Former BDM has 14 years' experience
State Manager in the Spotlight and BDM in the Spotlight are a regular series featured in MPA, giving brokers insight into the lives of some of the country’s leading relationship managers.
MPA spoke to Suncorp Bank state manager NSW/ACT Abraham (Abe) Mathew (pictured above) about his key focus in the role, how he helps brokers and the distinguishing characteristics of the best brokers he deals with.
Promoted to the role of state manager on July 1, Mathew was previously the BDM for Victoria/Tasmania.
Having worked within the banking industry since 2008, Mathew has 14 years’ experience across various retail and business banking roles. He has worked in branch management, product management and as a sales leader.
Solutions-focused and motivated to provide the best customer outcome in a timely manner, Mathew meets regularly with peers from various aggregation groups and sub-groups. He aims to find common ground and improve the customer and broker experience, together.
Name: Abe Mathew
Years in the industry: 14
Company: Suncorp Bank
Location: Sydney (Barangaroo)
Briefly describe your role:
To ensure the team is well prepared to support the individual needs of our broker partners, providing them with a high level of engagement and education.
What is your focus over the next 6 to 12 months?
My team in NSW is made up of highly skilled, dedicated professionals who show up for brokers.
I can sum up my coaching advice to them in three phrases:
- Be available
- Know your business and the business of your external and internal partners
- Do what you said you would do
How do you assist brokers with lending requirements?
Having been a BDM myself, I am always happy to assist with any questions brokers may have.
I understand the lending journey and always consider the customer experience in everything I do.
What’s your favourite part of the job so far?
First and foremost, meeting and interacting with people – I’m a people person!
I love exploring better ways to achieve successful outcomes for brokers. Every day, the lending journey gets faster and better. It’s highly motivating to be a part of that journey and to execute excellent customer outcomes.
What distinguishes the best brokers you deal with?
I like to bring out the best in any situation, attracting brokers and industry peers who resonate with the passion for giving back to the community.
I also enjoy supporting others with causes close to their hearts and to create better awareness around financial literacy.
As a first-generation migrant, finding success has been a rewarding journey. I love people to share in this journey and challenge them to always look for a window of opportunity and to do the best they can with that window to create successful moments.
