-saving tip and how much time does it save you?
I ensure I have cleared all of my emails before logging off for the day. I find starting each day fresh helps me stay focused and in control of my workload.
What’s your favourite meal?
Anything Lebanese cooked by my mum. If I had to narrow it down to one meal, nothing beats barbecued kafta and tabbouleh.
