The Victorian Government has secured the passage of the Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026, introducing a suite of reforms aimed at improving consumer protection and confidence in the apartment market.

Resilience Insurance, Australia’s leading Latent Defects Insurance (LDI) provider, has welcomed the move.

The LDI elements of the Bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Legislative Council where debate and passage are expected later this month. It represents a significant milestone in the national shift toward stronger, longer-term protection for apartment buyers.&nbsp;

The reform would deliver practical benefits across the housing system. Apartment owners will have stronger protection if major defects emerge, developers and builders will have a clearer quality framework to work within, and the State will reduce the risk of serious building failures becoming a long-term financial and social burden for households, communities and government.&nbsp;

LDI helps support apartment delivery while providing stronger protection for buyers and encouraging better construction outcomes.&nbsp;

Resilience LDI provides apartment owners with 10 years of insurance-backed cover for major structural defects from completion, with direct claim access to the insurer. This means owners are not required to first pursue developers or builders through costly legal action before accessing protection.&nbsp;

Resilience Insurance has been operating in Australia since 2022 and has already insured hundreds of development projects covering many thousands of apartments across Australia.&nbsp;

At approximately 1.8 per cent of build cost, it is a cost-competitive alternative to the traditional two per cent Strata Bond, bond while delivering significantly broader and longer protection.&nbsp;

“The Victorian Lower House vote shows that reforms like this succeed when they are practical, evidence-based and supported by industry," says Corey Nugent, CEO of Resilience Insurance.

"Victoria is moving quickly on a reform that will make a real difference for apartment buyers, while supporting better building outcomes and greater confidence in apartment delivery.

“This is step one. We look forward to the Bill completing its passage through the Legislative Council and to working with government and industry to implement the framework effectively.”&nbsp;

Fast Facts: What is Resilience LDI?&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Resilience Latent Defects Insurance (LDI): Covers major structural defects for 10 years from completion.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Consumer-first: Direct claim access, no need for lengthy legal action.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Cost advantage: At approximately 1.8% of build cost, LDI is typically priced below the traditional 2% Strata Bond while offering broader protection.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Market leader: Resilience Insurance is the first approved LDI provider in NSW.</li>
</ul>

The Building Legislation and Treasury Legislation (Tax Relief) Amendment Bill 2026 has passed the Victorian Lower House, putting Victoria on track to become the first state to legislate an industry workable LDI framework as a formal alternative to the Strata Building bond. 

Joel Robinson

10-year Latent Defects Insurance for new apartment buyers set to land in Victoria

Just a few months after acquiring a prime Broadbeach site on the corner of First Avenue and Surf Parade, family-run developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/raptis">Raptis</a> has filed fresh plans for a new apartment development.

Raptis is seeking to deliver a <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/17-19-first-avenue-broadbeach-qld-4217">29-storey tower with 73 apartments</a> on the 818 sqm site. It will be the developer's seventh project in the suburb, as they are approaching completion of The Sterling on George Avenue.

There will be a pool, barbecue and outdoor dining area, residents lounge and dining, sauna and steam room, gym, and a Yoga and Pilates studio.

<img alt="Raptis" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b554da3f-7344-49aa-b1c9-44cf459af0d7" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%2010.41.45%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zzjWu1iO1wnuYv4EV4fyOyf5nSXjGYut" />

Raptis Joint Managing Director, Evan Raptis, says they remain&nbsp;committed to developing quality infill sites across the Gold Coast in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

"This project continues our long track record of delivery in Broadbeach, and we look forward to bringing another premium development to this thriving precinct."

