Better Choice is stepping up its expansion plans, doubling down on the broker channel as it builds out its national footprint.
The non-bank lending arm of BNK Banking Corporation has hired two new senior-level BDMs: Louise Sandberg and Steve Kent. Both report directly to Cath Ryan, Better Choice's head of sales and strategic partnerships.
"Steve and Louise are experienced operators who know how to get deals done," Ryan said. "They are here to work alongside our brokers and create a great client experience for the customer.
“With new leadership across sales, credit and product, we’re a different business,' the executive continued. "Our focus is simple: make it easier for brokers to work with us and help them write more business."
The duo arrives just months after the firm expanded its executive team with the likes of Ryan, as well as Grant McFarlane, head of credit and lending origination; and Jelena Babanour, head of product. In addition, BNK parent company revealed in April that Chief Executive Officer Allan Savins would be stepping down. Chief Financial Officer Steve Kinsella was appointed interim CEO.
Ryan joined Better Choice in January, and was tasked with growing the broker network, while boosting the brand’s market profile.
"The broker model is absolutely paramount, because the consumer can only do so much in terms of the legwork of comparing one institution to another," she told Australian Broker. "Whereas a broker has at their fingertips, not just rates, but also all the policy, and they know intimately what the best outcome is for that customer. If a customer goes directly to a bank, [they wonder], is the bank going to give them other options from what is available at that bank? Whereas, with a broker, they can look at the entire market and really give that customer a genuine suite of options.
"It's kind of a no-brainer in terms of looking after the consumer by having somebody that's trusted and very-highly regulated, as well," Ryan added.
Sandberg's addition to the team puts a Better Choice BDM back on the ground in the Western State.
Perth-based Sandberg — whose title is senior business development manager, Western Australia — comes from Angle Finance. She brings more than 20 years of experience across Australia’s financial broking and advisory sectors, including roles as a mortgage broker and insurance adviser. Her resume includes stints at Westpac and MoneyQuest, among others.
Kent, who is based in the Gold Coast, is now senior business development manager, Queensland.
He joins from Banjo Loans' business division, with a background spanning both lender-side and broker roles. Kent's experience includes BDM positions at Victorian Mortgage Group, as well as more than a decade working as a mortgage broker.
BNK Banking Corporation was founded in 1982. Better Choice Home Loans, which operates exclusively through the broker channel, was launched in early 2001. Better Choice Home Loans recently rebranded to Better Choice. The BNK Bank and Goldfields Money brands also fall under the larger BNK umbrella.
