Award winner shares insights on building strong client-funder relationships
Recognised as one of MPA’s Top Commercial Brokers for 2025, Jon Gawley, managing director at Kanebridge Finance, joined MPA TV to reflect on his professional journey, leadership style, and the attributes that set his brokerage apart in today’s competitive commercial finance landscape.
With a career spanning more than 20 years, Gawley began in banking – first at Suncorp, then spending 16 years at NAB in commercial lending. During that time, he developed a strong rapport with the founder of Kanebridge Finance, which ultimately led to a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision. That collaboration marked the beginning of a new chapter, as Gawley transitioned into broking and helped build a thriving, client-focused brokerage.
“It’s a great feeling to be awarded and to have the privilege of doing this interview,” he said. “But you can’t do these things without your team and supporters.”
For Gawley, successful broking boils down to three core principles: understanding clients, working closely with lenders, and operating as a cohesive team.
“If you don’t have a team approach, it doesn’t work,” he said. “A good commercial broker is someone who actually understands their client and works well with the funders – whether that’s a bank, non-bank, or private lender.”
At Kanebridge, that team-driven mindset is central to how they manage growth and complexity. By prioritising clear communication, Gawley ensures that clients, funders, and internal staff are aligned from the outset.
“We lay it all on the line up front so there are no surprises during the process,” he said. “It’s not just about getting funding; it’s about knowing who to deal with and how to structure a deal that works for everyone involved.”
This proactive, relationship-first approach has helped the business navigate a challenging lending environment – particularly in the property development space. Gawley also highlighted how his team’s depth of experience enables them to provide nuanced guidance, often going beyond basic transactional needs to deliver strategic value. Watch the full interview to learn more about Jon Gawley’s award-winning approach and how Kanebridge Finance continues to raise the bar in commercial broking.