The announcement follows strong delivery momentum for Raptis, with The Sterling Broadbeach nearing completion and construction well underway on the final stage of the Waterpoint community adjacent to Harbour Town. The developer's continued investment in the Gold Coast reflects confidence in the region's apartment market fundamentals, underpinned by sustained Southeast Queensland population growth.&nbsp;

The outlook for the region is further bolstered by infrastructure investment tied to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, which is expected to drive continued economic and population growth across the SEQ corridor.&nbsp;

Subject to a favourable response from Gold Coast City Council, construction on the new First Avenue tower is targeted to commence before the end of 2026.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/it-s-all-in-the-family-four-decades-later-raptis-continues-to-shape-the-gold-coast-skyline">It’s all in the family: Four decades later, Raptis continues to shape the Gold Coast skyline</a>

Read more: <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/qld/raptis-secures-prime-surf-parade-site-for-next-broadbeach-apartment-development">Raptis secures prime Surf Parade site for next Broadbeach apartment development</a> 
&nbsp;

Gold Coast developer brings seventh Broadbeach project to market, targeting construction commencement before year end

First look: Raptis lodges plans for new 29-storey Broadbeach tower 

Brisbane development veteran Kevin Seymour's Seymour Group is set to deepen its presence on one of Brisbane's most tightly held riverfront addresses, lodging revised plans for a luxury apartment development on Oxlade, just a few doors down from The Oxlade, which it completed in 2024.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/70-72-oxlade-drive-new-farm-qld-4005">new project at 70-72 Oxlade Drive</a>, directly north of The Oxlade, will have 27 apartments across a seven-storey building&nbsp;overlooking the Brisbane River and Merthyr Park. It's a revision from a 2021-approved design.

Designed by bureau^proberts, the project has evolved from the previously approved 26-apartment scheme, introducing an additional penthouse level while maintaining a low-density, boutique character. The development will comprise 26 three-bedroom apartments and a single four-bedroom penthouse, supported by two basement levels with 86 car spaces and 34 bicycle spaces.

The architectural response is centred around two distinct building forms separated by a landscaped open-air atrium.&nbsp;"This dual composition captures and embraces Brisbane’s subtropical environment whilst breaking down built form and scale," the submission to the Brisbane City Council noted.

<img alt="First look: Seymour Group returns to Oxlade Drive with revised riverfront apartment plans in New Farm" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c12d84d0-bc11-4067-b46f-5bd2d786a34d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/new%20farm%20landscape.png?VersionId=YEPc2k5CAdh6aAPlu4uVpgZadh4MEfRd" />

A defining feature of the design is a deep landscaped void running through the centre of the building, creating what bureau^proberts describes as a "natural ravine" that enhances airflow, daylight penetration and resident amenity. The design report notes that the separation of the two building volumes is intended to maximise natural light, cross-ventilation and outlook while strengthening connections to the surrounding riverfront setting.

Curved balcony edges, integrated planting and extensive landscaping throughout the façade reinforce the subtropical design approach. The building's façade is softened by elevated gardens and planter beds, creating a green edge that complements the established landscape character of Oxlade Drive and neighbouring Merthyr Park.

New Farm has become one of Brisbane's most sought-after suburbs for developers delivering premium downsizer-focused apartments.

GRAYA has been particularly active in the precinct, completing both Chalk and York in recent years, while construction of Moray House, being delivered for Spyre, is now nearing completion. Architect-turned-developer Joe Adsett recently launched <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/arcilla-new-farm-by-joe-adsett-28-maxwell-street-new-farm-qld-4005">Arcilla on Maxwell Street</a>, an exclusive collection of just nine apartments.

First look: Seymour Group returns to New Farm's Oxlade Drive with riverfront apartment plans

A new residential tower will be the first piece of a broader mixed-use precinct set to reshape a prominent Newcastle West site, with local developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/gwh">GWH</a> bringing its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/cambridge-quarter-newcastle-west-12-denison-street-newcastle-west-nsw-2302">Cambridge Quarter</a> vision to market.

The first release, Tempo, will introduce 87 apartments across a 24-storey tower, marking Stage 1 of the residential component of a larger urban regeneration project planned for the western end of Newcastle's city centre, encompassing the former Cambridge Hotel site.

