Recently appointed general manager shares his insights
It goes without saying the last 12 months have been challenging for all Australians – the words of recently appointed general manager mortgages and commercial lending at Pepper Money Australia Barry Saoud (pictured). He told MPA that as the needs of many Australians evolve in this shifting environment through COVID, so too does the need for different types of lending.
“There’s greater appetite for specialist lending options now – more so than ever,” he said. “From the growing self-employed market to people with different types of income, those recovering after a life event or building a property profile; the need for alternative lending will continue to grow and build momentum.”
As sponsor of Broker of the Year – Specialist lending at this year’s Australian Mortgage awards, Pepper is actively demonstrating its commitment to brokers as they support customers on this journey, said Saoud.
Read next: What it takes to win top spot
“We have always been passionate about providing real life solutions – particularly in the specialist lending category,” he said. “We are reinforcing our important mission and supporting brokers who are there to help customers achieve their goals – particularly when they may seem out of reach.”
When it comes to what makes an award-winning broker in specialist lending, Saoud said an empathetic approach was key.
“Our research and experience tell us that borrowers are looking for someone to take the time to understand their circumstances and show that they genuinely want to help them succeed,” he said. “It’s important that the broker understands their situation but also knows that they are more than their circumstances. When a broker finds a solution for these customers, we know it’s genuinely rewarding. They are also likely to create customers for life, ones who want to refer their friends and family to that broker in future.”
