MPA 2020 Non-Bank
of the Year award – Brokers
on Non-Banks
MPA 2020 Turnaround Times award – Brokers on
Non-Banks
MPA 2021 Commercial award – Brokers on
Non-Banks
Accolades
Media
Liberty expands mortgage business into New Zealand, and in Australia adds motor, commercial and business lending to residential offering
2002–05
Liberty marks 25 years of free-thinking finance
Reaching 25 years is a proud moment for Liberty, says group sales manager John Mohnacheff.
“We’ve grown from a home loan lender to now offer a broad range of asset class solutions, from Australia-only to operations in New Zealand, enduring a global financial crisis and a pandemic, while also successfully listing on the Australian Stock Exchange.”
Mohnacheff says Liberty was once known solely as “the place to go when the banks say no”, but it’s come a long way since those early days.
The non-bank offers a broad range of solutions to help borrowers of all kinds with home, car, business, commercial, personal and SMSF loans as well as insurance products.
“Our growth has seen us help more than 700,000 customers get financial,
and we’re proud to have continued to help those customers through various market challenges and fluctuations,” Mohnacheff says.
Pride in progress
Liberty’s ethos is to help more people get financial, says Mohnacheff.
“This is something that really resonates with me. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a business that is willing to listen and look beneath the surface, while discovering innovative ways to improve financial inclusion for more borrowers.
“I have witnessed the company evolve to become a champion of diversification and a true leader in non-bank lending.”
Mohnacheff is also immensely proud of the relationships and reputation that Liberty has forged, and of the way the team adapts to change and continues supporting brokers and helping customers when they most need financial guidance.
“From day one Liberty has always operated with agility, innovation and flexibility,” he says. “Our ability to pivot quickly in response to market needs is what sets us apart and has helped us navigate challenges and continue to provide credit, service, and expand our product offering when other institutions faltered.”
Technology and efficiency
Mohnacheff acknowledges that it’s a difficult time for many Australians, but having the right financial support to explore the options available can make a strong impact in both the long and short term.
“Customers of today expect fast, efficient turnaround times, and access
to funds could potentially make or break a major deal and potentially jeopardise opportunities.”
Liberty works closely with its business partners to ensure they have all the information needed to push through applications without encountering delays, says Mohnacheff.
“Our BDMs are always willing to help discuss the scenario and talk through what we need to go ahead.
“We also encourage brokers to lodge applications electronically, because it speeds things up and bypasses legibility concerns. Once we have received the application, the broker is notified and can track the deal in real time through Liberty IQ – our market-leading loan-tracking web app.”
Looking forward
So, what excites Mohnacheff when looking ahead to Liberty’s next 25 years?
“Continued growth, continued innovation and market leadership; continued success and the ability to continue to rise to the challenges that come our way,” he says. “The future for Liberty is very bright.
“My message to brokers is to get in touch. If you haven’t spoken to a Liberty BDM or tried our products, this is the perfect time to reach out and see how you can expand your offering to help more customers and build your business.”
Mohnacheff says now is an ideal time for residential brokers to look at diversifying, given the many benefits this brings to a broker’s business.
“By shifting away from the traditional mortgage broker role and building your brand as a trusted lending expert – with our
25 years of expertise behind you – there is no limit to what you can achieve.”
Spotlight
Broker partnerships
“Liberty has always championed the third-party distribution model, and similarly, these relationships have been paramount to Liberty’s continued growth and success,” says Mohnacheff.
He also praised the lender’s BDM team for their dedication and commitment, as well as their tireless work to help Liberty’s business partners achieve the best customer outcomes.
“Liberty was founded on a mission to provide free-thinking lending solutions where other lenders can’t – and supporting brokers with complex scenarios is nothing new to us,” he says.
“We continue to do what we have always done: listen, analyse and innovate.”
The non-bank has also expanded its digital identity verification software, integrating it into the loan application across all asset classes so brokers can focus on finding the right solutions quickly and more efficiently.
