White paper urges central technology role for mortgage advisers

New Zealand mortgage advisers would play a central role in the development of broking technology under a proposal from an International Mortgage Brokers Federation (IMBF) white paper.

The white paper, released following the IMBF Conference in Dublin earlier this year, warns “innovation is often characterised by superficial changes that generate noise rather than delivering value.”

IMBF Chair and Finance and Mortgage Advisers Association of New Zealand (FAMNZ) managing director Peter White AM said the experience of many international brokers was that platforms and Fintechs develop in isolation and then push their solutions downstream.

“Superficial changes are often being sold as innovation and instead of delivering value, new features aren’t actually addressing the challenges advisers face,” he said.

“The solution lies in better utilising the knowledge, skills and experience of mortgage advisers who need to be involved in product testing and engaging directly with software vendors.

“To ensure new technological platforms are fit for purpose, we also want to see innovation councils or working groups at the association level.”

Mr White said white paper recommendations were timely, given many advisers continue to face significant delays in loan approvals due to outdated technology at the banks.

“Our banks are using manual and antiquated systems that should have been updated years ago,” he said.

“Ensuring advisers have a seat at the design table will encourage the development of more efficient and user-friendly technologies that deliver for clients, banks and advisers.”

The white paper has five calls to action to create real innovations:

1. Redefine Innovation Around Client Impact: Shift success metrics from feature delivery to measurable outcomes for clients and mortgage brokers.
2. Accelerate the Integration of Open Banking: Integrate Open Banking tools into mainstream customer relationship management (CRM) systems for mortgage brokers (advisers). Simplify consent procedures and standardise data formats.
3. Embrace Embedded Finance Without Fear: Develop playbooks for mortgage brokers to collaborate with embedded platforms and demonstrate their value within the advisory layer.
4. Co-Design With Mortgage Brokers, Not Just For Them: Make involving mortgage brokers a normal part of product development.
5. Assess Innovation by Usage and Utility: Concentrate on what is broadly adopted, effectively utilised, and truly assists mortgage brokers in providing excellent service.