The world of finance moves fast—blink, and you might miss the next big shift. Stephen Scheeler, former Facebook CEO for Australia and New Zealand, delivered a cracking keynote on how brokers can stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape. His message? Don’t just survive disruption, own it.

Disruption isn’t a threat, it’s an opportunity

We get it, change can be uncomfortable. But waiting for the “perfect time” or for all the data to be lined up like ducks in a row might mean missing opportunities.

Stephen’s advice? Act fast. Whether it’s embracing AI-driven tools, refining your customer experience, or tweaking your service offering to match shifting borrower needs, leaning into change now can make all the difference.

Think of it like surfing. You don’t sit around waiting for the perfect wave, you paddle hard, position yourself, and commit. Because once you’re on, that’s where the magic can happen.

Obsess over your clients

The best businesses don’t just know their clients, they obsess over them. And for brokers, that means looking beyond the paperwork and rates. It’s about understanding what keeps your clients up at night, what they dream of, and how you can make the lending process feel less like a chore and more like a step toward their future.

People don’t always remember what you did for them as much as how you made them feel. When you anticipate their needs, build trust, and genuinely make their life easier, you’re not just securing a loan, you could be securing a client for life.

Curiosity didn’t kill the broker, it helped them stay competitive
Adaptability isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. Stephen shared how Facebook’s success wasn’t just about big ideas but about staying curious and open to change, snapping up Instagram and WhatsApp before they became giants.

For brokers, that might mean exploring new lending niches like self-managed super fund loans, commercial finance, or green home loans. Or maybe it’s shaking up your workflow with tech that cuts admin time in half. The brokers who stay curious and experiment with fresh ideas may continue growing, no matter what the market throws at them.

Keep it simple. Keep it energised.

Great leadership isn’t about making things more complicated, it’s about making them simpler. For brokers, that might mean:

• Making loan applications smoother and more straightforward
• Communicating clearly, so clients aren’t drowning in jargon
• Creating a team culture where everyone feels energised and supported

When clients feel like the process is easy, they might be more likely to refer you. And when your team feels empowered, they can help drive your business forward.

The best time to take action? Yesterday. The next best time? Right now.
Stephen’s message was clear: The speed at which you adapt can determine your success. So, what’s one thing you can do today?

• Look at where you can streamline your processes.
• Try out a digital tool that might free up time.
• Reach out to clients in a more personal way.

Because disruption isn’t slowing down, and keeping up with it could set you apart.

Any information provided above about a particular situation, or an individual experience, is not an indication of future performance and no representation or warranty is made that the information contained above is appropriate for any particular circumstance or indicates that a particular course of action should be followed.