Choose-Astute-Jan2023

CHOOSE ASTUTE

and diversify your business

ABOUT US

at Astute

Astute has established itself as a highly respected financial services
provider with a membership base comprising of approximately 500
finance, insurance and financial planning specialists across Australia.

We are a privately owned business, leading the market with a fully
integrated financial services offering to our members. With a loan book of
over $25 billion dollars, we are well positioned for growth.

We are committed to innovation in the financial services industry and
are proud to provide our members with access to an unmatched suite of
financial products.

OUR JOURNEY

2003 2009 2012

Mortgage aggregation Australian Mortgage Financial planning
& broker growth Brokers & Mortgage added to the
business
v Wisdom join us
v
v
vv Transition to a Fully v
Integrated Financial
Astute established Commercial & Services Model
as a single operator equipment finance
mortgage business added to business 2010

2000 2006

“Diversification is not a new idea, it’s in our DNA!
We’ve been helping members grow diversified
businesses for over 15 years. If you want to grow
it’s time to change.”

BRAD WOOD - DIRECTOR

Commencing our business as a mortgage aggregator Astute quickly
diversified its product offering to include commercial and equipment
finance in 2006 and in 2012 launched the financial planning arm of the
business to create a fully integrated financial services model.

Since launching the Astute brand in 2015, we have further expanded our
product offering to include a full service General Insurance offering and a
Health Insurance product for our members to offer their clients.

We are committed to helping our members become the centre of their
clients’ financial world.

2014 2016 2018 v

Astute branded retail Centrepoint Alliance Join Venture with
product suite Lending join us Mortgage Express in

v v New Zealand
vv
v

Astute commences Launch of Astute Launch of General
retail branding project retail brand Insurance and Astute
Simplicity Health
2013 2015
2018

WE SUPPORT YOUR

clients’ every need

Connecting you with a network that supports your business

At Astute, we believe the future of our industry lies in our members’ ability
to become trusted advisers to their clients. We’ve created a business
model that helps members consult with their clients in all areas of finance,
insurance and wealth.
We encourage them to focus on their skill set, and recruit or refer to other
specialists. This not only enhances their relationship with and service to
their clients, but strongly diversifies their income.
We believe diversification is not merely a tick and flick exercise, but a
process of understanding the needs of clients and ensuring our members
are able to fulfill those needs.

JOANNE WALL - HENDRA QLD

“Well respected by lenders, and offering
finance, insurance and wealth solutions,
we can access a depth of resources (both
industry knowledge and marketing) to
grow our business.

From staff induction and mentoring,
through to systems and sales support, I
believe that Astute offers me the best in
the business.”

vv v v vv MORTGAGES At Astute we are
FINANCIAL PLANNING focused on helping
VEHICLE/EQUIPMENT members get the most
FINANCE out of an integrated
COMMERCIAL business model.
FINANCE
HEALTH INSURANCE Our management team
GENERAL INSURANCE work with members
to ascertain the best
method of integration
for their business.

YOUR ASTUTE

Business Evolution

SOLE OPERATOR BUSINESS OWNER

Sole operator business Several people working for you

• All business development and • Business typically contains a
administration undertaken by fulltime support person focusing on
one person administration/marketing support

• Business is typically operated • Greater level of systemisation in the
from a home office business

• Relationship with customer is • Limited but consistent cross-sell
transactionally focused
• Informal referral arrangements exist
• Other financial products are with other product providers
offered on a reactionary basis
• Typically operates out of an office
• Limited planned marketing in place environment

FULLY INTEGRATED FINANCIAL SERVICES MODEL

Full range of financial services offered

• Specialists exist in the business for each of the services
(eg. Financial Planner, Mortgage Broker, Commercial Broker)

• Documented customer service processes are in place
• Marketing systems are in place
• Joint ventures may exist with key referral partners
• Business typically exists out of a fully branded environment

FINANCE INSURANCE WEALTH

• Residential • Personal Protection • Financial Planning
• Commercial • Business Insurance • Superannuation
• Equipment • General Insurance • Debt Reduction
• Car & Personal • Vehicle Insurance • Estate Planning
• Construction • Health Insurance • SMSF

OUR ASTUTE

Footprint

From North Queensland in Australia to
the South Island in New Zealand, Astute
has a comprehensive presence across
the Tasman.