Mohnacheff says that, thanks to Liberty’s comprehensive and flexible product offering, the non-bank has been able to support customers – and brokers – with a range of lending needs.
“As well as this, we have continued to offer brokers direct access to our local, Melbourne-based underwriting teams for support with scenarios. This is something we consistently receive positive feedback for, and something that many other lenders are unable to offer.”
Mohnacheff says brokers have always played a vital role in helping customers find the best solution. More borrowers than ever before now recognise the benefits of working with a broker (with brokers writing almost 70% of residential home loans), and there is a greater awareness of the many services brokers can offer.
Beyond just assisting with home loans, he says brokers offer an extensive range of lending support tailored to their customers’ individual needs.
“By getting to know the ins and outs of a customer’s current situation and future goals, brokers can work with lenders to find the perfect fit – and that’s where the magic happens.
“With the support of flexible lenders like Liberty, brokers can also help to provide certainty in uncertain times. Customers are looking to their brokers for answers, and we’re dedicated to helping brokers produce those answers.”
For 25 years, Liberty has been a pioneer in non-bank lending. Our objective has always been to help more Australians get financial with free-thinking loan solutions. Our unique offering provides flexible solutions, and we’re proud to support mortgage brokers to provide customers with greater freedom and choice. Our high NPS scores, ongoing growth and industry awards testify that Liberty is recognised as one of Australia’s leading non-bank lenders. Through our innovative approach and unique range of products and services, we’ve helped more than 700,000 customers with over $40bn in funds.
Today, Liberty offers home, car, personal, commercial and business loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance products. We provide prime and custom lending options and remain the only non-bank lender with an investment-grade credit rating. The Liberty Group listed on the ASX (ASX:LFG) in December 2020 and strives to continue to develop innovative and valuable products and services that support positive customer outcomes, collaborating closely with our broker partners at every step.
Company Profile
1997
Year established
>700,000
No. of customers served
8
No. of Liberty businesses
>$40bn
Funds advanced
Dec 2020
Listed on ASX
Bio
Spotlight
Milestones
Media
Accolades
Company Profile
Years in the industry
40
Tenure at current position
2017 - Present
Favorite qoute
“I feel truly blessed to have been afforded the marvellous opportunity to be able
to meet and work with
so many talented people. Throughout my career
at Liberty, the support
I have received has
been in abundance”
John Mohnacheff
Group sales manager at Liberty
One of Australia’s largest non-bank lenders,
Liberty is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
MPA caught up with John Mohnacheff to discuss some of the non-bank’s achievements and its close relationship with brokers
Read on
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a business that is willing to listen and look beneath the surface, while discovering innovative ways to improve financial inclusion for more borrowers”
John Mohnacheff,
Liberty
“Liberty has always championed the third-party distribution model, and similarly, these relationships have been paramount to Liberty’s continued growth and success”
John Mohnacheff,
Liberty
Share
Accolades
Media
Milestones
2011
2012
2015
2016
2019
2021
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2012
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2015
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2016
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2019
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2021
Liberty marks 25 years of free-thinking finance
Karen Adams has had a remarkable journey to her current role as CEO of Fundserv. Originally from Toronto, Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics at Queens University, followed by an MBA in international finance at the University of British Columbia. After graduating, she set off across the globe, holding various positions with HSBC that took her to London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul and Mumbai.
That global experience gave Adams a unique perspective, prompting her to develop a leadership style that’s based on developing relationships with each individual, listening and understanding to help them reach their potential. That approach goes well beyond her own team, allowing Fundserv to succeed in creating solutions for its members.
“Having worked in many different countries, people ask if I am an expert in multicultural leadership,” Adams says. “I always say there is no such thing because that assumes you manage people based on their background. I have learned that people all want the same things: to develop our careers, give our kids a good future, etc. When she returned to Canada learned that people all
Pride in progress
Liberty’s ethos is to help more people get financial, says Mohnacheff.
