Aussie continues to be a disrupter after 33 years as a mortgage finance stalwart, says chief executive of distribution
If you need reminding that change is the only constant, Aussie is a good place to start.
The trailblazing brokerage remains a powerhouse after 33 years in the business, but the high-street institution isn’t ready to rest on its laurels just yet.
That’s the impression one gets from speaking to chief executive of distribution Brad Cramb, whose vision for Aussie can really be summed up in two words.
“ ‘Beyond brokingʼ is about shifting the mindset – both for our brokers and our customers,” Cramb tells MPA. “It's no longer just about helping someone get a loan. At Aussie, weʼre building an end-to-end property ecosystem that allows our brokers to support customers across their full property journey – from the first online search all the way through to settlement and beyond.”
Under the beyond broking philosophy, explains Cramb, “weʼre empowering them to be at the centre of a broader, richer customer experience – one that includes home loan solutions but also extends into things like buyer's advocacy, conveyancing and real estate agent partnerships.”
So goodbye loan writer, hello trusted property adviser?
“Yes, itʼs how we help them build long-term, sustainable businesses that are resilient to market cycles. And for customers, it delivers convenience, confidence and continuity – knowing that their broker isnʼt just helping them get a loan but guiding them through the entire process.”
Aussie, of course, isn’t a novice when it comes to disruption. The brand was at the vanguard of the home loan revolution of the 1990s, when the big banks were forced to reckon with a new way of doing business under the nascent broker model.
Cut to 2025 and mortgage brokers are no longer the exception but the rule of mortgage finance. And for the record, Aussie has the highest brand recognition of them all, thanks to its commanding high-street presence.
Cramb has seen the industry change considerably over the ’90s salad days – and he believes it’s been for the better.
“We’ve seen a major uplift in professionalism, driven by stronger regulations, higher consumer expectations and better access to training and support,” he says. “Brokers are no longer seen as optional – they’re the first point of call for most borrowers, and they’ve earned that trust.”
But if Aussie’s place in the annals of broking history is uncontestable, it’s only fair to ask: How does the company continue disrupting and staying relevant in an industry that is constantly changing?
Find. Buy. Own.
Aussie’s challenger mindset hasn’t changed, says Cramb. “What has changed is the way we now lead disruption: not just by offering alternatives but by actively reimagining how Australians experience the property journey – and how brokers deliver it.”
Strong words, but what is Aussie tangibly doing to make it happen?
The easiest way to answer that question is to see for yourself. Many of Aussie’s 215 retail stores are in full pilot mode under the group’s ‘Find. Buy. Own.’ strategy. That’s where you get to see the physical manifestation of this vision.
“A customer strolls past an Aussie shopfront, taps through live listings on a street‑front screen, steps inside for a chat and – within the hour – is pre‑approved, linked to a buyer’s agent and lining up a property viewing for that afternoon,” Cramb explains.
“Every element is designed to keep the customer in the broker’s world, not hand them off to third parties. That’s better customer experience for borrowers, stronger protection for brokers and a platform advantage for Aussie – all in one connected experience.”
Cramb’s vision is to make every store the go-to property hub in the community where a full-service proposition turns brokers from loan writers into property partners.
A tall order
It sounds very flashy – idealistic even. But isn’t this asking a lot of Aussie brokers?
“When we unveiled the roadmap at the national conference in March, signature brokers and franchise leaders said the same thing: ‘This is the model we’ve been waiting for’,” says Cramb.
“We’re not just handing brokers new tools; we’re handing them territory, opportunity and an unbeatable seat at every table in the property journey – today and for the next decade.”
By Aussie’s count, brokers are lodging deals four times faster than the industry average; retail lodgements are up 30% year on year, and network settlements hit a new record in February and March.
Accolades have thus followed, with five Aussie franchises making it into MPA’s 2025 Top 50 Brokerages list.
“It’s an incredible achievement – and yes, it’s a strong validation of the strength of our franchise model,” says Cramb of the wins. “Five placements in the Top 50 is recognition of the calibre of our network, the consistency of our systems and the depth of our broker support.
“But what excites us even more is that we see this as just the beginning. We’ve laid a strong foundation, and now we’re focused on scaling further.”
Aussie’s franchise model “is built around genuine business ownership”, he continues. “We’re not just helping people become brokers – we’re helping them become the CEOs of their own businesses.”
He highlights that the top quartile of stores are generating over $1 million in annual commissions, and close to 30% of the Aussie network comprises multi-site owners.
“That’s the power of the Aussie system. When you combine a trusted brand, proven infrastructure and a supportive community, you create an environment where ambitious brokers can thrive, scale and build long-term value.”
Looking ahead
Cramb paints a picture of a company that embraces change. It’s a matter of survival, in fairness. With 22,000-plus brokers on the beat, they’re not just competing against the big banks but with other dealmakers that are fighting for their place in the increasingly saturated mortgage market.
“What excites me most is what’s ahead,” Cramb states. “We’re entering a new phase for Aussie – one where we’re not just supporting brokers but transforming the customer experience at scale.
“With our Find. Buy. Own. proposition, Platform Plus model and ever-evolving tech ecosystem, we’re better positioned than ever to lead the next wave of innovation in broking.
“We’re proud of how far the industry has come – but even more energised by where we’re going next.”
