PEXA

Office address: Tower 4, Level 16, Collins Square 727 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3008 
Website: pexa.com.au 
Year established: 2010 
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 900 (globally) 
Expertise: online and property settlement, electronic conveyancing, e-Conveyancing, digital settlement, mortgage refinancing, property data analytics, API integration 
Parent company: PEXA Group Limited 
Key people: Russell Cohen (CEO), Eglantine Etiemble (group chief technology officer), Liz Warrell (acting CFO), Sabina Sopov (group chief people officer), Steve Braithwaite (chief customer and commercial officer), Gary Howard (chief transformation officer), Graham Fairley (chief information security officer) 
Financing status: formerly PE-backed 

Property Exchange Australia (PEXA) is a digital platform that helps lawyers, banks and conveyancers settle property transactions online. PEXA Australia delivers secure, paperless settlements and has completed over 15 million property transactions since 2014 through PEXA Exchange. 

History of PEXA 

PEXA was created in 2010 as part of a government initiative to digitise property transactions in Australia. It started as National Electronic Conveyancing Development Limited (NECDL) with support from state governments and major banks.  

The company launched its first online property transfer in New South Wales in 2014. It quickly expanded across the country, achieving several key milestones along the way: 

• 2015: Queensland goes live with e-Conveyancing 
• 2018: reaches 2 million digital transactions 
• 2019: $1 trillion in property settled 
• 2021: lists on the Australian Securities Exchange 
• 2022: acquires .id (Informed Decisions) and Value Australia 
• 2023: expands into the UK market 
• 2024: launches inaugural ESG report 

The company continues to deliver strong property data research in Australia. In 2024, new loan volumes hit their highest level on record, showing higher loan amounts and more borrowing activity. This research helps it stay at the front of the property and lending industry. 

PEXA’s products and services 

Most property transactions in Australia now use PEXA’s digital platform for settlement. This has made property exchanges quicker and easier for buyers, sellers and professionals. Here are its solutions: 

Digital settlement and property management 

• PEXA Exchange: online platform for property settlements, including transfers, mortgages and discharges 
• PEXA Key: secure app for sharing settlement details and bank information 
• PEXA Projects: tool for managing multi-lot property developments 
• PEXA Planner: management tool for financial institutions to track and organise settlements 
• PEXA Tracker: view-only tool for tracking the progress of property settlements 

Data and insights 

• Value Australia: advanced platform for fast, accurate property valuations using data and analytics 
• .id (Informed Decisions): demographic and property data resources to support planning and decision-making 

Integration and automation 

• API Integration: connects PEXA with practice management and third-party software for streamlined processes 

PEXA supports a broad network of financial, legal and property experts across Australia. With real-time tracking and quick access to sale funds, the firm helps over 20,000 families each week settle their homes safely. 

Company culture and values 

PEXA values a supportive and flexible work environment, encouraging staff to grow and connect with industry leaders. The graduate program helps new team members build skills and relationships, while the company offers a range of benefits: 

• flexible work options: hybrid, remote and Flex First arrangements 
• wellbeing support: wellness days, mental health training and health resources 
• family benefits: paid parental leave, family-friendly policies and certified inclusive workplace 
• meeting-free time: Wednesday mornings kept free for focus 
• early finish: Summer Fridays end at 2pm 
• professional growth: upskill opportunities and PEXA Academy certifications 
• financial support: financial wellbeing resources and advice 
• feedback culture: Circle Back Initiative ensures all applicants receive feedback 

Its “Be You” approach values every team member, regardless of gender, culture, age, or identity. In FY24, women made up 55% of the global workforce and 47% of leadership teams. The firm also partners with Holberton School’s SHEE Program and aims for 50% gender balance in all roles by FY26. 

About CEO Russell Cohen and key people 

Russell Cohen is CEO and group managing director of the firm. He previously led operations and expansion at Grab across seven countries. He brings over 20 years’ experience in mobile, telecom and software across Asia Pacific. 

PEXA’s leadership team manages technology, finance, people and customer engagement for the business: 

• Eglantine Etiemble serves as group chief technology officer, leading global technology teams and driving transformation across industries 
• Liz Warrell is acting CFO, overseeing finance, risk, procurement and corporate development for the Group 
• Sabina Sopov is group chief people officer, leading business strategy, transformation and employee engagement since 2020 
• Steve Braithwaite serves as interim chief customer and commercial officer, leading customer engagement and commercial initiatives 
• Gary Howard is chief transformation officer, bringing over 25 years’ experience in financial services leadership 
• Graham Fairley holds the role of chief information security officer, developing and executing cybersecurity and risk management strategies 

Connecting people to place is at the heart of PEXA’s purpose. The leadership team ensures that properties remain central to Australia’s security, prosperity and community. 

The future at PEXA 

The firm reported an 8.4% year-on-year increase in mortgage refinancing following the Reserve Bank’s first rate cut since 2020. This data helps clients and lenders understand shifting market activity and adjust to changing interest rates. PEXA’s insights support smarter choices for borrowers and industry professionals. 

And despite industry concerns, it supports new anti-money laundering rules to improve compliance in property transactions. Its platform helps reduce complexity and costs while making compliance easier for clients. The company works with stakeholders to adapt technology and protect the property market.