Former NAB exec comes out of retirement to join major aggregator

Former National Australian Bank (NAB) executive Steve Kane has come out of retirement to head up the ongoing expansion of Loan Market Group.

Kane retired last November after almost 30 years in the mortgage broking industry, but will now assume the role of Head of Integration – People and Strategy at Loan Market Group.

Loan Market Group are in the process of subsuming PLAN Australia, Choice and FAST brokers under their banner, becoming one of the biggest players on the aggregator market in the process.

Kane was previously CEO of FAST for six years between 2006 and 2012, as well as holding leadership roles at Bankwest, the MFAA and latterly as General Manager of Broker Distribution at NAB.

“I’d been in the industry for almost three decades,” said Kane. “When I retired, I knew it would have to be something significant for me to return to the broking industry.”

“When Sam approached me and outlined what he intended to do with the expanded Group, the opportunity to be part of such a significant initiative was too good to pass on. The culture and values of Sam, the executive team and the entire business resonate strongly with me.

“I’ve watched closely what Loan Market Group has done over recent times, future-proofing its brokers’ businesses and bringing them closer to their customers. I have a detailed understanding of the PLAN, Choice and FAST aggregation business models and the people within them.

“Above anything else, I look forward to working with the team and adding value in the expansion of the Loan Market Group.”

Kane will take on the task of building a company culture across all the brands and assuring that all the relevant teams are integrated within the new structure, as well as heading up asset finance and commercial strategies.

“Steve has a proven track record in improving outcomes for brokers, their customers and relationships with lenders. At a time when brokers have never been busier, he will be a major advantage for the Group,” said Loan Market Group Executive Chairman Sam White.

“Steve’s experience working within NAB’s structure will be invaluable in helping brokers better understand the lender environment so we can do our part to shorten turnaround times across the board - a critical outcome for brokers and their customers, right now.”

“Steve understands what we want to offer brokers and customers under the expanded Group. He’ll be an important sounding board for myself and a familiar face for the brokers, especially those who are joining the Group.”