Kellie Ell

New York

가을씨❤️ Senior reporter @creditflux, covering credit 💳🏦 | Español, 한국어 & #ASL | Previously @wwd @cnbc, @debtwire @usatodaymoney| I love 🚴‍♀️📚💃🏼✈️🐶

Articles

Regional Australia Bank and Summerland unite amid growing M&A landscape

2 days ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 23, 2025 Share Regional Australia Bank and Summerland Bank are coupling up. In a move reflective of a broader consolidation within the Australian financial sector, the duo have formally agreed to merge their operations. The governing bodies of both member-owned banks have given the green light to the union, setting the stage for the creation of a larger banking entity focused on serving regional communities.
Rate cut looms as unemployment rises amid global jitters

2 days ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 23, 2025 Share Rising unemployment rates mixed with persistent global uncertainty is a recipe for the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) next rate cut, some market participants say. All four of Australia's Big Four banks — Westpac, ANZ, National Australia Bank (NAB) and Commonwealth Bank (CBA) — have forecast the central bank will likely ease monetary policy with more rate cuts this year, with some predicting as early as the central bank's May 19-20 meeting.
Broker relationships under scrutiny at Bank of Queensland

3 days ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 22, 2025 Share Bank of Queensland (BOQ) is doubling down on its efforts to move away from the broker third-party channel, instead focusing on its proprietary network, sparking market chatter among some mortgage brokers about what this means for the future of broking. In the first half of 2025, the regional bank revealed rising profits, including a 6% jump in cash earnings and a 13% rise in statutory net profit, year-over-year.
Bluestone hits the road with national roadshow

1 week ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 18, 2025 Share Bluestone Home Loans is hitting the road. The Australian non-bank lender's 2025 Broker Roadshow kicks off May 6, inviting brokers, aspiring brokers, lenders, BDMs and more from around the nation to meet face-to-face, to network, share best practices and stay up-to-date on Australia's fast-growing loan markets.
Bank Australia and Qudos Bank merger approved

1 week ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 17, 2025 Share Bank Australia and Qudos Bank are now official. Members of Bank Australia and Qudos Bank have approved the proposed merger between the two customer-owned banks this week, paving the way for the creation of a larger financial institution. The merger is set to go into effect starting July 1 of this year. "This is a pivotal moment for our bank and sets us up well for our future," said Steve Ferguson, chair of Bank Australia.
Westpac lowers rates as expectations for RBA cuts intensify

1 week ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 17, 2025 Share Westpac is the latest bank to chop percentage points off its interest rate offerings as market anticipation grows for future interest rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). On Wednesday, Westpac said it was reducing its variable home loan rates for new customers.
Broker spotlight: Birdie Property's Nathan Smith

1 week ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 17, 2025 Share Nathan Smith was all smiles during the 2025 Bankwest Broker of the Year Awards, after his team walked away with the best dressed award. But after nearly two decades in the business, Smith, who is founder and director of Miranda, NSW-based brokerage Birdie Property, clearly has more insights to offer Australia's broker community than fashion advice. Smith has been celebrated as one of Australia's top 30 brokers under 30 two years in a row.
Broker spotlight: Birdie Wealth's Nathan Smith

1 week ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 17, 2025 Share Nathan Smith was all smiles during the 2025 Bankwest Broker of the Year Awards, after his team walked away with the best dressed award. But after nearly two decades in the business, Smith, who is founder and director of Miranda, NSW-based brokerage Birdie Wealth, clearly has more insights to offer Australia's broker community than fashion advice. Smith has been celebrated as one of Australia's top 30 brokers under 30 two years in a row.
Lextech names new CEO

1 week ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 16, 2025 Share Lextech has updated its C-suite, as the digital mortgage processing platform lays out plans to continue growth. Peter Maloney has been named Lextech's group chief executive officer. He brings with him more than 20 years of experience in Australia's financial, legal and property sectors. His resume includes stints at AUCyber, where he served as chief executive officer, and Dye & Durham Australia, where he oversaw the merger of SAI Global Property with GlobalX.
House prices set to jump 15% with Albanese's expanded home deposit plan, analyst says

1 week ago | brokernews.com.au | Kellie Ell

News By Apr 16, 2025 Share Concerns are mounting regarding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's expanded First Home Guarantee Scheme. If re-elected this May, Albanese's camp said he would let first-time buyers purchase a home with a deposit as low as 5%, sans the current income and property price caps. But while aspiring homeowners rejoiced, industry experts have expressed mixed reactions. SQM Research managing director Louis Christopher called Albanese's proposed plan inflationary.