Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life – so goes the saying

Like all great idioms, it might not be totally true, but William Lockett has it pretty close. As managing director of mortgage aggregator Specialist Finance Group (SFG), Lockett is constantly in travel mode, touring the length and breadth of Australia doing what he does best – connecting with SFG members.

For Lockett, getting out there and meeting the brokers that make up the SFG community, working closely with them on business strategy, operational improvements and identifying opportunities for growth, is simply part of SFG’s DNA.

“With SFG continuing to grow its national footprint, I’m generally on the road every couple of weeks,” says Lockett. “I’ve always believed that nothing replaces being present and in a room with our people.

“Taking the time to sit down face-to-face with our SFG team, members and business partners gives me a clear and honest understanding of what they’re experiencing – the opportunities in front of them and the challenges they may be working through.”

Even when he’s not on the road, Lockett says his mantra is to call a minimum of three different SFG members every day.

“It’s simply part of how I operate. Nothing replaces a genuine phone conversation when it comes to understanding how people are going, what support they need and how we can help them grow.

“Engagement is a crucial element of any strong business relationship, not only when things are going well but also when important issues must be addressed, and differing opinions are best navigated together.”

An eventful year

When MPA caught up with Lockett to discuss the latest goings-on at SFG, he was still buzzing about what was evidently a knock-out 2025 for the company.

The rollout of SFG’s next-generation CRM platform, SFGconnect 2.0, hit full swing in the last quarter and “witnessing first-hand how much it has helped our SFG members streamline their processes” was a major highlight for Lockett.

SFG’s calendar of events was second to none, chief among them the star-studded SFG National Conference, held at the hallowed Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). None other than Aussie cricket icon Glen McGrath featured on the guest speakers list, alongside athlete and motivational speaker Nedd Brockmann and 2019 Australian of the Year winner Dr Richard Harris, whose contribution to the 2018 Thailand cave rescue made him a global hero.

“Hosting our National Conference at the SCG was incredibly special. The energy, scale and calibre of speakers and being able to bring our community together at such an iconic venue made it one of our most successful conferences to date,” says Lockett.

The inaugural SFG National Business Leaders Retreat held at Mount Lofty Estate in the Adelaide Hills, meanwhile, “provided the perfect environment for high-level strategy, collaboration and long-form leadership discussions”.

And yes, after the retreat, Lockett and his wife, Ann-Maree, managed to sneak in a few days in the Barossa before enjoying a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, with pitstops at Robe and Torquay along the way.

SFG also expanded its SFGEmpowher women’s initiative, “which has become an incredibly important part of our culture”.

Teamwise, SFG added two new faces to its management team – Sarah Bowater and Jane Eastick. “Across the board, I feel we have the strongest and most committed team we’ve ever had,” Lockett says.

To be honest, Lockett could go on about SFG’s 2025 milestones, but regardless of the high-profile events, technology upgrades and member initiatives, he says, “the essence of our mission hasn’t changed”.

That mission being? “To provide a genuinely high-touch, relationship-driven aggregation model that empowers brokers through trust, communication, strong partnerships and exceptional service, helping them grow personally and professionally.”

But what has changed is the scale at which SFG is delivering it.

Lockett says, “Our commitment to service, communication and partnership remains the same, but the tools, technology and resources we’re investing in continue to expand to meet the needs of our SFG members.”

Thriving in uncertain times

Lockett beams with pride over the culture the team has built at SFG. “Seeing our team collaborate, innovate and support our members at such a high level is incredibly rewarding,” he says.

But this member commitment that Lockett espouses is set to be battle-tested as 2026 rolls on. The broking industry has entered a period of uncertainty, with no one able to agree on what direction interest rates are heading in, house prices appearing to cool off a bit, clawbacks and payroll tax issues still causing headaches across the broking community, and certain lenders tightening their risk appetites. All the while, more and more brokers are entering the market on a daily basis, creating an unprecedented degree of competition.

How does SFG intend to help its members navigate these challenges?

“In times of uncertainty, brokers need an aggregator that is steady, present and engaged. That’s exactly where SFG thrives,” says Lockett.

He sees SFG's role as providing clarity, strong communication, practical tools and real support while working closely with members on business strategy, diversification, operational efficiency and client management – areas that become even more important when market conditions tighten.

“We also provide regular market updates, ongoing training, lender access and one-on-one guidance. When brokers feel supported and well informed, they’re better positioned to help their clients and to grow sustainably, regardless of what the market is doing.”

Just getting started

Following a bumper 2025, 2026 is shaping up to be yet another big one and Locket "can already feel the momentum".

First and foremost is the final rollout of SFGconnect 2.0 to every single SFG member.

And following its enormous success in 2025, the SFG National Business Leaders Retreat at Mount Lofty Estate is set to return on an even bigger scale.

“We’re also introducing a brand-new broker-focused retreat in Hobart, designed specifically to support broker growth, strategy and long-term business planning,” Lockett reveals.

He adds, “Another major milestone is our first-ever SFGEmpowher Retreat, which will bring together women in finance from across Australia to collaborate, learn and connect on a deeper level.

“Our SFG National Conference will return with the wow factor we are renowned for, and we will continue to host our state-based High Achievers Dinners and professional development events across the country.”

As for 2026 travel plans? Business as usual, by the sound of it.

“Most of my travel plans in 2026 will be for work, and Ann-Maree and I often add a couple of extra days wherever we are so we can spend quality time together.

“We’re planning to return to the Barossa after our National Business Leaders Retreat this year – it was one of our favourite trips last year. And of course, July is reserved for my annual Broome trip with my daughters, which is something I look forward to every year.”

However, while Lockett’s travel itinerary is naturally packed, he’s really a homebody at heart.

“I love being around the house with Ann-Maree, our five children and our two dogs, going for a morning swim and coffee at Cottesloe beach every morning and enjoying family time without the pressures of work,” he says.