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Mortgage Choice Limited
Annual Report 2003

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FY2003 Annual Report · Mortgage Choice Limited
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M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

2003 Annual Report

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

CHOICE
MORTGAGE

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

“We’re famous for giving unbiased
advice and providing the highest
standard of service”

Contents
Mortgage Choice Overview
Company Highlights
Directors’ Report
Our Directors
Overview of Operations
Pillars and Foundations
Sharing the Vision
Our Lender Panel
Our Management Team
Looking Ahead

2
3
4
5
6
8
12
12
13
16

Our aims and objectives

To continue to  expand on our position as Australia’s leading mortgage broker.  

To ensure that the company is profitable every year, and to 

maximise shareholder value. 

To research, devise and implement marketing strategies that deliver a 

sustainable competitive advantage.  

To provide our customers with a wide choice of home loans, 

on a truly unbiased basis and a level of service that is both 

responsive and pro-active.  

To invest in and develop the most highly skilled, trained and competent 

people who share our beliefs and values, and who are 

motivated to achieve our collective goals.  

To ensure that our dealings with franchisees, customers, suppliers 

and employees are based on the highest standards of ethics, 

fairness and integrity. 

2003 Annual Report

Mortgage Choice Overview

Mortgage Choice was established in 1992.

460 accredited brokers, its website and call

Against a backdrop of increasing complexity in

centre.  Its brokers are either franchise owners

the home loan market in Australia, it is now the

or consultants employed by franchise owners.  

country’s leading mortgage broker offering

Mortgage Choice pays its franchise owners

genuine choice of home loans.  Mortgage

the same commission regardless of the lender or

Choice provides a structured comparison of the

loan type. When coupled with the fact that it

mortgage products available from the company’s

has no products of its own, it can truly claim to

panel of over 25 of Australia’s

leading lenders.

Mortgage Choice’s

business to date has been

predominately residential

lending for owner occupiers

and investors.

The Company originates

mortgages through its national

franchise system of more than

“When coupled with

the fact that it has

no products of its

own, it can truly

claim to offer an

unbiased service

offer an unbiased service. The

company’s strategy of providing

unbiased information to

residential mortgage customers

regarding mortgage products,

coupled with convenient service,

remains a key driver and

contributor to its success.

Mortgage Choice National Conference 2003 – Royal Pines, Gold Coast.

2

2002-2003 Company Highlights

Loan approvals increased by 30% to $ 7.5 billion.

Net profit before tax increased by 78% to $9.2 million.

Net profit after tax increased by 25% to $6.3 million.

Revenue increased by $22.5 million to $76.4 million.

Loan book rose from $9.6 billion to $13.5 billion, an increase of 40%.

Franchise numbers grew from 296 to 335.

Total brokers grew from 394 to 474.

Shopfront / commercial premises now stand at 153 which is over 45% of the total network.

One new Mortgage Choice office opens each week.

Mortgage Choice: Quarterly Approvals

M
$

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

01
96

02
96

03
96

04
96

01
97

02
97

03
97

04
97

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98

02
98

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98

04
98

01
99

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99

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99

04
99

01
00

02
00

03
00

04
00

01
01

02
01

03
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04
01

01
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02
02

03
02

04
02

01
03

02
03

3

M O R T G A G E
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2003 Annual Report

Directors’ Report

During 2003 Mortgage Choice delivered

of Chief Operating Officer, Chris Canty who

another strong year of growth.  The

capably managed the company during our search

combination of a strong housing market, a

for a new CEO.

motivated and customer focused franchise

The Board looks forward to the year ahead

network and a committed head office

with confidence.

management and support team ensures the

The Board of the Company has recently

Company is well positioned to maximise the

authorised management to commence the

opportunities that lie ahead.

preparation of the Company for listing on the

The financial result for the year to 30 June

Australian Stock Exchange by the first half of

2003 was a net profit after tax of $6.3 million,

2004.  The float is subject to sustained

an increase of 25% over the previous year. 

conducive market conditions and a favourable

Factors contributing to the Company’s

economic climate.

strong operating performance for the year

include an increased demand for our service,

increased productivity from our highly

motivated franchise owners and success in

franchise recruitment.