“This is something that really resonates with me. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a business that is willing to listen and look beneath the surface, while discovering innovative ways to improve financial inclusion for more borrowers.
“I have witnessed the company evolve to become a champion of diversification and a true leader in non-bank lending.”
Mohnacheff is also immensely proud of the relationships and reputation that Liberty has forged, and of the way the team adapts to change and continues supporting brokers and helping customers when they most need financial guidance.
“From day one Liberty has always operated with agility, innovation and flexibility,” he says. “Our ability to pivot quickly in response to market needs is what sets us apart and has helped us navigate challenges and continue to provide credit, service, and expand our product offering when other institutions faltered.”
Broker partnerships
“Liberty has always championed the third-party distribution model, and similarly, these relationships have been paramount to Liberty’s continued growth and success,” says Mohnacheff.
He also praised the lender’s BDM team for their dedication and commitment, as well as their tireless work to help Liberty’s business partners achieve the best customer outcomes.
“Liberty was founded on a mission to provide free-thinking lending solutions where other lenders can’t – and supporting brokers with complex scenarios is nothing new to us,” he says.
“We continue to do what we have always done: listen, analyse and innovate.”
The non-bank has also expanded its digital identity verification software, integrating it into the loan application across all asset classes so brokers can focus on finding the right solutions quickly and more efficiently.
Mohnacheff says that, thanks to Liberty’s comprehensive and flexible product offering, the non-bank has been able to support customers – and brokers – with a range of lending needs.
“As well as this, we have continued to offer brokers direct access to our local, Melbourne-based underwriting teams for support with scenarios. This is something we consistently receive positive feedback for, and something that many other lenders are unable to offer.”
Mohnacheff says brokers have always played a vital role in helping customers find the best solution. More borrowers than ever before now recognise the benefits of working with a broker (with brokers writing almost 70% of residential home loans), and there is a greater awareness of the many services brokers can offer.
While she’s proud of the strides Fundserv made in 2020, Adams acknowledges that it was a challenging time as a leader. Not only did she have to ensure Fundserv kept running efficiently as her team transitioned to working from home, but she was also filled with concern for her team members.
“I just worried about our employees, their mental health and if they would be OK,” Adams says. “I like to see people, so I set up one-on-ones just to connect with them.
Moving forward, Adams says Fundserv’s goals remain aligned with those of its members, and her team will continue listening and understanding what members need so the organization can evolve accordingly. She adds that she wants Fundserv to be so good at providing a secure and reliable service that members forget it’s there – and she wants the company to continue to inspire change in the industry.
“It is sad that it took a pandemic to recog-nize the cheque issue and solve it,” Adams says. “What we will do in the future is root out those things in the industry and not wait for a pandemic to ignite change. There is no reason we can’t change. Change, like auto-mation, will accelerate from now, and we’ll do our part to keep it going.”
Spotlight
Fundserv is the indispensable connectivity hub for the Canadian investment industry. Headquartered in Toronto, we electronically connect Manufacturers, Distributors, and Intermediaries, enabling them to buy, sell, and transfer investment funds. With more than 100 employees, Fundserv serves hundreds of members—executing up to 63 million yearly network transactions—and provides online access to more than 70,000 investment fund products.
Established in 1993, Fundserv is a private corporation that is owned by the industry we serve. Our 10 shareholders are a cross-section of Manufacturers, Distributors, and Service Providers who represent our members.
We operate using a cost-recovery model, meaning any unused profit may be rebated back to our members. In addition to our network and applications, we lead and facilitate industry committees and working groups that promote automation initiatives and establish the industry’s electronic standards.
By ensuring every trade is processed timely, accurately, and securely, Fundserv has rightfully earned a reputation for service excellence—a hallmark of more than 25 years in the investment industry.
