This NAB BDM loves hearing the stories of clients and brokers
BDM in the spotlight asks a different BDM the same questions – giving you regular insights into the lives of some of the top BDMs in the country.
Name: Christy Geng
Years in the industry: 11 years
Company: NAB
Location: Sydney
What did you do before entering the industry?
I entered the industry straight after I graduated university with a Master’s degree in accounting and finance. My first job was with NAB and I’ve now been there for 11 years.
How often do you see brokers in a week?
Within a week, I will see brokers at least three days, if not four. I leave the remaining 1-2 days for coaching and providing support to NAB’s bankers and working on strategies and planning. As much as possible we try and see brokers face-to-face, but we also use a range of social media tools to engage with them daily.
What do brokers want most from you?
There is quite a lot! High on the list is regular updates about NAB’s lending policy and risk appetite. Brokers also value the time spent on workshopping lending scenarios and ensuring they are aligned with the right banker. Each individual broker needs different insights and support, depending on their level of experience and specialisation. It ultimately comes down to the relationship and knowing what’s important to each broker and their customers.
What is your favourite part of the job?
In the job, we get to meet so many brokers and clients. Everyone has a story. It’s fascinating to hear how they’ve built up their business and been able to learn from their experience in their respective industries. I also enjoy being a part of NAB Commercial Broker’s focus on supporting the growth of the Asian-Australian business community, where I can share my specialist knowledge.
What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
The best brokers form strong relationships with their clients and truly understand their business, which means they can tailor solutions accordingly. They have a well-established network within the market and know who to contact when it counts. These brokers also are great communicators and have excellent attention to detail.
What’s your ideal weekend?
With a young toddler at home, I spend most of the weekend with him. As a family, we usually do things we can all enjoy like beach time or visiting museums. We love going away for a trip, where the kids can run around while the parents enjoy some drinks at sunset.
What’s the strangest lending scenario you’ve ever encountered?
My brokers are fantastic! They have the expertise and ability to filter unviable deals and set realistic expectations with their customers. If a particularly complex deal arises, we can workshop the scenario to find the best way forward for all.
What’s your top time-saving tip and how much time does it save you?
I set a plan and follow the same approach most weeks – scheduling meetings two weeks in advance and leaving room for expected things to come up. Each morning I write my to-do list (ordered by urgency) while having my coffee.
What’s your favourite meal?
I like variety and don’t mind trying new cuisines. It’s hard to a favourite, as I really enjoy Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese. That being said, I do get cravings for KFC chicken wings. When in doubt, a steak with a glass of red wine always hits the spot.