The calendar year 2003 has seen the

appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer,

Paul Lahiff.  Paul joined the company in August

2003 and has brought significant experience and

Rod Higgins

Director

expertise to the role. The

Board are delighted to have

somebody of his calibre

and capabilities join us. 

On behalf of the

Directors, I would like to

take this opportunity to

thank the management and

staff for their continued

commitment and

contribution and also wish

to recognise the leadership

“The financial result for

the year to 30 June 2003

was a net profit after tax

of $6.3 million, an

increase of 25% over the

previous year.”

4

Our Directors

Peter Higgins

Peter Higgins is cofounder of Mortgage Choice.  Mr Higgins also holds

directorships in companies in the technology and electronics industry. Having

been successfully self-employed for over 20 years he has been involved in a

number of start up companies in a diverse range of industries covering

manufacturing, technology, leasing, property and finance.  Age 43.

Rodney Higgins

Rodney Higgins is cofounder of Mortgage Choice and has a background

in residential and commercial  property, sales and leasing and has been a

director of companies involved in manufacturing, wholesaling, importing,

retailing and finance. Age 49.

Robert Prowse

Mr Prowse is the nominee of Thorney Holdings Pty Limited and joined

the Board in February 2003.  Thorney Holdings Pty Limited is a member of the

Pratt Industries group and has been a shareholder since April 2000.  Mr Prowse

is an Investment Manager with Thorney Holdings Pty Limited and has

significant experience in finance-related industries.  Age 52.

Peter Clare

Mr Clare is the nominee of Wealthpoint Limited and joined the Board 

in November 2002.  Wealthpoint Limited has been an investor in 

Mortgage Choice since April 2000 and became a wholly owned subsidiary of

St. George Bank Limited in early 2002.  

Mr Clare is a member of the Group Executive of St. George Bank with

responsibility for Strategy and previously held positions with CBA and as a

management consultant.  Age 40. 

5

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

2003 Annual Report

Overview of Operations

The financial year under review ended with

Client retention is a key strategy of

another strong profit result and impressive loan

Mortgage Choice and our loan book as at 30

book growth for Mortgage Choice. The

June 2003 has now surpassed $13 billion making

Company has a very stable foundation and is

it one of the – if not the – largest loan book of

well positioned for solid growth over the next

any of the non-bank lenders or mortgage

few years.

brokers.

Our highly respected and award winning

Key Performance Indicators

franchise system also experienced steady growth

The Company’s operating after-tax profit

over the period. The number of franchise

of $6.3 million is 25% higher than last year and

owners grew to 335, an increase of 13%. This

reflects the growing acceptance of the Mortgage

meant, the Company had a total broker force of

Choice brand and consumer proposition. The

474 (including the loan consultants supporting

Company has now attained a financial position

the franchisees) at 30 June 2003.

where the trailing income derived from its loan

book is sufficient to cover its fixed costs. The

The Mortgage Broking Industry

Company is therefore less vulnerable to the

The industry has seen two major focal

immediate effects of volatility in the housing

points of interest during the past year – what

market.  

lies ahead for the housing market and, what

form regulation will take. Both of these factors

Mortgage Choice’s home lending approval

will continue to dominate the attention of all

volumes are up significantly achieving a new

stakeholders especially the media and other

threshold of $7.5 billion, up 30% on last year.

observers during the next financial year.  

Market share of the mortgage market grew to

4.4% (ABS) for the year.

