Profile
“In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, I reinvented CMI as a lender to meet the needs of mortgage brokers and their clients who were unable to get financing from banks and other traditional mortgage providers”
Bryan Jaskolka,
Canadian Mortgages Inc.
Simon Bednar, CEO of Finsure, has enjoyed a career journey that is anything but conventional.
With a degree in engineering and a background as COO for one of Australia’s leading software providers, he brings a distinctly unique perspective to the mortgage industry – combining technical precision with entrepreneurial vision.
His unconventional path, spanning engineering, operations, IT and sales, has proven to be his greatest asset, allowing him to view financial services through a lens few of his peers share.
“I wouldn’t say my career has been typical of someone in my position,” Bednar says, acknowledging the unlikely leap from engineering to leading one of Australia’s most renowned aggregators.
Yet the connection is clear: the curiosity that drives engineers to understand how things work, combined with the desire to build solutions, translates seamlessly into creating innovative financial services. These core traits have become the foundation of his leadership philosophy at Finsure.
Under Bednar’s stewardship, the firm has experienced exponential expansion, but he recognises that growth presents challenges. As the company diversifies its service offerings, increases headcount and explores new territories, maintaining organisational values becomes paramount. He addresses this proactively, hosting regular company town halls where employees who embody Finsure’s core values are celebrated.
One of Bednar’s greatest professional strengths is resilience. In a role that demands navigating constant challenges, he remains calm and principled, making the difficult decisions required of a CEO. This steadiness has been instrumental in building what he considers his most significant career achievement: the exceptional senior leadership team surrounding him. Rather than taking personal credit for Finsure’s success, he acknowledges their equal responsibility in the company’s growth.
His leadership approach reflects a philosophy centred on empowerment. Bednar deliberately creates an environment where talented individuals have the freedom to succeed, take calculated risks and drive innovation. This trust-based model has attracted industry-leading executives who share his vision and values.
Another key driver is Bednar’s commitment to genuine client relationships. He prioritises brokers who place customer service above all else, recognising that this alignment creates healthier, more collaborative partnerships. This principle guides Finsure’s target demographic and shapes the company’s service delivery model.
“Anyone who knows me is aware I’m frequently travelling as I try to get in front of our broker network at professional development days and annual summits,” he says. “This allows me to share the latest company updates and gain unique insights from our brokers firsthand.”
Looking beyond the immediate horizon, Bednar’s ambition is bold: to redefine the role of an aggregator and create an organisation that delivers total business support – not just the traditional aggregation services.
Bednar represents the new breed of mortgage services leader, one who combines technical acumen with human-centred leadership and unconventional thinking with operational discipline.
He adds, “Ultimately, I am constantly looking for ways to give Finsure an edge, with my engineering, operations and sales background all contributing to this point of view.”
Lv 1, 1 Miles Platting Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113
07 3847 8119
pwhite@fbaa.com.au
linkedin.com/in/simon-bednar-60703212
finsure.com.au
Simon Bednar
Chief Executive Officer
Finsure
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Bio
Milestones
“My approach is transparent and collaborative, focused on building trust and delivering clarity at every stage”
Bryan Jaskolka,
Canadian Mortgages Inc.
2001
2002
2011
2014
2022–present
Consultant at Deloitte Consulting
2001
Chief Operating Officer at Stargate Technologies
2002
State Business Manager at Finsure
2011
General Manager at Finsure
2014
Chief Executive Officer at Finsure
2022–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
Jaskolka says, “By reimagining how the private mortgage market operates, we’ve created a trusted, technology-driven platform that connects investors seeking compelling fixed income alternatives with borrowers in need of flexible financing.”
His approach centres on balancing growth with integrity, structuring each mortgage thoughtfully while safeguarding the interests of both borrowers and investors. This philosophy reflects mature business leadership, as he recognizes that sustainable success requires mutual trust.
Jaskolka believes communication starts with listening, employing a transparent and collaborative approach that builds trust and delivers clarity at every stage. This philosophy permeates CMI’s culture, creating an organization where open dialogue and genuine collaboration guide every client interaction.
CMI’s target market – borrowers underserved by traditional lenders who face credit setbacks, are self-employed, or have non-traditional income – demonstrates Jaskolka’s commitment to meaningful social impact alongside business success.
“My approach is transparent and collaborative, focused on building trust and delivering clarity at every stage,” he explains. “I make it a priority to communicate honestly, explain complex concepts in plain language, and ensure clients feel heard, informed, and supported throughout the process.”
As CMI explores international expansion, including recent entry into the US market, Jaskolka’s vision extends beyond national borders. He aspires to leave a legacy of a more modern, professional, and ethical private mortgage industry, built on standardized processes, transparency, and accessibility.