Positioned on Denison Street, Tempo has been designed as the inaugural building within Cambridge Quarter, a precinct that will ultimately combine apartments, retail activation and revitalised public spaces including the revamping of the Cambridge Hotel.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368853]

The tower will comprise a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, including layouts with multipurpose rooms, catering to a broad cross-section of owner-occupiers. Apartment sizes range from around 60 sqm to 192 sqm, with a number of residences oriented to capture views across Newcastle Harbour, the city skyline and coastline.

GWH has emphasised liveability in the design, with open-plan layouts extending to generous balconies and terraces. Residents will have a choice of two interior palettes, while specifications include engineered stone benchtops, SMEG appliances, full-height bathroom tiling and secure building access. Premium upgrade packages will also be available.

Multiple rooftop resident retreats will provide communal outdoor space overlooking the harbour and city, offering an elevated amenity layer above the activity of the precinct below.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368851]

The broader Cambridge Quarter vision extends beyond the residential tower itself. Ground-level retail activation and landscaped public areas are planned throughout the precinct, creating a walkable neighbourhood environment connected to the surrounding renewal of Newcastle West. The Cambridge Hotel is also earmarked for future redevelopment into a family-friendly hospitality venue integrated with the new precinct.

The project is strategically positioned within walking distance of Newcastle Interchange, providing access to light rail, regional rail services and direct connections to Sydney. Residents will also be close to Honeysuckle, Newcastle Harbour and the city's beaches and coastal walkways.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=135876 project_image_fid=368852]

For GWH, Cambridge Quarter represents one of its most significant Newcastle developments to date. The locally based developer, which has operated in the Hunter region since 1995, describes the project as a new chapter in the ongoing transformation of Newcastle West.

GWH Executive Director Jonathan Craig said the project had been shaped by a focus on creating lasting community connections.

"We take pride in creating places that last. Spaces where people feel connected, comfortable and a genuine sense of belonging," Craig said.

"Cambridge Quarter is something we are truly proud of, a place shaped by local knowledge, built with care and designed to be part of Newcastle's next chapter."

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=135876]

GWH unveils first release at landmark Cambridge Quarter precinct in Newcastle West

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Projects</a>,&nbsp;Rainbow Bay's busiest developer,&nbsp;has officially lodged plans for the largest development in its booming local portfolio, seeking approval for a further 88 apartments on Boundary Street.

The proposal&nbsp;at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/209-213-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">209–213 Boundary Street, Coolangatta</a>,&nbsp;marks the next chapter in the developer's transformation of the southern Gold Coast beachside precinct. It will be its fifth in the area, having already delivered Flow, Awaken and Esprit, while construction continues on the 38-apartment Radia. The new project would rise 57 metres above a consolidated 1,518 sqm site, on the same street as Radia and Esprit.

&nbsp;

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker</a>, the proposed development comprises 88 two and three-bedroom apartments across a contemporary podium-and-tower form that integrates extensive landscaping from street level through to the rooftop.

The tower would be delivered above a basement and multi-level podium accommodating resident and visitor parking, with the residential component commencing from level three. The design incorporates cascading planting throughout the façade, landscaped podium edges, and deep planting zones along the Boundary Street frontage.

<img alt="First look: S&amp;S Projects lodges plans for 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="677e6615-b5c0-4b6c-b4f9-efb14fcde1a6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/ss%20da%20pers.png?VersionId=YOnPKQm7IFXv0M5H326djEpxk80500Hi" />

A key feature of the development is its expansive rooftop wellness and recreation precinct. Plans reveal a resort-style pool deck, gymnasium, sauna, steam room, hot and cold plunge pools, rooftop terraces, barbecue areas and landscaped relaxation spaces positioned to capture views across the southern Gold Coast coastline.

The rooftop wellness focus builds on the vision S&amp;S Projects first outlined when it acquired the site for $20.25 million last year.

"We are taking every advantage to create a truly unique rooftop wellness experience with a natural feel for residents, offering stone features throughout and an underlying theme that emulates a botanical garden," S&amp;S Projects founder and director Paul Gedoun said at the time.