Housing Finance Market and Interest Rates 1984-2003

180,000

160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

M
$

80,000

60,000

40,000

20,000

0

18%

16%

14%

12%

10%

8%

6%

4%

2%

0%

e
t
a
R
e
g
a
g
t
r
o
M
e
l
b
a
i
r
a
r
a
V
e
g
a
r
e
v
A

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Owner Occupied 

Investment

Average mortgage interest rate

Source: ABS; excludes commercial construction finance

6

 
 
 
State of the Housing Market

Regulation of the Industry

There has been much speculation about the

The introduction of the landmark report

housing “bubble” and its impact on the demand

undertaken by the Consumer Credit Legal

for housing finance going forward. Mortgage

Centre NSW (Inc.) on behalf of the Australian

Choice has held the view for some time that the

Securities Commission in March 2003

housing market is experiencing solid growth but

highlighted among other things the need for

is not approaching the highs of the late eighties.  

regulation of the industry.

The market can be broken down into a

As an industry leader, Mortgage Choice

series of sub-markets and whilst there has been

over the past three years has been working

significant growth in the investment sector,

closely with industry and government bodies to

Mortgage Choice is of the opinion that a

escalate the importance of regulating the

reduction in demand in this sector will not have

mortgage broking industry.  Our call for

any material effect on the Company’s business.

national uniform regulation in September 2002,

Housing is now looked upon by a growing

together with our accompanying consumer

number of consumers as a wealth creation

advocacy initiatives, highlights the company’s

vehicle and the use of home equity to generate

commitment to stamping out unprofessional

additional wealth, either through investing in

and unethical brokers. This call for regulation

further property or equities or in both is now an

has received increasing attention and has been

accepted investment portfolio practice.

reinforced by a recent agreement between the

As a consequence the Company has seen

various state and territory Consumer Affairs

an increase in refinancing for this purpose as

Ministers to move to national regulation.

well as for debt consolidation and renovations.

Mortgage Choice instigated and developed

It is worth noting that refinancing, provided it is

two key consumer protection initiatives over the

in the best interests of the consumer, is an

past 12 months that have further positioned

acceptable, logical and sensible means to access

Mortgage Choice as a leader in consumer

or manage their equity.

advocacy. Key initiatives included our launch of

The plight of first homebuyers seems to be

a Customer Charter, which fully discloses the

a widespread problem with many developed

commission structure paid to our franchise

countries faced with the same dilemma of a

owners as well as outlining the service

reduced demand from this sector.  It must be

customers can expect from a Mortgage Choice

borne in mind that the Federal Government’s

broker and what the company’s privacy and

decision to increase the first homeowner grant

complaints policies are.  Following this,

to $14,000 in 2000 did have the effect of

Mortgage Choice developed a Consumer

bringing forward the purchase decision for many

Checklist that was launched in March 2003,

in this category.  It is Mortgage Choice’s view

which gives customers a checklist to complete to

that what we are experiencing at present is in

assist them in identifying if they are dealing with

part the after effects of that initiative.

a professional and honest broker.

7

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

2003 Annual Report

Pillars and Foundations

In order to achieve its objectives for

and Corporate Standards Manager. The aim of

growth in profitability and market share,

all investigations is to fully and accurately

Mortgage Choice has developed a strategic

determine all relevant facts, enabling a

model, which embraces the basic pillars and

determination if Mortgage Choice was

foundations of the business.  It is around this

responsible in any way for the customer’s

model that this overview will be positioned.

grievance. Where possible, final determinations

Customer Focused

are communicated to customers within 10

business days of receiving the initial dispute

From the beginning, the Mortgage Choice

communication.

philosophy has centred on providing the best

possible service to its customers.  This starts at

Marketing Driven

the frontline with our brokers, and through new

With the mortgage broking market growing

customer focused initiatives that are continually

significantly, it is a core priority of the business

being developed in all areas of the business.

to actively and effectively promote Mortgage

With a high proportion of Mortgage

Choice’s image, position and point of difference.

