Teaching finance and leadership deepened her interest in property investment
Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.
In this week’s edition, MPA interviewed Jasmine Alexander (pictured above), whose time teaching finance and leadership at a university sparked a deeper interest in property investment. Seeing the impact of financial literacy firsthand and with encouragement from friends and family, she founded Prosperity Mortgage Partners with a mission to provide personalised mortgage services that align with clients’ long-term financial goals.
Full name: Jasmine Alexander
Job title: Mortgage broker
Company: Prosperity Mortgage Partners
Number of years in the industry: 10
Location: Melbourne (Eltham, 3095 – however, I work with clients from all states in Australia)
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I began my career in finance and banking immediately after completing my commerce degree, starting as a mortgage underwriter at ANZ Bank. Over time, I progressed into branch management, overseeing several ANZ branches. Later, I expanded my expertise further by working with NAB’s collections department, which broadened my understanding of the financial industry and its various facets.
During my years teaching finance and leadership at Swinburne University, I developed an interest in property investment, which led me to learn more about financing properties. I started sharing this knowledge with friends and family, and their encouragement eventually inspired me to become a mortgage broker. With nearly 10 years of experience in banking and finance, I decided to launch Prosperity Mortgage Partners, where I could provide personalised mortgage solutions and help clients find the best options for their needs.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
The most positive development in mortgage broking has been the shift towards customer-centric, tailored solutions. Technology has played a huge role in enhancing the efficiency of the process, allowing us to connect with clients quickly and remotely. Tools like Quickli help us instantly find the best fit for clients, and artificial intelligence has further streamlined the process, making it faster and more accurate.
Additionally, the reach of social media has been a game-changer. It allows us to communicate with potential clients and educate them quickly and efficiently, keeping them informed about their options and empowering them to make better financial decisions. The combination of these advancements has not only improved client outcomes but also made the entire mortgage process much smoother and more accessible.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
One of the biggest challenges we face right now is the constant changes in regulations and lending policies. While they are necessary for ensuring responsible lending, they can also make it difficult for clients to navigate. My solution would be to focus on education — both for clients and within the industry. Brokers need to stay informed about the latest changes and regulations, so we can guide our clients confidently through any challenges they face. I also think it’s important for brokers to work closely with lenders to ensure everyone is aligned on what’s best for the client.
Also, another challenge we are currently facing is the inclusion of the 3% buffer in the calculation of borrowing capacity imposed by APRA. This is preventing many clients from refinancing or investing, as it significantly limits their borrowing power. Given that Australia is one of the countries with the highest interest rates in the world, perhaps it’s time to review the 3% buffer to ensure it aligns more closely with the current economic climate. This could help make the refinancing and investment process more accessible for clients and stimulate more activity in the market.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
I’ll never forget working with a client who owned multiple investment properties, each with different structures. The situation was complex, and even the credit assessors weren’t ready to accept the loan. We worked closely with the business development manager and put in significant effort to find a solution. After many back-and-forth discussions, we eventually secured an approval for the client. That experience reinforced how important persistence and collaboration are in this industry, and it taught me that no challenge is too big if you have the right team and mindset.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
My advice would be to have a genuine desire to add value beyond just meeting the immediate needs of your clients — especially if you’re just starting out. The foundation of being a great broker is understanding your client’s bigger picture and offering them tailored solutions that help them achieve their long-term goals. Building trust takes time, and it’s crucial to take a holistic approach to helping your clients. It’s not just about securing loans — it’s about making a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Building trust is absolutely essential in the mortgage broking industry. As brokers, we aren’t just helping clients secure a loan; we are guiding them through one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives. Trust is the foundation of every client relationship, and it’s built through transparency, consistency, and a genuine commitment to their best interests. When clients trust you, they feel comfortable discussing their financial situations openly, allowing you to craft tailored solutions that truly align with their goals. Trust fosters long-term relationships — clients are more likely to return for future needs and refer others to you when they believe in your expertise and integrity.
However, trust isn’t built overnight. It’s a continuous process that requires being attentive to clients’ needs, educating them about their options, and being honest, even when the news isn’t what they want to hear. It’s about setting realistic expectations and showing that you are committed to their financial well-being, not just closing a deal.
In the early stages of a broker’s career, this trust is especially important. When you are starting out you don’t have an extensive network or client base, so how you build rapport with clients becomes a key differentiator. Going above and beyond to educate and offer value — not just providing the bare minimum — will help you stand out. When clients feel heard, supported, and respected, the foundation of trust is laid, and your reputation will grow over time. Ultimately, trust is what transforms a one-time client into a lifelong relationship, and in the long run, it is the most powerful tool for success in the mortgage broking industry.
Broker in Focus is a weekly MPA feature spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse firms and locations across Australia. Among those recently featured are Cory Palazzolo of Think Home Loans, Janine Ashmore of Bliss Home Loans, Allan Culbertson of Ledge Home Loans, Katherine Persoglia, Property Before Prada, Luke Mansour of Legal Home Loans, Livio Tramontin of MPL Mortgage Services, Mark Bonnici of Westlend Home Loans, Rebecca Timms of Realise Home Loans, Scott Stevenson of Mortgage Choice, and Xavier Quenon of Go Mortgage.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
