In Memoriam: Mark Lewis, 1963–2022

Mr Lewis was a well-known identity in the third-party broker industry, best known for his 13-year career as a partnership manager with FAST. 

While working at the aggregation group, Mr Lewis became known for his quick wit, affection and astounding knowledge of broker businesses. 

His dedication to supporting the broker channel saw him win multiple awards over his career at FAST, and he won the Best Aggregator BDM award at The Adviser’s Better Business Awards Queensland on multiple occasions (most recently in 2016). He was also named the Best Aggregator BDM at the MFAA Excellence Awards in 2017. 

As well as external awards, Mr Lewis was also celebrated for his skill, knowledge and support internally. He was a FAST Partnership Manager of the Year winner and – when the aggregation group was still owned by the major bank – took home NAB’s national award for partnership managers across all NAB broker businesses.

While Mr Lewis was best known in industry for work at FAST, his finance career started from a young age. 

At the age of 17, he began working at the ANZ branch in Baulkham Hills, which is where he first met his wife, Michelle. 

His 20-year career with ANZ took him from Sydney to Fiji, to Papua New Guinea and Mt Isa, before settling in Brisbane where he then joined Esanda and, later, Suncorp. 

It was after his eight years at Suncorp that Mr Lewis made the move into the third-party channel, taking on the role of commercial business development manager with PLAN Australia, before joining FAST in 2009. 

Remembering ‘Lewie’

Many of Mr Lewis’ former colleagues and friends have reflected on his legacy. 

Stephen Moore, the managing director of PCF Group, commented: “It’s hard to summarise a career that spanned over 30 years in banking and financial services and with as many accolades and achievements as Mark accomplished in his time. But – resoundingly – the words of those who know him best are consistent; he was a great man, a legend of the industry and had a great passion for broking.

“He was a much loved and respected figure and we know many will miss his genuine affection, humour and support, but take comfort in knowing that Mark has left our presence, and the FAST business, a better place for his endeavours.” 

Former FAST chief executive and colleague of 10 years, Brendan Wright, told The Adviser: “He was an absolute character with a great sense of humour who loved helping others out. 

“He cared. And because he cared so much, he was passionate. You could always count on him. That’s what people really like about him – whether his colleagues or friends – you could count on Mark, and knew he would be there.” 

Mr Wright added that his “passion and commitment to FAST and industry more broadly truly made a real difference”. 

“When I first took on the role [as FAST CEO], I was passionate about growing the commercial broker opportunity, and Mark was at the forefront – at the coalface – of helping me achieve that,” Mr Wright said.

“He played a pivotal role and really took action on helping FAST become a leader in that space.

“Talk to any broker business owners that worked with him, or who he helped out, and they’ll tell you how he was pivotal in helping them diversify.” 

Rob Ryan, the general manager of strategic projects at Lending Association and former head of FAST North, said: “Our industry has lost one of its greats. 

“Mark’s contribution to the finance industry, from mortgages, commercial lending and asset finance was significant. Mark was fondly well known in Queensland, however his influence stretched right across Australia,” Mr Ryan said.

“He proudly represented FAST on industry committees and achieved incredible results by assisting brokers to establish, diversify and grow their businesses. 

“Among his many achievements is a long list of awards and industry recognition – his trophy cabinet is definitely full. 

“Mark has left our presence but what a legacy he leaves. Our industry is in a better place for his endeavours.” 

Terry Scott, FAST partnership manager Queensland, added: “He was so trusted by many, that he enabled and assisted brokers with their secession plans.” 

Susan Kennedy, residential account manager at Thinktank (and a former FAST partnership manager Queensland), said: “Many of the biggest FAST businesses contribute their success to his guidance and mentorship. In fact, brokers and fellow-FAST staff alike would turn to Mark for his advice.”

As well as being an advocate for the broker channel, Mr Lewis was also a passionate supporter of the Parramatta Eels (his local team from when he was growing up in Winston Hills, Sydney). 

The club presented Mr Lewis with a signed 2022 jersey and sent through messages of support when his diagnosis was first made last year. He also had regular contact with ex-Parramatta great Tim Mannah. The club’s blue and yellow colours have featured in hundreds of messages of support over social media.

Service and support 

Mr Lewis is survived by his wife, Michelle, and his three children: Emma, Steve and Kristina. 

His family has asked that, instead of flowers, people donate to Mr Lewis’ page on PanKind to help support research on pancreatic cancer. 

A funeral service will be held at midday (12pm) on Tuesday (23 August) at Centenary Memorial Gardens, 353 Wacol Station Rd, Sumner in Queensland. 

A live stream of the funeral will also be available for those unable to attend (pin 4533).

Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.