The proposal seeks a 57-metre building height, representing a 50 per cent uplift on the site's mapped 38-metre height limit. Planning documents argue the additional height is consistent with recently approved and emerging towers in the immediate Boundary Street and Rainbow Bay precinct.

Urbis, acting as planning consultant, said the development would provide "88 dwellings, comprising a mix of two and three-bedroom apartments, contributing to housing choice and supply within an established medium to high-rise coastal urban neighbourhood."

The scheme has undergone extensive pre-lodgement consultation with the City of Gold Coast, with the design refined following feedback relating to architectural expression, landscaping, traffic access and podium treatment.

<img alt="S&amp;S" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a2d70fd-62ac-4b83-97c6-b798fc1243dd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-05%20at%209.16.31%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=yHmghUwKM3IVGpBktQU1mE.0Lpf3WimG" />

The architectural team is led by Brisbane-based Cottee Parker, one of Australia's most active residential design studios, with landscape architecture by Dunn + Moran. The consultant team also includes ADG Engineers, Windtech and Acoustic Works.

S&amp;S Projects has become one of the most influential private developers operating on the southern Gold Coast. Since entering Rainbow Bay in 2022, the company has assembled a portfolio exceeding $1 billion in end value, establishing itself as a key player in the area's evolution into a premium apartment destination. Pezet Matheson will again handle the sales for S&amp;S.

Coolangatta is entering another wave of apartment development, following the delivery of several prominent residential projects in recent years.

John Kearney's Immerse Projects will launch&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kaiya-kirra-beach-5-haig-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Kaiya on Haig Street</a>&nbsp;soon, meanwhile, Palm Beach-based Sherpa Property Group is preparing to bring its debut Coolangatta development, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-viver-87-griffith-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Flourish Viveré</a>, to market later this year, subject to approvals.

First look: S&S Projects proposes 88-apartment wellness tower at Coolangatta's Boundary Street

Mortgage Broker

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ASIC has banned the Sydney mortgage broker Astna Shirtika Sahay after she let her father use her company’s credit representative authority and ANZ accreditation.

Ms Sahay’s father, Shiv Prakash Sahay, used her accreditations after he was banned for life by ASIC in 2015.

The corporate regulator found the Mascot based Ms Sahay was involved in 31 contraventions of the National Consumer Credit Protection Act through her father’s use of her accreditations.

Her company was Absolute Finance.

ASIC found Ms Sahay did not possess the necessary attributes of diligence, judgment, honesty and integrity and was not a fit and proper person to engage in credit activities.

Sahay’s banning is recorded on ASIC’s Banned and Disqualified Persons Register.

Ms Sahay has the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of the ASIC’s decision.

Mr Sahay was sentenced last June 2020 in the Downing Centre Local Court on two charges of breaching section 82(2) of the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Cth). 

After Mr Sahay pleaded guilty to the offences he was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of nine months, which was wholly suspended immediately upon Mr Sahay entering into a nine-month good behaviour bond.

The court found that between October 2015 and October 2018, Mr Sahay continued to engage in credit activity in relation to 38 credit contracts for loans totalling over $17 million and earned $111,064 in commissions on these loans.

The matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions after an investigation and referral of a prosecution brief from ASIC.

Sahay’s conduct was part of the consumer lending case study considered in the Financial Services Royal Commission.
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ASIC found the Mascot-based Ms Sahay was involved in 31 contraventions of the National Consumer Credit Protection Act through her father’s use of her accreditations

jchancellor

Daughter joins father in ASIC mortgage broker ban

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Advanced Choice Finance Pty Ltd (ACF), a former Melbourne based mortgage brokerage company, has been charged with one count of knowingly making a false statement in a credit licence annual compliance certificate lodged with ASIC.  Mr Ding Yang, director of ACF, has also been charged with aiding and abetting ACF in making the false statement.

ACF held an Australian credit licence and Mr Yang was the sole fit and proper person and responsible manager on the licence.

