Firm boosts commercial broker support with leadership role expansion
Mortgage broker aggregator Connective has expanded the role of Brent Starrenburg (pictured above) to head of commercial and asset finance.
Starrenburg has led Connective Asset Finance for the past eight years and brings extensive experience in commercial lending. In his expanded role, he will spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing broker support, widening the lender panel, and delivering advanced technology to streamline commercial loan processes.
His leadership will also focus on strengthening Connective’s state-based support model. Brokers will continue to access tailored guidance on complex commercial transactions and lender requirements through the aggregator’s experienced team of business development managers.
“Brent’s deep expertise, strategic vision, and commitment to broker success make him the ideal leader to support our commercial members,” said Gingkai Tan, chief customer officer at Connective. “As commercial lending grows within brokers’ businesses, Brent and his team will be instrumental in driving their growth and long-term success.”
Starrenburg’s appointment follows a strong year for Connective, which achieved $13.8 billion in commercial settlements in 2024 — a 22% rise compared to the previous year. The growth was driven by increasing broker demand for customised commercial finance solutions and a wider array of lending options.
As part of its strategy, Connective is also investing in targeted education programs. These include the Elite Commercial Finance Series for seasoned brokers and Introduction to Commercial Lending workshops for those entering the commercial lending space.
“We’re seeing extraordinary growth in commercial lending as more brokers recognise its potential for business diversification,” Starrenburg said. “Whether you’re an experienced commercial broker or stepping into the space for the first time, my team is here to help brokers seize these opportunities, grow their business, and deliver the best outcomes for clients.”
The expansion of Starrenburg’s role also comes amid ongoing shifts in the commercial finance market, with rising opportunities in private lending, non-bank products, and customised funding options. Connective plans to continue broadening its lender panel and enhancing loan processing efficiency by integrating new technologies such as CitoPlus into its Mercury Nexus platform.
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