Successful brokers look to diversify into commercial, SMSF
BDM in the Spotlight and State Manager in the Spotlight is a regular series, giving brokers insight into the lives of some of the country’s leading relationship managers.
This week MPA catches up with Nathan Armstrong, business development manager commercial at Liberty. Armstrong joined Liberty in November 2023 and has plenty of high-level mortgage industry experience – he has worked in the sector for 11 years, including six years as a BDM and relationship manager for various lenders and banks.
Armstrong says the best part of the job is providing Liberty’s out-of-the-box solutions to brokers.
He enjoys educating brokers about the non-bank lender’s range of commercial, business and SMSF lending solutions and explaining how these could help brokers’ clients reach their goals.
Armstrong says the most successful brokers want to keep learning and diversifying their business.
“They are interested in expanding into other lending areas such as commercial, business, personal or SMSF lending.”
Full name: Nathan Armstrong
Job title: Business development manager − commercial
Company: Liberty
Number of years in the industry: 11 years, including six years as a BDM
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
What did you do before entering the industry?
I was a sales representative/territory manager in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.
A brief description of your role and how you support brokers:
My role involves developing close relationships with our brokers to help them grow through fast support with scenarios and applications, right through to settlement. I’m also available to expand their knowledge of Liberty’s broad range of commercial, business and SMSF lending solutions and how these could help clients reach their goals.
A goal that you aim to achieve in your role this year:
My goal is to simply continue supporting brokers with anything they need and being available to answer any questions to help their businesses prosper. My team and I are passionate about growing our broker relationships, building trust, and providing a competitive advantage.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Liberty’s free-thinking approach to lending means we’re able to provide out-of-the-box solutions. My favourite aspect of the job is being able to help a broker find a solution when they didn’t think there was a way forward.
What sets successful brokers apart?
I’ve found successful brokers to have a desire to continually learn and diversify their business. They are interested in expanding into other lending areas such as commercial, business, personal or SMSF lending along with other services such as insurance. The potential to develop new income streams is more available than ever.
What should brokers be demanding from a BDM and lender relationship?
Brokers should expect their BDMs to have extensive product knowledge and be able to share information quickly and clearly. In lending, responsiveness and ongoing comprehensive support is key.
What do you provide to brokers that makes you valuable to them?
The support and services I provide to brokers helps them grow their business and provide solutions to a diverse range of clients. I understand the industry environment and make myself accessible to brokers and help them with enquiries in a timely manner.
Describe your ideal weekend:
My ideal weekend involves spending time with my three-year-old and 11-month-old girls. I also love watching the West Coast Eagles play, so seeing the team win would round out a perfect weekend!
BDM in the Spotlight and State Manager in the Spotlight features a range of relationship managers and BDMs within the mortgage and finance industry.
Among those recently featured include: Liberty’s Caroline Pellew, ME Bank’s Alysha Baksh, Beyond Bank’s Sarah Chisholm, SFG’s Joel Ganino, BankVic’s Paul Meilak, Red Zed’s Mitch Shaw, Pepper Money’s Bettina Lumsden, AMP Bank’s Nicole Woodruff and outsource Financial’s Sonia Diamante.
If you know a great BDM or state manager that you would like featured in this series, please email [email protected]