Choice business resulting from referral and

This ensures the company both sustains and

repeat business, the importance of providing

continues to build on an already strong and

outstanding service to customers has been

reputable brand clearly distinguishing itself

identified as a priority for the business.

from its competitors and encouraging

Consequently, in March 2003 the Company

consumers to choose Mortgage Choice as their

launched a Referral Marketing program which

broker of choice.

embraces past, current and potential clients to

ensure that Mortgage Choice is top-of-mind for

Campaign Strategy

any future needs customers may have. A natural

As a marketing driven organisation,

consequence of this approach to servicing our

Mortgage Choice develops and runs national

clients is a “Client for Life” and as the name

advertising campaigns to support our

suggests this program aims to ensure the

franchisees.  These campaigns are developed

customer is retained.

Consumer advocacy is high

on our list of priorities and

during the year we upgraded our

processes for resolving all formal

disputes raised by Mortgage

Choice customers. 

All disputes are

immediately acknowledged on

notification of the customer’s

issues and a detailed

investigation initiated under the

Customer
Focused

Market
Driven

Franchise
Centered

Lender Relationships

Reliable Information

quarterly and kits are

distributed to all franchisees.

Each campaign has a different

theme that is reflected across all

the marketing material.

Different channels and media

used by Mortgage Choice

include, radio, referral

marketing, press advertising,

television and sponsorships.

A typical integrated

campaign this year for instance

direction of our Compliance

Stakeholder Interests

included a television

8

commercial (featuring Mortgage Choice

franchisees) which was produced in February

Mortgage Choice in
the Media 

2003. Press advertisements and billboards were

A proactive media

developed to compliment the theme.

Meanwhile, live reads were used on radio

relations strategy directed

at national, metropolitan,

networks transforming consumer awareness to

regional and suburban

lead generation.  

media has delivered

Mortgage Choice was principal sponsor of

increased awareness of

the Channel 9 Money Expo in Melbourne and

and respect for the

Sydney 2003. The success of this exercise, both

Mortgage Choice brand

from a branding and lead generation perspective

means the Company will expand this sponsor

campaign to other capital cities in 2004.  In a

and consumer

proposition.

different vein the Company was also the major

Franchise Centred

sponsor of Polo by the Sea, a community event

Mortgage Choice

held in Sydney which raises funds for charity.

recognises its franchisees

are the core of the

business, and without a

motivated and focused

franchise network, the

company would not

achieve its goals.

Consequently,

Mortgage Choice

continually aims to

improve on the support,

Tracy Parish & Robert Walpole,
NSW – National Franchise of the
Year
"Tracy and I have a good partnership.  She
has the technical aspect and vast lending
experience, whilst I have the drive, vision and
managerial experience.  Developing a strong
team of achievers around us is also vitally
important to our success".

Nick Cook, QLD 
– National Rookie of the Year
"I do my job because I love to provide
excellent customer service.  I have worked
extremely hard to
develop and establish
a strong business in
my local area, and it
is very satisfying
being able to assist
people achieve their
property dreams".

resources and training that is offered to the

franchise network to make their businesses as

efficient and effective as possible.  

The effectiveness of the Company-

franchise network inter-relationship is vital for

our success and playing a key role in the two-

way information transfer process is the network

elected Franchise Advisory Council which meets

Website

A new website was launched during the

each month with senior management to discuss

year. It is used to provide consumers with useful

matters of national and local importance.  This

information and support our lead generation

FAC ensures that there is ownership and

activities.  Franchisees are also provided with

understanding across the network on issues and

their own “mini-site” within the Mortgage

development.

Choice website. 

9

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

2003 Annual Report

Pillars and Foundations (continued)

Value Drivers

The development of lending scenario

Under a franchise model, which has proven

workshops and training programs for Franchise

to be one of the most productive in the

Administration Support staff (which are

industry, there is a Group Office dedicated to

delivered in each capital city) are among other

the support of the network. In addition to

initiatives introduced during the year.

Group Office, franchisees also have access to

more local State Offices.   

IT Support and Development

The value drivers of the business include

Every Mortgage Choice broker is equipped

the brand, marketing support, field support,

with a comprehensive suite of applications to

lead generation, regulatory compliance,

support their broking activities. Mortgage

information systems and the successful business

Choice’s sophisticated software allows its

model itself. All are driven by Group and State

brokers access to over 200 products from over

Offices and embraced by franchisees.