ASIC alleges that in or about July 2012 Mr Yang had his lender accreditation with the Bank of Melbourne terminated, and in April 2016 Mr Yang and ACF had their membership with aggregator Connective OSN Pty Ltd terminated. It is alleged that in January 2017 Mr Yang, on behalf of ACF, completed and lodged a credit licence annual compliance certificate with ASIC in which he falsely certified that none of ACF’s fit and proper people had their accreditation cancelled by a lender or their membership with an aggregator terminated.

The alleged offense pertains to section 225(3) of the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009.

The cancellation of ACF’s credit licence was effective from 14 August 2019. Mr Yang’s banning is recorded on <a href="https://asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asics-registers/banned-and-disqualified/">ASIC’s Banned and Disqualified Persons Register</a>.

The matter has been adjourned to 3 February 2021 for pleas to be heard in the Melbourne Magistrates Court.

 
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ASIC has charged Ding (Tim) Yang with one count of knowingly making a false statement in a credit licence annual compliance certificate lodged with ASIC.

urban.com.au

ASIC charges Ding (Tim) Yang, Victorian mortgage broker of the banned Advanced Choice Finance

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The Administrative Appeals Tribunal (Tribunal) has reduced the banning period for former mortgage broker, Michael Wilkins, from three years to 18 months.
Mr Wilkins of Watanobbi, NSW, was banned by ASIC, from providing financial services for three years on 31 January 2018. 
The ASIC delegate had found that Mr Wilkins had acted dishonestly and/or improperly towards clients by completing loan application forms on behalf of clients, having clients sign incomplete forms, and hiding from Westpac that the loans were for self-managed superannuation funds.
The ASIC delegate found that Mr Wilkins had put information in the loan applications submitted to Westpac that was ‘false in a material particular’, and that on five occasions in June and July 2010, Mr Wilkins submitted loan applications on behalf of clients in which he deliberately overstated their savings by between approximately $130,000 and $179,000.
Mr Wilkins sought a review of ASIC’s decision in the Tribunal and a decision was delivered on 22 August 2019.
The Tribunal accepted ASIC's contention that the applicant had put information that was ‘false in a material particular’ in loan documents submitted to Westpac but found that there was insufficient evidence to make a finding of dishonesty in relation to client forms or the nature of the loans.
For this reason, the Tribunal concluded that a shorter banning order was justified.
When deciding that an 18-month banning order was appropriate, the Tribunal stated ‘the declarations of accuracy and completeness required in standard form loan applications of major financial institutions (and other credit providers) may appear formulaic and routine. But they mean what they say.
Any significant failure to appreciate that reality, and to observe the requirement of scrupulous honesty underlying it, is likely to merit the sanction of a banning order. That sanction is appropriate in Mr Wilkins’ circumstances.’
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

AAT reduces banning period for Michael Wilkins NSW mortgage broker

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ASIC has banned Mr Ding (Tim) Yang, the director of Advanced Choice Finance Pty Ltd (ACF), a Melbourne-based mortgage brokering company, from engaging in credit activities for four years.
ASIC has also cancelled the Australian Credit Licence of ACF.
In July 2012, Mr Yang’s accreditation as an approved broker with the Bank of Melbourne was terminated, and in April 2016, Advanced Choice and Mr Yang’s membership with aggregator Connective OSN Pty Ltd, were terminated.
Mr Yang was required, in annual compliance certificates lodged with ASIC, to notify ASIC of those terminations.
ASIC found that Mr Yang had acted dishonestly in providing false answers to ASIC in the compliance certificates for ACF in January 2013 and again in January 2017.
As a result, ASIC found that Mr Yang was not a fit and proper person to engage in credit activities.
"Disclosures in our annual compliance certificates are an important mechanism by which ASIC is alerted to potential issues with licensees. Providing ASIC with false information prevents ASIC from properly administering the regulatory scheme for credit licensees.
"ASIC will look to remove anyone from the credit industry who acts dishonestly in discharging this obligation," said ASIC Commissioner Sean Hughes.
The cancellation of ACF’s credit licence was effective from 14 August 2019. Mr Yang’s banning is recorded on ASIC’s <a href="https://asic.gov.au/online-services/search-asics-registers/banned-and-disqualified/" target="_blank">Banned and Disqualified Persons Register</a>.
Mr Yang and ACF have the right to appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a review of ASIC’s decision.
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ASIC bans Ding (Tim) Yang, Victorian mortgage broker and cancels credit licence of Advanced Choice Finance