Northern Queensland
Territory

Western South New South
Australia Australia Wales

Victoria Auckland

Tasmania Wellington
Christchurch

THE BRAND vv v $25b

Astute v LOAN BOOK

Astute commenced operations 500+
as a wholesale Lending
Aggregator, and has successfully MEMBERS
developed an Astute Retail
Brand. $900m

The Astute Brand reflects UNDER
our belief in simplifying the MANAGEMENT
complex world of finance and
providing long term support COMMISSIONS
and peace of mind for your PAID QUICKLY
clients.

Members who operate under
the Astute Brand receive all of
the benefits that come with a
maintained brand, including
a fully supported marketing
program.

We take the stress out of
maintaining a retail brand,
including compliance and
regulatory requirements.

If you choose to use the Astute
Brand, all marketing collateral
is available for your use and
can be tailored for your local
market as required.

MARKETING

your business

The Astute Client Engagement
Program is designed to provide the
marketing support you need to help
you focus on the day-to-day running
of your business.

Whether you choose your brand or ours, we have marketing services
that will help to keep you front of mind with your clients. As they look
to make important financial decisions throughout their lives, we actively
position you as the central point of contact for their every need. Marketing
campaigns are developed in-house to assist members in communicating
consistently with their clients throughout the year.

JOSH EGAN KAYLEIGH KILGORE
MELBOURNE - VIC NEWCASTLE - NSW

“My relationship with Astute commenced “The best part of being part of Astute is
in 2008. Since then I have been nominated the family vibe. The other offices are all
for and won numerous industry awards. determined to help each other succeed,
and help grow not only their own
What I expect from my aggregator is businesses, but each other’s.
assistance with credit issues and business
planning, good software and marketing The collaboration and relationships
support; Astute ticks these boxes and even between offices has significantly helped
pays my commissions regularly and on me grow my business and improve my
time. If you are looking for an aggregator systems and processes.”
that cares about the success of your
business look no further than Astute.”

CLIENT ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

Keeping your business front of mind.

Astute proactively uses social media and digital campaigns to keep your
clients informed about topical financial information and opportunities.

This program helps position you at the centre of your client’s financial
world.

Needs are fulfilled Life circ
umstances change
Already thinking Astute
s a ifnancial need
Requires expert Client ha

INSURANCE

and wealth

Maximise the potential that exists in your financial planning practice.

The Astute model provides you with the best of both worlds – access to
a premium business growth model through your association with Astute
and its unmatched suite of additional services, plus the strength of a large-
scale Licensee to provide core services and support through Centrepoint’s
flagship Licensee, Alliance Wealth.

The Astute Difference

CONSISTENT BECOME THE CENTRE
COMMUNICATION OF YOUR CLIENTS’
STRATEGY TO YOUR CLIENTS FINANCIAL WORLD

RESIDENTIAL

Finance

With a broad panel of residential lenders, Astute provides access to a
large range of finance products for all residential market segments.

With a dedicated Credit Coach ready and willing to assist, and with
development days aimed at business development and growth, Astute’s
network of members are well supported as they grow their businesses.

At Astute you have access to all types of residential finance including:

• Owner Occupied • Low Doc
• Investment • SMSF
• Reverse Mortgages • Non-Conforming

EQUIPMENT

Finance

Astute’s key point of difference is that we actually understand the
equipment finance market. We have a market leading lender panel which
caters for a diverse range of your clients’ personal and business needs.
Astute’s knowledge and resources in this market meets the needs of both
the specialist, and the broker looking to diversify their service offering. Our
platform is underpinned by:
• Training and support provided by experienced personnel
• Access to current industry information
• Tools to assist lender selection
• Direct lender lodgement via our digital CRM
• In addition to traditional loan facilities we have access to specialised

products including software funding, rental, fleet leasing, operating
lease and Insurance Premium Funding
• Fully compliant NCCP lending process which ensures all your legal
obligations are met.
Regardless of your client’s needs we are well placed to assist you find the
right solution.