25 lenders to ensure that its customers get the

Training & Development

right advice on their home loan needs.

To back up its information technology

Training is of critical importance to the

proposition, Mortgage Choice operates a

Mortgage Choice business model. 

dedicated Helpdesk facility to service the

Mortgage Choice is committed to ongoing

network. 

development of its front line people by

providing a continuous and powerful learning

Rewarding Effort

program that is respected by lenders,

The success of the business is based on the

competitors and professional associations. The

quality of customer service together with a

learning program involves the delivery of skills,

commitment to the franchise model by its

knowledge and tools to enable the network to

franchisees.

retain industry leadership.

Mortgage Choice believes it is important

Both induction and ongoing training is

to recognise and pay tribute to the efforts of its

provided to ensure that the franchise network is

franchise network.  There are two key programs:

productive and efficient. Training needs are

• Business Excellence Awards - rewarding

identified and courses are developed constantly

overall business performance, on a state-by-

to address those needs.   

state basis in four franchisee categories

The introduction of a Franchise Mentor

(Rookies, Single Operators, Multi Operators,

System was predicated on the concept of

and Multiple Franchise Owners). 

establishing a learning relationship between the

• High Flyers - rewarding top volume

mentor (an already established and successful

performers.

franchisee) and a new franchisee. This assists the

In addition, the Company holds a national

new franchisee in developing their core

conference each year.  Under the Mortgage

interview techniques and lending knowledge, by

Choice franchise agreement, it is a requirement

providing hands on exposure to the core

that each franchisee attends the conference,

business.  

demonstrating the commitment Mortgage

Choice has to this premier event. The

10

conference allows franchisees and their staff to

Reliable Information

gain new skills and knowledge, as well as

providing franchisees, lenders and Mortgage

Choice personnel with an opportunity to

During 2003,

Mortgage Choice

implemented a new

network, understand each others roles and forge

public internet presence.

new relationships. 

As part of this initiative,

The 2003 National Conference was held at

it provided each franchise

the Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast,

owner with a personal

Queensland. The theme of the conference was

website incorporating a

“Own the Future”. It was the biggest conference

powerful content

to date with over 500 delegates in attendance.

management capability,

The conference is also the venue where the

allowing each broker the

Business Excellence award winners and High

flexibility to manage their

Stephanie Cook, NSW – National
Single Operator of the Year
Stephanie attributes the success of her
business to her understanding of the
demographics /
psychographics of the
market in which she
operates, and the
ability to build on the
already good name
and reputation of
Mortgage Choice.

Flyers are announced.

own local area marketing needs.

Lender Relationships

An intranet-based knowledge base was also

created to provide a wealth of information and

With over 25 of Australia’s leading lenders

tools to franchisees on the subjects of best

on its panel and with an increasing proportion

practice, referral marketing, campaigns,

of loans being written through the broker

editorials and business

channel, Mortgage Choice recognises the

management.  

importance of developing and nurturing the

In response to the

relationships between broker and lender.  

rapid evolution of the

Mortgage Choice has a dedicated Lender

mortgage broking market

Relations team, which oversees the

in Australia, Mortgage

encouragement of a culture of information

Choice plans to

sharing with its lender partners and the

implement a new breed of

franchise network.

mortgage broking

Mortgage Choice aims are to encourage

support tools for its

lender interaction on such matters as client

mobile work force during

retention and anti-churn strategies.  Providing

2004. The plan is to apply

structured access to the franchise network and,

the company’s more than

promoting operational effectiveness by working

10 years’ experience in

with lender partners to improve service, and

mortgage broking to

delivery of end-to-end electronic loan

create a fully integrated

Wendy Higgins, SA
– National Multiple Franchise
Owner of the Year
Twice National Franchise Operator of the
Year, Wendy commenced operations with
Mortgage Choice in 1998.  She has made
her mark in Adelaide, particularly in the
Holdfast Bay / West
Torrens areas, and
now employs 7 people.
Wendy still remains
unmatched nationally
on the number, and
volume of loans she
writes.

processing.

