In July 2021, long-term private banker Daniel Vizza decided it was time to leave the world of banking behind and open his own brokerage.
Vizza (pictured above) and his cousin Adam Vizza, who worked in commercial banking, launched Vita Finance in Sydney. The cousins shared the same dream for many years of one day going into business together.
“I was with CBA for 12 years and started in the business banking sector looking after SMEs, however spent most of my time at the bank as a private banker managing my network of high net-worth clients,” Vizza said. “I would often speak about this with Adam who was with NAB for over 10 years and discuss launching our own business one day, so in July last year, we made it happen.”
Vizza said it took a lot of courage to branch into the broker world, especially during COVID-19.
“It was an interesting time to launch our business between lockdowns,” he said. “Through our combined experience and connections, we were able to hit the ground running. It was a smooth transition but not an ideal time from an economic perspective, but when is it ever a good time to start your own company.”
Vizza said he held himself to highest standards whilst working at CBA.
“We are now running a private bank model under our own banner with over 50 lenders on our panel to support our client offering,” he said. “We run as a boutique brokerage offering years of experience with corporates and together have developed strong networks with bankers across the majors and second-tier banks.”
Vizza said the “Vita Way” values were built upon building strong relationships with clients.
“Trust, knowledge, transparency, key industry experience, empathy and understanding and unique service principles, with you at the centre, is our company’s mantra. Our niche is high-income earners and offering them a solution that their current lender can’t,” he said.
“We work with different lenders to find a solution whether its credit policy or pricing. By working with private banks to get the right outcome for our clients and tailoring them with the right solution is our priority.”
Vizza said Vita Finance worked with clients for not just a one-off transaction, but through a long-term financial partnership.
“Whether the client is buying their first home or their 10th investment property, we want to help them through their journey,” he said.
“Ongoing client management is very important by ensuring you have an engagement plan continuing to reach out to your clients. Let them know about any changes and stay connected during their short term and long-term objectives.”
Vizza said brokers should remain at the front of their clients’ minds and always provide them with exceptional service.
“It is not hard, dedicate your craft and put the client at the centre of what you are going to help achieve for them,” he said. “Listen to your clients and make sure they are driving each interaction. This is the key to long term successful client relationships.”