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The Treasurer has given mortgage brokers respite on a plan to ban trailing commissions by 2020, opting instead for a 2022 review.
Mortgage Choice chief Susan Mitchell has welcomed the Government’s decision today to maintain trail commissions on new loans. In his statement today the Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, said abolition of trail won’t proceed in 2020 because the government is concerned about the adverse effect on competition in mortgage lending market. 
He also conceded that abolishing trail would be “a free kick to the banks”. The government will review trailing commissions in three years’ time, as well as the feasibility of continuing upfront commission payments. 
The review will be conducted by the Council of Financial Regulators and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Treasurer Frydenberg acknowledged that mortgage brokers and small lenders are “absolutely critical in the mortgage lending market”. 
The Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) has cautiously welcomed a decision by the Federal Government to backflip on its commitment to abolish trail commissions, which was one of the recommendations of the Hayne report from the banking royal commission.
FBAA managing director Peter White said it was a step in the right direction.
“I applaud the announcement by treasurer Josh Frydenberg but it won’t end our efforts to see the correct polices in place to protect consumers from the greed of the big four banks.
“The Coalition’s announcement to keep trail commissions has been delivered in a pre-election environment so uncertainty remains about how exactly this will work after the election.”
Mr White said the announcement confirms how out of touch Commissioner Hayne is and calls into question the findings of the royal commission.
“Hayne simply didn’t get it but it’s now the case that both sides of politics are now very clear on the importance of mortgage brokers.
“Both the Coalition and Labor recognise that the recommendations of the royal commission would in fact hand power back to the big four banks, which is an absurd result,” White said.
“Australia’s 17,000 mortgage brokers will applaud the Government’s common sense decision to keep trail commissions," Mitchell said.
ASIC’s 2017 Review of Mortgage Broking Remuneration Report did not identify trail commissions as directly leading to poor consumer outcomes, nor recommend the removal of trail commissions. “The figures speak for themselves. The latest data shows that 59.1% of home loans originate through the mortgage broking channel, yet Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) data for the month of November 2018 revealed that of 6,522 complaints against financial service providers,  only 29 related to mortgage brokers. This is less than half of one percent of reported complaints.”
Mortgage Choice's residential settlement figures show that in the past two years the big four banks have lost 10% of market share to smaller lenders. 
AFG chief David Bailey welcomed the Government's "considered approach and urge the Labor Party to adopt this sensible policy heading into the election."
"It's important that our industry not be a political football heading into an election so that the 26,000 small businesses, their families and, importantly, their customers have certainty about the future of the sector," he said.
 
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Mortgage brokers to keep getting trailing commissions until at least 2022 under Coalition 

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<a href="http://www.afr.com/business/banking-and-finance/financial-services/westpac-invests-25m-more-in-uno-in-mortgage-broking-play-20180202-h0sehc"></a>Westpac Banking Corp has doubled its $25 million investment on the digital mortgage broker Uno Home Loans.
It has invested another $25 million for the start-up's brand marketing and sales teams which is currently sending two-thirds of its loans to the non-major banks.
Westpac now owns around 81% of Uno, which seeks a 10% share of the broking market over the next 10 years.
Westpac's head of strategy, Gary Thursby, said Uno presents a different way to create opportunities.
Uno, which was established two years ago, is recruiting a new CEO as the Uno founder Vincent Turner moves to a new role of chief innovation officer, leading product development.
Uno does not disclose loan volumes or customer numbers,
Uno has 22 lenders on its panel, including the four majors. 
Westpac loans do not get favourable treatment on the platform, Thursby told Fairfax Media.
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Westpac invests extra $25 million in digital mortgage broker Uno 

