Nathan Linton (pictured) transitioned from finance consulting to mortgage broking, creating Linton Finance to offer personalised, technology-driven services that address the real needs of homeowners and investors.
Linton, the founder of Linton Finance, shared his unexpected journey into the mortgage broking industry.
“I launched Linton Finance in August, but if you’d asked me five years ago if I’d be a mortgage broker one day, I probably would have laughed,” he said.
His transition from a background in consulting for major financial institutions to opening his own mortgage broking firm was driven by firsthand frustrations with the mortgage process as a homeowner and investor.
“The real catalyst for change came when my first child was born in January 2024,” Linton said. “I wanted something different, something that would allow me to be present for my family while still doing meaningful work.”
Linton emphasised the significant impact of technological advancements in the mortgage industry.
“The shift toward digital platforms, automated processes, and real-time communication has been game-changing,” he said.
This evolution has not only streamlined operations but also enhanced the personal interaction between brokers and clients.
“With the admin burden reduced, brokers like me can focus on what truly matters – understanding our clients’ unique situations and advocating for their financial goals,” Linton said.
Addressing the challenges facing today’s mortgage brokers, Nathan highlighted the balancing act between adhering to stringent compliance requirements and delivering personalised service.
“The lending landscape is changing rapidly, and keeping pace with increasingly complex compliance requirements while still delivering personalised service is a significant challenge,” he said.
His solution involves leveraging technology to manage administrative tasks, allowing more time for client interaction and relationship-building.
Linton shared a poignant experience with a client family that underscored the importance of responsiveness and efficiency in his work. The family had become frustrated with their previous broker’s slow response times, which impeded their investment goals.
“We ended up selecting a lender with competitive rates who also offered a streamlined digital application process and quick turnaround times – perfect for their situation,” Linton said.
This situation reaffirmed his belief in the power of technology to simplify processes and the critical nature of being attentive and prompt as a broker.
For those considering a career in mortgage broking, Linton advised leveraging unique past experiences and focusing on building strong relationships.
“Lean into your unique background... Invest in building genuine relationships—not just with clients but with lender BDMs, other brokers, and referral partners,” he said.
Linton also emphasised the importance of patience, continuous learning, and maintaining the human touch in an increasingly automated industry.