Company Profile
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a business that is willing to listen and look beneath the surface, while discovering innovative ways to improve financial inclusion for more borrowers”
John Mohnacheff,
Liberty
“Liberty has always championed the third-party distribution model, and similarly, [broker] relationships have been paramount to Liberty’s continued growth and success”
John Mohnacheff,
Liberty
Years in the industry
40
Tenure at current position
2017 - Present
BAsed In
Toronto, Ont.
Fast Facts
“I feel truly blessed to have been afforded the marvellous opportunity to be able to meet and work with
so many talented people. Throughout my career at Liberty, the support I have received has
been in abundance”
Karen Adams
President and CEO at Fundserv
Before becoming CEO of Fundserv, Karen Adams held a variety of leadership roles around the world – and she learned that listening and understanding are key to both providing service and developing talent
Read on
Share
Share
Accolades
Media
Milestones
2011
2012
2015
2016
2019
2021
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2012
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2015
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2016
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2019
Curabitur feugiat eget leo id tempus. Maecenas commodo, nibh at ultricies pulvinar, ipsum erat porta metus, et tempus justo tellus euismod dolor.
2021
Liberty marks 25 years of free-thinking finance
Karen Adams has had a remarkable journey to her current role as CEO of Fundserv. Originally from Toronto, Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics at Queens University, followed by an MBA in international finance at the University of British Columbia. After graduating, she set off across the globe, holding various positions with HSBC that took her to London, Dubai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Seoul and Mumbai.
That global experience gave Adams a unique perspective, prompting her to develop a leadership style that’s based on developing relationships with each individual, listening and understanding to help them reach their potential. That approach goes well beyond her own team, allowing Fundserv to succeed in creating solutions for its members.
“Having worked in many different countries, people ask if I am an expert in multicultural leadership,” Adams says. “I always say there is no such thing because that assumes you manage people based on their background. I have learned that people all want the same things: to develop our careers, give our kids a good future, etc. When she returned to Canada learned that people all
Technology and efficiency
Mohnacheff acknowledges that it’s a difficult time for many Australians, but having the right financial support to explore the options available can make a strong impact in both the long and short term.
“Customers of today expect fast, efficient turnaround times, and slow access to funds could potentially make or break a major deal and potentially jeopardise opportunities.”
Liberty works closely with its business partners to ensure they have all the information needed to push through applications without encountering delays, says Mohnacheff.
“Our BDMs are always willing to help discuss the scenario and talk through what we need to go ahead.
“We also encourage brokers to lodge applications electronically, because it speeds things up and bypasses legibility concerns. Once we have received the application, the broker is notified and can track the deal in real time through Liberty IQ – our market-leading loan-tracking web app.”
Looking forward
So, what excites Mohnacheff when looking ahead to Liberty’s next 25 years?
“Continued growth, continued innovation and market leadership; continued success and the ability to continue to rise to the challenges that come our way,” he says. “The future for Liberty is very bright.
“My message to brokers is to get in touch. If you haven’t spoken to a Liberty BDM or tried our products, this is the perfect time to reach out and see how you can expand your offering to help more customers and build your business.”
Mohnacheff says now is an ideal time for residential brokers to look at diversifying, given the many benefits this brings to a broker’s business.
“By shifting away from the traditional mortgage broker role and building your brand as a trusted lending expert – with our 25 years of expertise behind you – there is no limit to what you can achieve.”
Spotlight
Broker partnerships
“Liberty has always championed the third-party distribution model, and similarly, these relationships have been paramount to Liberty’s continued growth and success,” says Mohnacheff.
He also praised the lender’s BDM team for their dedication and commitment, as well as their tireless work to help Liberty’s business partners achieve the best customer outcomes.
“Liberty was founded on a mission to provide free-thinking lending solutions where other lenders can’t – and supporting brokers with complex scenarios is nothing new to us,” he says.
“We continue to do what we have always done: listen, analyse and innovate.”
The non-bank has also expanded its digital identity verification software, integrating it into the loan application across all asset classes so brokers can focus on finding the right solutions quickly and more efficiently.