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With a loan tally of more than $520 million, George Giovas of Axius Partners has been named Australia’s top commercial broker for 2017 in MPA’s Top 10 Commercial Brokers Report, sponsored by Westpac.
The Sydney-based Giovas wrote 15 loans totalling $520,345,00 over the 2016-17 financial year, a record for an individual commercial broker. 
Giovas, who found Axius Partners in 2011, says it is an “old-fashioned merchant bank”, split between funds management and advice and broking. 
It specialises in development finance, including apartments and hotels.
Previously, Giovas was ANZ’s global head of property, managing more than 150 people and a $40 billion balance sheet. 
The Top 10 list was dominated by brokers specialising in development finance.
The top brokers all noted that banks are reducing their appetite for development finance owing to pressure from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.
The watchdog has asked banks to reduce their exposure to residential developments through tougher conditions and reluctance to lend to inexperienced developers, but this has resulted in more non-bank lending.
The second place went to Ben Wardley of Right Angle Group while Kevin Wheatley of Bayside Residential &amp; Commercial mortgages was third.
Both Right Angle Group and Bayside Residential &amp; Commercial are in the development finance industry in Brisbane and Sydney respectively.
2017's Top 10 Commercial Brokers: 
<ol>
<li>George Giovas,    Axius Partners Pty Limited, $520,345,000 </li>
<li>Ben Wardley,    Right Angle Group, $201,326,183 </li>
<li>Kevin Wheatley, Bayside Residential and Commercial Mortgages, $198,682,654 </li>
<li>Marwan Rahme, Kanebridge, $147,692,010 </li>
<li>Jamie Giles, Astute Financial – Springhill, $125,034,502 </li>
<li>Jason Arnold, Quattro Finance &amp; Advisory, $118,615,199 </li>
<li>Daniel Green, Green Finance Group, $100,026,764 </li>
<li>Mark Churchill, Allfin Financial Services Pty Ltd, $99,559,979 </li>
<li>Danny Luu, Pagoda Finance, $91,666,508 </li>
<li>Glen Barnes, Barnes Finance Solutions Pty Ltd, $91,559,000</li>
</ol>
The list includes business lending brokers Jamie Giles of AstuteFinancial, Daniel Green of Green Finance, Mark Churchill of Allfin Finance and Glen Barnes of Barnes Finance Solutions.  
 
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Australia’s top commercial broker writes 15 loans totalling $520,345,000

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A mortgage broker at a Melbourne-based finance broking company has been sentenced to five years jail after pleading guilty to conspiring to defraud financial institutions.
The broker, Najam Shah, was charged during an ASIC investigation into Footscray-based finance broking company Myra Home Loans, which traded as Myra Financial Services (Myra).
The charge relates to Shah's role at Myra and the creation and use of false documents to support loan applications valued at nearly $170 million.
Shah's charge relates to conspiring with others to defraud financial institutions through the provision of false documents in support of loan applications submitted on behalf of Myra clients between about March 2008 and August 2010, the Australian Broker noted.
The fraud relates to submitting false documents for more than 500 loan applications valued at approximately $170 million to banks and financial institutions, including the Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, St George Bank, Bankwest, Adelaide Bank, Bank of Queensland, Choice Home Loans, Citibank, NAB, Pepper Homeloans and Suncorp Bank.
The documents included bank statements, payslips, citizenship certificates and statutory declarations. 
Shah pleaded guilty to one charge of conspiring to defraud financial institutions. He must serve three years and three months before being eligible for parole.
On 13 February 2017, Shah entered the guilty plea during an appearance at the County Court of Victoria. 
Shah’s plea followed his arrest and charge in January 2015. 
In sentencing Shah, Judge Gucciardo noted that mortgage fraud of this nature damages the integrity of the lending system and that Shah's well organised deception enabled such corruption. He further noted that Shah was motivated by greed.
"ASIC will continue to ensure that mortgage brokers who provide false documentation are held to account. Today's sentencing reflects both the severity of Mr Shah's actions and the consequences facing those who do not abide by the law,” ASIC deputy chair Peter Kell said.
The matter was prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.
The ASIC's probe is still on.
 
