Profile
“Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
Alexander Phokos, a finance broker at GA Finance since July 2022, has quickly risen to prominence in the mortgage broking industry.
After completing his Bachelor of International Business in 2021, Phokos started with GA Finance in January 2022. In his very first year as a broker, at only 23 years old, he successfully settled 52 loans totalling $26,795,650, while ensuring an overly impressive conversion rate of 79%. He consistently goes above and beyond to secure the best possible deals for his clients. His proficiency in assessing individual financial needs and tailoring solutions has garnered him a reputation for excellence within the industry.
Notably, Phokos’ journey is not confined to the financial world alone. Despite his demanding career and being one of GA Finance’s best new brokers, he has only recently returned from his second three-month stint in Europe. His ability to go and live his life serves as an inspiration to aspiring brokers, showcasing that success knows no bounds, even for those who explore the world while climbing the ladder of professional achievement. Albeit an avid traveller, he is a passionate and dedicated broker and has successfully built a loyal clientele that trusts him implicitly with their most significant financial decisions.
Phokos’ achievements in the industry’s early stages are a mere glimpse of what lies ahead.
11/7 Ormond Boulevard, Bundoora, Vic 3083
0419 957 523
alexander@gafinance.com.au
linkedin.com/in/zander-phokos-a64980164
gafinance.com.au
Alexander Phokos
Mortgage Broker
GA Finance Solutions
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
“The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns”
Jack Kuhn
Westfield Specialty
2021
2022
2023
2024
2021–present
Completion in Bachelor of Business (International Business) at RMIT
2021
Completion of Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking at AAMC
Began mortgage broking at GA Finance Solutions
2022
Completion of Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management at AAMC
2023
Recognised as one of MPA’s Rising Stars
2024
Head of Commercial Risk, Asia Pacific at Aon (Singapore)
2021–
present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
Kuhn says, “I would say my career has been one of more of chance and opportunities than a set plan. And it’s interesting how one decision has a ripple effect on putting you on a different path than maybe where you thought you would be.”
He highlights his spell at Endurance as his biggest professional achievement to date.
“It took some time, but we took them from really being viewed as a reinsurance company to being viewed as a global insurance company.”
It’s this type of innovative attitude that is powering Westfield Specialty forward so successfully.
Kuhn explains, “Westfield Specialty and I have been trying to make sure we are opportunistic in the marketplace and that has allowed us to grow profitably and create a broader and more diversified portfolio.”
Part of this has seen the firm acquire the existing Lloyd’s of London Syndicate 1200 in February 2023. It is also Kuhn’s ingenuity that has allowed Westfield Specialty to outperform expectations in challenging market conditions.
“I would say it’s been the understanding that there is a limited window of time. We're in this unique market, we need to be fast and decisive to take advantage of market opportunities before the market begins to move away,” he comments. “Additionally, I'd like to say we move with a lot of speed, but we do it in a thoughtful and methodical approach, not just to be the first.”
However, it has been an intricate process to ensure his team are onboard with his vision. Kuhn places importance of explaining his targets and the blueprint to achieve them.
He adds, “The biggest challenge is getting everyone comfortable with the pace that I’m looking for to drive our buildout and growth. How I deal with it is by being open and transparent, and responsive to questions or concerns. This way, everything gets thoroughly discussed and resolved.”
With almost four decades in the industry, Kuhn has developed methods that have consistently delivered. It is why he has been tasked with so many leadership roles and he intends to maintain his focus on creating more success at Westfield Specialty.
“I think I am and have always tried to be methodical. I look at the big picture yet stay focused on executing the different opportunities or plans that I have in front of me. I don’t get emotional or make emotional decisions.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
Kuhn joined Westfield Specialty in the firm’s first year (2021) and has established the company’s presence in the specialty market. By the end of 2023, the firm is expected to surpass $1.3 billion in GWP after writing $300 million in 2021.
•
•
•
•
•