‘enterprise system’.  The new system will

integrate the franchise management, client

management, supplier and product, loan

application, marketing and commission and

bonus requirements of the business.  

11

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

2003 Annual Report

Pillars and Foundations (continued)

In addition, during the second quarter,

electronically to our top 10 lenders by the end

2004 we plan to roll out a multi-lender

of 2004. Electronic submission will shorten

electronic loan processing system, which is a

cycle times, reduce re-work and substantially

collaboration of the big 3 in mortgage broking -

improve the customer experience.

Mortgage Choice, AFG and Aussie Mortgage

Market. This facility will allow our loans

consultants to submit loan applications

Sharing the Vision

The culture of the company is one built on

Any strategic plan is only as good as the

the foundations of a service culture and high

quality of commitment that management and

achievement. The ability of any organisation to

staff have to the process.  At Mortgage Choice

affect change and deliver ongoing growth is

there is a team of dedicated experienced

predicated on a flexible, motivated team of

professionals who have proven to be high

employees. The human resource efforts of

achievers in the pursuit of the corporate goals. 

Mortgage Choice are aimed at ensuring that our

employees have the capability, motivation and

leadership to deliver on the key pillars and

foundations to both franchisees and consumers.

Our Lender Panel

12

Our Management Team

Paul Lahiff – Chief Executive Officer

Paul is an Agricultural Economics graduate with over 20 years

experience in the financial services.  This has included roles as Managing

Director of Permanent Trustee and Heritage Building Society, as well as

senior executive roles with Westpac (in Sydney and London) and the credit

union sector.  Paul joined Mortgage Choice as Chief Executive Officer in

August 2003, and he is responsible for managing the operations of the

company to ensure the continued growth and development of the business

through effective leadership and the development and articulation of a

sound, credible and realistic strategy for the company.

Chris Canty – Chief Operating Officer

Chris is an Agricultural Science graduate with a Graduate Diploma in

Management and has had 14 years sales, marketing and management

experience in the agricultural chemical industry.  Chris joined Mortgage

Choice in October 1997 with a Master Franchise in South Australia and

having successfully established the operation in that state, he joined the

senior management team that has led the business through a period of rapid

growth.  As Chief Operating Officer, Chris is responsible for the overall

management of Mortgage Choice operations in Australia, with particular

focus on sales, marketing and lender relationships, and the maintenance of

harmonious and effective working relationships between Mortgage Choice

and franchisees.

Earle Macgregor, Chief Financial Officer

Earle Macgregor is a Chartered Accountant with 20 years broad

professional and commercial experience gained with a top tier accounting

firm and listed retail and media companies. He has experience in growing

and listing companies together with overseas financial management

experience in London and an audit and business services background. Earle

commenced with Mortgage Choice in January 2002 and is responsible for

financial management, control and planning.

13

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

2003 Annual Report

Our Management Team (continued)

Mark Newton, Chief Information Officer

Mark joined Mortgage Choice in May 2000. He has over

17 years experience in Information Technology, including 11

years in senior management positions. He has extensive

experience in the design and implementation of infrastructure

solutions and management of applications development on an

international scale, gained primarily in the global reinsurance

industry. As Chief Information Officer, Mark is responsible for

IT strategy, applications development and infrastructure

management.  He holds a Diploma in Computer Programming

Technology and a Business Management Certificate from the

Australian Institute of Management.

Brent McDonald, Group Franchise Manager 
– Australia & New Zealand

Brent has a Bachelor of Applied Science.  He has 17 years

experience in franchising and small business management, the

bulk of this time was spent in the Australian Oil Industry.  Brent

joined Mortgage Choice in November 1998 and is now

responsible for the management and development of the

Mortgage Choice franchise system and the training of new

franchisees and loan consultants. 