 
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Mortgage broker jailed for $170 million fraud

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GUEST OBSERVER
Nearly one in three Australian investors are worried about the rising cost of living, according to new data.  
Mortgage Choice’s Investor Survey found the increasing cost of living was the biggest issue facing Australian investors over the coming 12 months. 
I am not surprised to hear that so many property investors are worried about the cost of living.
Every day expenses such as gas, electricity, childcare, and transportation continue to rise every year, which is bound to negatively impact the hip pocket of all Australians, including property investors. 
On top of that, wage growth continues to stagnate, with the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showing wages grew just 1.9% over the 12 months to June 2017. 
According to the Investor survey, one in five investors were also worried about job security, while a further 15% were worried about rising interest rates. 
Perhaps most surprisingly, our data found one in four investors were actually concerned about rising property prices. This would suggest property investors are constantly looking to expand their portfolio of assets and, as such, don’t want property to become so expensive that it is out of reach.
There are a number of strategies investors can take to lessen the impact of the rising cost of living and rising interest rates. 
While you may not be able to control the inevitable rise in everyday living expenses or interest rates, you can control where you spend your money and how much money you save. 
With good strategic planning, you can ensure that you’re able to afford your mortgage repayments and your lifestyle now and into the future.
In the first instance, its pays to take the time to draw up a budget for your pay cycle, including all of your incomings and outgoings throughout that period. 
Make sure you are detailed so that you can identify where your money is going and where you may be able to cut back. It is important to set aside a regular portion of your income as savings. This money can then be used as an emergency fund for a rainy day. 
Moreover, whether you’ve had your mortgage for a short time or a while, it is always a good time to have your home loan checked. 
Your local broker can look at your current product and compare it with others on the market. They may be able to help you find a product with a sharper rate that will end up saving you thousands of dollars.
Investors wanting to make to make their money work harder for them should also consider speaking with a financial adviser.  
Even if you are comfortable with your current financial situation, it is worth speaking to a financial planner who can assess your financial situation and create a personalised plan to help you reach your goals. 
 
John Flavell is chief executive officer <a href="https://www.mortgagechoice.com.au/" target="_blank">Mortgage Choice</a>.
 
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1 in 3 investors concerned about cost of living: John Flavell

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One of the broker heads at National Australia Bank (NAB) said the lender broadly supports the securities regulator’s recommendations on broker commissions, but added that the commission model needs changes.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission had suggested that incentives not be structured to encourage larger loan sizes with larger offset balances.
“We don’t believe that the current standard commission model has resulted in poor consumer outcomes, but we believe it is essential to manage not only actual conflicts but also the potential for perceived conflicts of interest,” said Anthony Waldron, NAB executive general manager of broker partnerships.
“We believe the industry needs to make adjustments to the standard commission model by paying up-front commissions based on the drawn down amount, not the total facility amount, and by paying up-front commission net of offset balances.”
The lender submitted its response to Treasury on the ASIC proposals on June 30, which Waldron said recognised the positive effects that brokers had on the market, the Australian Broker reported.
Waldon said ASIC made many observations that acknowledged the important role played by brokers in promoting good consumer outcomes and strong competition in the home loan market and NAB supported the six ASIC proposals “in broad terms”.
On regulator’s suggestion to move away from bonus payments, NAB had never paid volume bonuses on mortgages, he added.
“The time for such payments has passed.”
Soft dollar benefits should also be managed transparently through the use of gift and conflict of interest registers, he said.
“We note however that the ongoing education and professional development of brokers is essential and we need to continue to focus on this, ensuring it’s conducted in line with community expectations.”
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