COMMERCIAL

Finance

Astute’s reputation in the commercial finance market is one of quality.
Comprising 1st and 2nd tier Australian Banks, plus a range of specialist
lenders, our lender panel is designed to meet a broad range of needs.

Astute is solutions focused across a number of industries rather than
catering to a specific market segment such as property.

Astute’s approach supports a diversified business model by delivering
access to a complete suite of financial products which include but are not
limited to:

• Business lending including acquisition
• Franchise lending
• Commercial property purchase including SMSF
• Review and restructure of existing commercial lending
• Working capital facilities including debtor finance
• Property development funding.

GENERAL

Insurance

Partnering with Ausure, Astute has access to a large range of general
insurance products for all commercial and domestic market segments.
Referrals can be submitted directly from our CRM, via phone or via email.

THE ASTUTE GENERAL INSURANCE OFFER INCLUDES:
• Home and Contents Insurance (owners, renters and landlords)
• Motor Vehicle Insurance
• Business Insurance
• Professional Indemnity
• Public and Products Liability
• Farm, Crop and Livestock
• Corporate and Leisure Travel Insurance.
We can also source a variety of other types of general insurance products
offered by Australian insurance companies. These products include, but
are not limited to: Strata, Construction, NSW CTP, Cyber Risk, Medical
Malpractice, and Workers Compensation (WA/NT/ACT).
We now have a team of in-house General Insurance Brokers and an
Insurance Assistant located at Astute Head Office to support the network.

ASTUTE SIMPLICITY HEALTH

We’ve got you covered

Astute now offers a market leading Health Insurance product. The product
is underwritten by St. Luke’s Health who have over 65 years’ experience in
the Health industry and provide Astute members with a quality co-branded
health insurance product.

St Luke’s have been rated ‘Number 1’ in customer satisfaction three years
in a row based on the quality of service they provide their members.

KEY FEATURES:
• Clients and staff are supported by a dedicated Astute Simplicity Health

team based in Tasmania
• Training to refer the product is provided digitally
• A support team available via email, or phone to answer any questions
• Supported by marketing materials, email campaigns, social media posts.

SUPPORT

Network

We realise that building a business is not easy and have specialist resources
available to support our members.

Business Managers - Our Business Managers have access to a range of
planning tools including a program that steps you through the growth of your
business. This program helps you analyse the current state and future plans of
your business, and enables you to work towards your desired business goals.

Credit Coach - The Credit Coach is available to help our members providing
timely guidance on loan placement and loan structuring. The Credit Coach
produces updates covering industry changes within the lending environment,
and posts regularly to our Facebook Community group.

Compliance - We have a full time compliance team whose role is to support
and coach members through the compliance framework. We provide you with
quality real-time feedback. This ensures that Astute maintains high standards
around the quality of services that are provided by the group.

Commissions - Astute has a full time commissions team that is available to
members on a daily basis and pays commissions across all business streams.

New Member Onboarding - We have a dedicated onboarding and
accreditation team who support new members through the onboarding and
transition process. We support you every step of the way.

MEMBER

development

Our level of training and support is a key differentiator for Astute in the
marketplace and has been a key driver of our business growth.
Member Days - These days revolve around developing members’
understanding of the roles of a diversified service offering. They are
designed to help our members work on their business rather than in their
business.
Product Days - To keep up to date with the latest technical and specific
product training, Astute coordinates sessions to provide industry partners
with the opportunity to present new or updated information to our
members.
Technology Days - These days are focused on developing member skills and
familiarisation with the technology platforms that support their businesses.
CRM Training - We have a dedicated CRM Trainer who provides ongoing
training to members - both face to face and via webinar. The training
is provided as different skill levels, to ensure both inexperienced and
confident users are provided with appropriate training modules.
Additional Training - Astute holds regular training sessions both face to face
and via webinar tailored to specific topics pertinent to members. These
include: Credit Coach training, EF/Commercial training, Marketing webinars,
and more.