Mohnacheff says that, thanks to Liberty’s comprehensive and flexible product offering, the non-bank has been able to support customers – and brokers – with a range of lending needs.
“As well as this, we have continued to offer brokers direct access to our local, Melbourne-based underwriting teams for support with scenarios. This is something we consistently receive positive feedback for, and something that many other lenders are unable to offer.”
Mohnacheff says brokers have always played a vital role in helping customers find the best solution. More borrowers than ever before now recognise the benefits of working with a broker (with brokers writing almost 70% of residential home loans), and there is a greater awareness of the many services brokers can offer.
Beyond just assisting with home loans, he says brokers offer an extensive range of lending support tailored to their customers’ individual needs.
“By getting to know the ins and outs of a customer’s current situation and future goals, brokers can work with lenders to find the perfect fit – and that’s where the magic happens.
“With the support of flexible lenders like Liberty, brokers can also help to provide certainty in uncertain times. Customers are looking to their brokers for answers, and we’re dedicated to helping brokers produce those answers.”
Fundserv is the indispensable connectivity hub for the Canadian investment industry. Headquartered in Toronto, we electronically connect Manufacturers, Distributors, and Intermediaries, enabling them to buy, sell, and transfer investment funds. With more than 100 employees, Fundserv serves hundreds of members—executing up to 63 million yearly network transactions—and provides online access to more than 70,000 investment fund products.
Established in 1993, Fundserv is a private corporation that is owned by the industry we serve. Our 10 shareholders are a cross-section of Manufacturers, Distributors, and Service Providers who represent our members.
We operate using a cost-recovery model, meaning any unused profit may be rebated back to our members. In addition to our network and applications, we lead and facilitate industry committees and working groups that promote automation initiatives and establish the industry’s electronic standards.
By ensuring every trade is processed timely, accurately, and securely, Fundserv has rightfully earned a reputation for service excellence—a hallmark of more than 25 years in the investment industry.
Company Profile
Years in the industry
40
Tenure at current position
2017 - Present
BAsed In
Toronto, Ont.
Fast Facts
“I feel truly blessed to have been afforded the marvellous opportunity to be able to meet and work with
so many talented people. Throughout my career at Liberty, the support I have received has
been in abundance”
Karen Adams
President and CEO at Fundserv
Career highlight
Before becoming CEO of Fundserv, Karen Adams held a variety of leadership roles around the world – and she learned that listening and understanding are key to both providing service and developing talent
Read on
“I’m incredibly proud to be part of a business that is willing to listen and look beneath the surface, while discovering innovative ways to improve financial inclusion for more borrowers”
John Mohnacheff,
Liberty
“Liberty has always championed the third-party distribution model, and similarly, [broker] relationships have been paramount to Liberty’s continued growth and success”
John Mohnacheff,
Liberty
IN Partnership with
In Partnership with
2002–05
2012
2016
2017–18
2019–20
2022
Liberty expands mortgage business into New Zealand, and in Australia adds motor, commercial and business lending to residential offering
2002–05
Liberty Network Services, a fully owned subsidiary of Liberty and a boutique aggregator, is launched
2012
Liberty achieves investment-grade rating (BBB-) from Standard & Poor’s
2016
Liberty acquires National Mortgage Brokers (nMB), invests in mortgage protection market leader ALI and acquires personal loans fintech MoneyPlace
2017–18
Liberty is the first non-bank signatory to the Financial Inclusion Action Plan, lists on the ASX and receives B Corp certification
2019–20
Liberty releases its Reflect Action Plan (RAP)
2022
Milestones
MPA 2021 Non-Bank
of the Year award –
Brokers on Non-Banks
HRD 5-Star Employer
of Choice 2022
HRD Employer
of Choice 2021
MPA 2021 Turnaround
Times award – Brokers
on Non-Banks
MPA 2021 SMSF
award – Brokers
on Non-Banks
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Contact Us
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