Helia

Office address: Level 26, 101 Miller Street North Sydney NSW 2060 
Website: helia.com.au 
Year established: 1965 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 200+ 
Expertise: lenders mortgage insurance, risk management, capital management, customer analytics, hardship solutions, property risk assessment, financial education, data governance 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Michael Cant (interim CEO), Craig Ward (interim CFO), Bradley Dean (chief risk officer), Jeremy Francis (COO), Nicole Lang (chief people and culture officer), Greg McAweeney (chief commercial officer), Brady Weissel (general counsel), Kristi Young (executive director) 
Financing status: corporation 

Helia Group Limited (Helia) is Australia’s leading provider of lenders mortgage insurance. It helps buyers purchase homes with smaller deposits. The company works with banks and brokers to support first home buyers and investors across the country. With 60 years’ experience, the firm is known for flexible LMI solutions, digital innovation and strong community support. \

History of Helia 

Helia started in 1965 as Australia’s first LMI provider. The name comes from the sun and shows the company’s aim to help people reach financial wellbeing through owning a home.  

Over the years, Helia has reached many important milestones: 

• 1965: company established, originally part of Genworth Financial 
• 2010: helped almost 1.2 million Australians into home ownership 
• 2014: listed on the ASX as Genworth Mortgage Insurance Australia 
• 2022: rebranded from Genworth to Helia, showing a broader focus on home ownership 
• 2023: achieved gender pay parity for the first time; awarded WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the ninth consecutive year 
• 2024: 
• celebrated almost 60 years in operation 
• supported more than 31,000 home buyers into home ownership 
• won multiple industry awards, including the 2024 Australian Mortgage Awards 
• maintained net zero emissions for scope 1 and 2 
• achieved 100% customer contract renewals with 14 of the top 25 lenders 

In 2025, Helia introduced the improved Home Deposit Estimator tool. This update helps brokers and lenders show clients more deposit choices. It aims to make the path to home ownership even smoother for Australians. 

Helia products and services 

Helia offers a wide range of mortgage insurance products, digital tools and support services for lenders, brokers and home buyers. Here are some of their products: 

Lenders mortgage insurance 

• LMI: buy a home with as little as 5% deposit 
• flexible premium payments: pay upfront, add to loan or monthly 
• family assistance discount: 15% off LMI if family pays 
• portfolio LMI: group loan insurance, tailored for lenders 
• investor and upgrader support: LMI for first home buyers and investors 

Digital tools and broker solutions 

• home deposit estimator: tool for brokers to compare deposit options 
• eLMI portal: digital access for quotes, submissions, claims 
• API integrations: fast digital connections for lenders and brokers 
• auto-decisioning: automated LMI approvals for quicker processing 

Services for lenders and brokers 

• delegated underwriting authority: lenders process LMI applications in-house 
• quality assurance reviews: improve loan processes, manage risk 
• customer analytics and insights: data to help write high LVR loans 
• education and training: tailored programs for brokers and home buyers 

Helia’s offerings go beyond standard LMI, providing education, hardship support and tailored solutions for Australians. Their focus on digital innovation and customer experience sets them apart in the mortgage insurance space. 

Company culture and values 

Helia’s culture values people, diversity and the unique strengths every team member brings. The company builds teams that reflect the communities they serve and appreciates each person’s contribution.  

Staff are recognised, supported and encouraged to grow in a positive and inclusive workplace. Helia’s benefits cover financial, lifestyle and growth needs, including: 

• financial support: competitive pay, incentive plans, $1,000 shares, LMI discounts 
• insurance and super: salary continuance, MLC super fund, TPD cover, free super advice 
• health and wellbeing: up to $600 reimbursement, flu shots, health insurance discounts 
• recognition: service awards, recognition program for achievements and milestones 
• flexibility: flexible work, purchased leave, birthday and wellbeing days, parental and compassionate leave 
• lifestyle: Employee Assistance Program, confidential counselling for staff and families 
• growth: ongoing learning, career moves, study support, paid volunteering, professional memberships 
• community: engagement programs and support for volunteering and local involvement 

Helia’s Diversity Council, led by a senior leader, promotes inclusion and a welcoming workplace. The company values people with different backgrounds and experiences.  

In 2025, Helia reached gender pay equality for the second year. The firm was also named Employer of Choice for Gender Equality for the eleventh year. CEO Pauline Blight-Johnston is proud of the company’s focus on fairness and inclusion. 

About CEO Michael Cant and key people 

Michael Cant became interim CEO at Helia in July 2025, after serving as CFO since 2021. Before this, he held senior roles at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), including leading retail banking and corporate banking.  

Helia’s leadership team brings a mix of experience and unique strengths to the business: 

• Craig Ward leads as interim CFO, bringing expertise from Westpac and BT Super 
• Bradley Dean serves as chief risk officer and has over 30 years in risk and finance roles 
• Jeremy Francis works as COO and is passionate about digital transformation and customer growth 
• Nicole Lang heads as chief people and culture officer, known for global HR leadership and culture change 
• Greg McAweeney acts as chief commercial officer, skilled in digital strategy and brand building across industries 
• Brady Weissel is general counsel and company secretary, experienced in legal risk and strategy at Helia 
• Kristi Young directs as executive director, strategy and execution, and is an expert in product development and transformation 

The firm’s executives are committed to helping partners grow and succeed. Their leadership supports the company’s vision for the future. 

The future at Helia 

Helia has openly addressed the risks posed by government policy changes that allow first-home buyers to bypass LMI. In 2025, the company adapted by streamlining its business and seeking new ways to support both existing and new clients.  

Their efforts help smaller lenders continue offering loans to low-deposit borrowers, keeping options open for brokers and their customers. By reviewing its strategy and renewing key lender contracts, the firm aims to maintain value for clients and shareholders despite industry changes.