TECHNOLOGY

Platforms

At Astute we are committed to ensuring our members have access to the
technology they need to effectively grow their businesses. This includes
dedicated resources within the business with specialist knowledge of our
technology platforms.
ASTUTE ONLINE - Astute Online is a portal that contains information for
all of our members including marketing, product information, manuals and
other information you and your team need to manage your business on a
daily basis. The portal includes lender documents, calculators and other
tools that are updated as new information is provided by our partners.
COMPASS - Compass is the leading system in the Financial Planning
profession, helping our members to automate workflows in their
businesses and provide quality and timely advice. Compass can also
automate marketing and client communications.

OUR CUTTING EDGE

Cloud Based CRM

Built on a cloud based platform, GEM is a cutting edge CRM that allows our
members to electronically lodge loan applications to our partners, and also
gives you the ability to communicate to your clients, all in the one system.
GEM incorporates a market leading client portal allowing full transparency
and ease of communication through the lending transaction. GEM also
has a fully integrated lending compliance document called the Credit
Proposal, which is a complete overview of the transaction that is signed by
the client prior to submission.
This process helps our members to meet their compliance obligations,
whilst providing clients with an overview of the deal being completed.
GEM can be accessed across all technologies, including mobile phone,
desktop and tablet making it simple and convenient for members. GEM
also incorporates plug-ins such as Bankstatements, Equifax, RP Data and
Pricefinder.
GEM has fully integrated Marketing and Reporting functionality and
is designed to help ensure our members are able to grow efficient and
compliant businesses.
Our members also have the ability to refer complimentary products and
services to their clients seamlessly from GEM. This feature integrates
all diversification processes into the loan process and additionally can be
utilised during the annual review process with clients.

JOIN US

and grow

Whether you currently operate in PETER TRETHOWAN
the lending or financial planning WILSTON - QLD
space, we have the systems and
support to help you integrate the full “It has been the vision of Astute that
range of financial services into your has helped me to develop from a single
business. operator to a fully integrated business
that now includes highly skilled brokers,
We help you transition your business in-house financial planners and a
from a transactional based model to designated commercial broker.
one based on long term relationships
responsible for a client’s entire The team at Astute are friendly and
financial lifecycle. We help you build approachable and always there for my
your own financial services business. team when required.”

CONTACTS

NATIONAL STATE MANAGERS

Nathan Kerr Katrina Sydenham - NSW
Head of Sales - 0402 217 388 Business Manager ‐ 0447 986 364
[email protected] [email protected]
Andrew Stone Jason Milne - SA/WA/TAS
Commercial and EF - 0410 525 047 Business Manager ‐ 0448 635 759
[email protected] [email protected]
Stuart White Vicky Devine - Qld
Insurance and Wealth ‐ 0400 035 481 Business Manager ‐ 0450 119 726
[email protected] [email protected]
Natasha Ramantanis - Vic
Business Manager ‐ 0458 827 555
[email protected]

Astute Financial Management Pty Ltd | ACN 093 587 010 | Australian Credit Licence 364253 | Wealth and Personal Insurance services
provided by an authorised representative of Alliance Wealth Pty Ltd | ABN 93 161 647 007 | AFSL 499221 | centrepointalliance.
com.au/AW. General Insurance provided by Astute Insurance Pty Ltd | ABN 59 622 582 236 | Authorised Representative of Ausure
Pty Ltd ABN 94 096 971 854 AFSL 238433. Health Insurance products are underwritten by St Luke’s Medical and Hospital Benefits
Association ACN 009 479 618 (St.LukesHealth), a registered private health insurer, [trading as Astute Simplicity Health] and members
are introduced by Astute Financial Management Pty Ltd or related entities (collectively known as Astute) for which Astute receives
a commission.