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
Carl Hou is a man of his word. His commitment to keeping promises made to clients and his unwavering dedication to open and honest communication have quickly fueled his growth and success.
In less than three years, Hou’s top sales performance as a senior mortgage broker at AUSUN Finance has garnered him the prestigious recognition of being named a 2024 Rising Star by MPA and the Most Improved award in 2023 from his brokerage.
Drawing on a banking and accounting background that enabled him to develop a keen eye for detail, accuracy and an in-depth understanding of the financial sector, Hou has quickly become influential in his field. He now leads a team of seven and takes pride in helping them tap into their potential.
“I helped 167 customers in 2023 achieve their short- and long-term financial goals through innovative mortgage strategies,” he says. “I am passionate about delivering excellent service and solutions, coaching my team and doing leadership training after work.”
Mortgage customers, his team and colleagues can rely on Hou’s problem-solving abilities to overcome challenges throughout the lending process. His client-centric focus and drive to deliver optimum solutions have resulted in robust client referrals, a testament to the confidence he instills in those he does business with.
He credits the unconditional support he has received from his wife, family and friends with helping him make an impressive start in the mortgage industry. His AUSUN team has also been instrumental in what he has achieved so far, gratitude for which Hou gives back by coaching and mentoring.
“I appreciate AUSUN for their support and trust in me when I had lending knowledge but lacked experience in business development,” he says. “My relative inexperience highlighted my potential and gave me the courage to set high goals.”
His mentor, Thomas Tang, has helped him maintain a balanced view of his career: looking on the bright side of a situation while being realistic.
Ever the forward-thinker, Hou has taken the initiative to spearhead AUSUN’s branding efforts. He works tirelessly to elevate the company and his personal brand nationally. His instrumental role in establishing the company in the ACT has paved the way for further expansion, with Tasmania next on the horizon.
Regarded as a valuable asset to his brokerage and the mortgage broking industry in Australia, Hou has earned a reputation as a friendly and professional broker passionate about helping others achieve their financial goals.
9893A Canterbury Road, Box Hill, Vic 3128
0481 188 041
carl.h@ausunfinance.com.au
linkedin.com/in/carl-hou-5332729a
ausunfinance.com.au
Carl Hou
Mortgage Broker
AUSUN Finance
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“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
2018–2021
2023
Present
2024
2021–present
2018–2020: Customer Service Specialist at Commonwealth Bank
2020–2021: Customer Lending Specialist and Home Lending Specialist at Commonwealth Bank
2018–
2021
Recipient of the AUSUN Finance Most Improved Award
2023
Mortgage Broker at AUSUN Finance since 2021
Present
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.
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