Choosing aggregators: Why I’m with Connective 15yrs on

As a mortgage broker, selecting the right aggregator is pivotal to your business’s success. Over the past 15 years, my partnership with my aggregator Connective has been instrumental in shaping my mortgage broking career.

This Connective review compliments my article on the top mortgage broking aggregators in Australia. I’ll cover Connective’s market position, plus their service offerings, pricing structure, and how their technology and support fuelled my growth.

Connective’s market share and growth

Connective has consistently demonstrated strong growth and market presence. Connective broker membership accounts for around 30% of broker numbers. This dominance is a testament to their effective strategies and broker-centric approach.

Connective brokers settled around $104.8 billion in 2024, included all loan types – up 10.5% on the previous year.

A recent MPA survey of mortgage brokers revealed Connective as the aggregator of choice for brokers if that had to change tomorrow:

Empowering female members

I love to see Connective reaching out and supporting female brokers. Banking and finance has been such a male-dominant field and seeing the participation of female brokers in our industry is positive for everyone.

The female broker membership share at Connective is 37% (June 2025). That is almost 30% higher than the industry average of 29%. Empowering and supporting female brokers is something Connective builds programs around. So, if you are a female wanting to get into broking contact me and I can introduce you to Connective for a chat.

Connective commercial lending

Commercial finance volumes are contributing to Connectives growth at an increasing rate – with $13.8 billion in commercial settlements in 2024 seeing a 22% rise compared to the previous year.

Connective recently won The Adviser’s 2024 Commercial Aggregator of the Year award.

Connective is actively investing in supporting broker commercial deals with experienced people, expanding lender options, improving Mercury Nexus and tailoring training to experience.

Why I joined Connective

These are the main reasons why I joined the aggregator Connective.

Innovative pricing for brokers
Connective’s fee structure was a major reason I joined. In an age when aggregators were still on a commission-split only arrangement with brokers, Connective were so confident in their platform that they only ever asked for a flat rate – paid monthly. This meant I received 100% of revenue generated.

Trail book ownership
The other thing Connective offered when I joined was ownership of your trail. Trailing income built around loan book retention is the cornerstone of any good broking business. Many aggregators were staking claim to your trail – the ultimate retention tool (handcuffs). Connective we quite open with their agreement and allowed me the option of walk away with my entire trail book with little notice. 15 years later I am still there.

Why I remain at Connective

Here are the reasons why I remain with my aggregator Connective 15 years later.

Technology Platform – Mercury Nexus
The Mercury Nexus CRM platform has singlehandedly enabled my business to grow. It collects and keeps all my records, analysis and recommendations.

It has made lodging loans faster and easier all while checking off compliance though a customisable workflow. Recent upgrades saw free credit reporting access and Open Banking integrations. Less work for clients, quicker preparation time for the broker and a more controlled information gathering process.

Credit Licence support
I hold my own Australian Credit Licence. As such they give me the autonomy I need while offering the supporting needed to me to stay compliant.

Ongoing training plus a file review service are a couple of things I use to stay on top of the regulatory requirements.

Comprehensive Lender Panel
Access to over 70 lenders provides me with a wide range of lenders, ensuring they can meet diverse client needs.

Connective has some white-label products distributed only through its broker network.

Some recent products are addressing the shortage in supply of SMSF loan products and a unique product that can cover a deposit shortfall enabling home ownership sooner.

Broker Support
Connective provides personalised BDM support, plus training and resources to help brokers grow their business.

Connective membership pricing

Connective offers two fee options for broker members and offers the flexibility of switching between them.

Maximiser vs Variable
On an average upfront commission split og 0.60%, in my opinion, the flat fee model favours broking groups writing more than $3,000,000. This is a volume a single broker should be able to achieve with the right strategies and support.

ACL vs Credit representative

I have operated my business under Connective at different times as an ACL holder and a Credit Representative.

Connective offers support to both Australian Credit Licence holders and Credit Representatives. They also offer brokers an option to operate as Credit Representatives under the Connective Credit Licence.

Each option comes with additional fee, responsibility and compliance considerations.

What services does Connective offer?

Connective will be your lender conduit – would even go so far as to say lifeline. Access to over 70 lenders – plus lenders unique and only accessible to Connective member brokers.

I made a list of Connective services highlighting what I used and valued along my mortgage broking journey with the aggregator Connective.

Loan diversity
Connective have broadened their aggregator value to provide comprehensive access to asset and commercial lenders for its broker members. Not only does it strengthen the aggregator proposition for Connective, it also adds the option for its members to diversify their revenue streams.

Compliance support
Compliance support in line with industry regulations is offered to both ACL holders and Credit Representatives.

Commission payments
Connective manages these according to your member plan. If you have any commission split arrangements with credit representatives or referrers it can also facilitate these payments.

Mercury Nexus CRM
A specialised CRM system that simplifies client management, automates workflows, and integrates with various lenders. This software that can be customised to suit your business type, preferences, clients and transactions – ensuring maximum efficiency. You can template almost anything – from the initial client interaction through to their 15 yr loan anniversary!

Marketing software
There are the tools to build your own marketing program or you can pay an additional marketing fee to access a proven marketing system to increase client engagement and revenue. I had them build and maintain my website for a couple of years while I focussed on the business.

Bespoke Connective loan products
These range from residential home loans right through to reverse mortgages and commercial solutions. They know what their lender panel can and can’t offer so they fill the gaps in lending where possible.

BDM support
The BDM model at Connective can keep you close, help you grow or just be there when you need – you decide.

Training and education – CPD
Connective offer training on all platforms – virtually and in person. It is more than keeping up with your PD requirements. I have been to some memorable sessions that stay with me today.

Extras from Connective
Due to the sheer number of brokers Connective supports, it is able to offer favourable subscription services like RP Data for a reduced fee. It can also integrate open banking and credit reporting services at no extra charge.

What does it look like for a new broker at Connective?

If you are not already familiar, I came from outside finance into broking. What we see more commonly are bankers moving into broking.

Even before your get the qualifications to be a mortgage broker, engage with an aggregator.

If you are brand new to broking, Connective are likely able to introduce you to a group with the right support structure around you to get you started.

If you have experience you might be able to start under your own brand straight away.

Let me introduce you to the right person at Connective – confidentially.

Final word

Choosing the right aggregator is crucial for any mortgage broker. Over the past 15 years, Connective has provided me with the tools, support, and opportunities to grow my business. Their commitment to innovation, broker support, and transparent pricing makes them a standout choice in the Australian mortgage broking industry.

If you’re considering partnering with an aggregator, Connective’s comprehensive offerings and broker-centric approach make them a compelling choice. Their track record of growth and broker success speaks volumes about their effectiveness in supporting mortgage brokers.