Warren O’Rourke, National Corporate Affairs Manager

Warren holds a Marketing degree from the University of

Technology, Sydney.  He has 20 years experience in marketing

and communications covering both corporate and consulting

roles.   Warren has extensive experience in banking and finance,

and has also worked in franchising and cause marketing.  He

joined Mortgage Choice as Group Manager, Marketing and

Communications in March 1999.  In August 2002 he became

National Corporate Affairs Manager and now is responsible for

corporate affairs and media issues.

14

Ian Pepper, National Marketing Manager

Ian has a Bachelor of Economics from Macquarie University and

trained to be a Chartered Accountant with Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC).

Following fours years in London where he worked with PwC and Equitas

Limited, Ian returned to Australia to obtain his MBA  (specialising in

marketing) from Macquarie School of Management.  Ian commenced with

Mortgage Choice in June 2000 as Senior Financial Analyst working on

strategy and large projects including Franchise Value Proposition and Field

Support.  However, now as National Marketing Manager, he is responsible

for integrated advertising campaigns, franchisee marketing tools, referral

marketing and brand integrity.

David Hoskins, Company Secretary

David commenced with Mortgage Choice in June 2000.  He has a

Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Corporate Management

and is a CPA and a member of Chartered Secretaries Australia.  David has

had over 20 years experience in a variety of accounting and company

secretarial functions primarily in the finance and insurance industries. As

Company Secretary David is responsible for implementing and monitoring

corporate governance practices, compliance and corporate standards;

administrating Board and shareholder matters; and coordinating legal

counsel.

Steven Heavey, National Lending Manager

Steven holds a bachelor of engineering (civil) and has had 15 years

experience in senior management, sales & marketing roles within the

construction, manufacturing and finance industries.  Steven joined

Mortgage Choice in November 2001 and led the franchise network to a

phase of rapid growth in his role as Queensland State Manager.  During this

time, Steven was responsible for the overall management of the Queensland

operations and was also responsible for national reward and recognition

programs within the Mortgage Choice organisation.  In August 2003,

Steven moved into the role of National Lending Manager and while

maintaining responsibility for the reward and recognition programs, is now

focused on the management of commercial relationships and integration of

electronic loan applications.

15

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

2003 Annual Report

Looking Ahead

The outlook for 2003-04 is positive. While

it can continue to grow organically, it also views

speculation continues as to whether or when the

acquisition positively should market

property market will slow and interest rates

opportunities present themselves in the future.  

increase, our experience is that the property

Productivity of the Mortgage Choice

market is made up of a number of sub-markets.

franchise network leads the industry and this

Respected forecasters predict that there will be

will continue to grow, as we continue to develop

some degree of slowdown however, other than

the rewards and support to facilitate this.  At the

the owner-occupier sector, we do not have a

same time, growing the franchise owner base is

large exposure to any one sub-market. As a

fundamental to our short-term growth strategy.

consequence, we anticipate that Mortgage

In this regard we will increase franchise owner

Choice will be somewhat insulated from any

numbers by 65 and total broker numbers by 130

downturn if and when it happens.

in the period to June 2004.

Regulation of the mortgage broking

Mortgage Choice is continuing to assess

industry is under development and it is likely to

the conditions in relation to an initial public

result in rationalisation of the industry.  This

offering which could be as early as in the first

has already started with a number of lenders

half of 2004. 

setting minimum standards in terms of industry

membership and experience in the industry.

Mortgage Choice is of the view that while

Mortgage Choice Australia Limited

Auditors

Level 7, 182-186 Blues Point Road

PricewaterhouseCoopers

North Sydney NSW 2060

ABN 57 009 161 979

Tele: 02 8907 0444

Fax:  02 9954 4194

www.mortgagechoice.com.au

Solicitors 

Minter Ellison

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M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

2003 Annual Report

M O R T G A G E
C H O I C E

CHOICE
MORTGAGE