Broker in Focus: Dave Hill, of The Money Partnership, on how brokers can ensure their role remains essential – no matter how advanced AI becomes
Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.
In this edition, Mortgage Introducer shines the spotlight on Dave Hill (pictured top), director and head of mortgages and protection at The Money Partnership, who believes the future of broking lies not in competing with algorithms but in embracing what only humans can do.
Having moved into broking in 2017 after a career as a mortgage adviser at the Co-operative Bank, Hill has seen first-hand how AI and automation are reshaping the industry. Yet, he argues that brokers must lean into what technology cannot replace: strong relationships, deep client understanding, and ongoing support that extends far beyond a single transaction.
For Hill, the real value of a broker is found not in processing data faster, but in taking the time to explore every angle of a client’s situation and turning “no” into “yes” with tailored, human-driven solutions.
Full name: Dave Hill
Job title: Director and head of mortgages and protection
Company: The Money Partnership
Number of years in the industry: 12+ years
Location: Risca, Newport .
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I originally worked as a mortgage adviser at the Co-operative Bank, but after being made redundant in 2017, I decided to take the plunge and move into broking. A local firm was looking to expand, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to take control of my career and work more closely with clients in a more personalised environment.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
The most positive development has been the huge increase in lender choice and product availability. The specialist market has transformed – self-employed clients, those with adverse credit, and first-time buyers now have far more tailored options than ever before. It has allowed brokers to achieve solutions that genuinely meet clients’ needs, instead of trying to force them into a narrow set of criteria.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
AI and automation are both a major challenge and an opportunity. While new technology helps lenders make quicker, more efficient decisions, there is a risk that processes become overly automated and the value of personalised advice is overlooked.
The solution is for brokers to lean into what technology cannot replace: strong relationships, deep client understanding, and ongoing support. By staying closely connected to clients and delivering value beyond a simple transaction, brokers can ensure their role remains essential – no matter how advanced AI becomes.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
One memorable experience was helping a first-time buyer secure an offer on their dream home after another broker had the case declined due to their circumstances. After fully assessing their situation, I found a way forward and we secured an approval.
The experience taught me a valuable lesson: never dismiss a case based on someone else’s assessment. Take the time to explore every angle yourself – you never know when a solution is hiding just beneath the surface.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
Stay open-minded. At its core, broking is about problem-solving – finding a way to turn a “no” into a “yes”. Strong customer service skills are just as important as product knowledge. Do not worry about knowing every lender’s criteria right away; nobody ever does. Focus instead on being approachable, dependable, and willing to put in the effort to understand each client’s situation. If you can do that, success will come naturally.
Broker in Focus is a weekly Mortgage Introducer feature, spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse backgrounds and locations across the UK. Among those recently featured are Neil Mulhern of Echo Finance, Michelle Lawson of Lawson Financial, Matt Thomas of First Financial Solutions, John Carter of Abode Mortgages, Bobby Lumsden of RML Financial Management, George Christou of Bournemouth Mortgages, Amit Patel of Trinity Finance, Paul Came of The Mortgage Plan, and James Hayes of Mortgage Links.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
