'It's incredibly rewarding to help brokers grow their business'
Name: Geoff Murphy
Job title: Senior Manager – Client Partnerships RECF
Years in the industry: 20+
Company: La Trobe Financial
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
MPA’s long-running ‘BDM in the Spotlight’ series casts a light on the top business development managers and state managers in the mortgage finance industry. In this edition, Geoff Murphy, senior manager – client partnerships at La Trobe Financial discusses how he adds value to brokers by offering out-of-the-box solutions.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
My favourite part of the job is building strong, lasting relationships with brokers. I enjoy being that trusted go-to person who can provide solutions and support when they need it. It’s incredibly rewarding to help brokers grow their business and achieve great outcomes for their clients – especially in complex scenarios where our products can really make a difference.
What’s a goal that you aim to achieve in your role?
A key goal for me is to be seen not just as a product provider, but as a true partner to the brokers I work with. That means being proactive, responsive, and always adding value – whether through education, insights, or helping them structure deals. Ultimately, I aim to help my brokers write more business with confidence and efficiency.
What sets successful brokers apart?
The most successful brokers are those who genuinely take the time to understand their clients’ needs and think creatively when structuring deals. They also stay curious and up-to-date with lending policy changes, and they know the value of strong lender relationships. A great broker communicates clearly and manages client expectations while always looking for the right fit – not just the easiest approval.
What should brokers expect from their state manager or BDM?
Brokers should expect accessibility, transparency, and reliability from their BDM. Whether it’s helping place a deal, troubleshooting a scenario, or providing insights into lending policy, a good BDM should be an extension of their business support team – someone who shows up when it counts and genuinely cares about their success.
Are there any industry-wide changes that you think would benefit brokers?
Greater consistency in policy interpretation across lenders would make a big difference, especially for brokers navigating complex client scenarios. Continued investment in technology that streamlines lodgements and decisioning would also benefit brokers by giving them more time to focus on client relationships rather than paperwork.
What do you provide to brokers that makes you valuable to them?
I provide brokers with access to flexible lending solutions that don’t always fit the traditional mould – something La Trobe Financial is well known for. Beyond that, I bring clarity, responsiveness, and a genuine desire to support their business. Whether it's walking them through a new deal, helping escalate a file, or sharing market insights, I aim to be someone they can rely on.
Describe your ideal weekend:
Weekends are all about recharging for me – spending quality time with family and friends.
My ideal weekend? I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a sucker for a sweet treat – so a good coffee and something from a local bakery are essentials. I love cheering on my team, the Western Bulldogs, and making the most of the outdoors with my two miniature dachshunds.
