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Sydney-based brokerage Flint has reshaped its ownership structure and leadership team following a merger with another brokerage.
As part of “a strategic evolution”, elite brokerage Flint has now announced a new ownership structure.
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Flint, a Sydney-based brokerage co-founded by former Shore Financial broker Christian Stevens and former Blusk CEO Chris Bates, originally launched last year with a vision to redefine mortgage broking. It rapidly grew into an elite brokerage, offering residential, asset, commercial, business, development, and private broking services.
As part of “a strategic evolution”, Flint has now reshaped its ownership structure after merging with brokerage Confidence Finance, run by NSW brokers Redom Syed and Curtis Stewart.
The merger will see Stevens continue as Flint CEO, while Syed has been named chief operating officer and Stewart assumes the role of head of strategy.
The merged entity – which will continue to aggregate through Australian Finance Group (AFG) –will operate with a support team of 30 staff members and will relocate to a new office in Sydney’s CBD.
Speaking to The Adviser about the change in Flint ownership, Stevens said: “Partnering with Redom, Curtis, and their incredible team is the perfect match to support Flint’s continued growth.
“Together, we share a vision for a tech-driven, mortgage advice-led brokerage that puts clients first. This approach perfectly reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and shared values that Redom, Curtis, and I are passionate about.
“I couldn’t be more excited about the journey ahead.”
The two new Flint co-owners, Redom Syed and Curtis Stewart, said: “Our mission for the past 10 years has been simple: deliver exceptional customer experiences through speed, clarity, and quality advice.
“This merger is a natural next step, enabling us to expand that vision and provide even greater value to more clients across the board.”
Stevens said that the Flint director model (which enables brokers to operate under the Flint brand, but own their trail and clients) had been “widely embraced by the industry”, adding that Flint would continue to roll out new initiatives to support brokers and their clients.
This includes Flint Invest – a platform for professional investors looking for data-driven mortgage advice – and the introduction of a dedicated Flint Media team (reportedly including videographers and video editors, podcast support, graphic designers, content writers, and SEO specialists) who will provide branding and marketing support to director model brokers with an in-house podcast studio and green room.
According to Syed, the media team aims to help brokers position themselves as thought leaders in their target market.
Bates launches alcove
Meanwhile, Bates has announced a new direction for his business, which is now operating under the name alcove (part of Canopy Private Pty Ltd).
Under Bates’ leadership, alcove will focus on providing families with strategy-based mortgage advice and property guidance.
Bates, along with his team, will operate out of the North Sydney office previously occupied by Flint.
In a statement announcing the change, Bates said: “We are thrilled to begin the next chapter of Canopy’s 11-year history, providing our clients with trusted mortgage advice and property guidance.
“With our launch of alcove, we are committed to elevating our services in 2025 and beyond.
“[O]ur vision remains clear: alcove is a safe space for families to make calm, clear, confident property decisions with trusted, strategy-based mortgage advice and guidance.”
[Related: Christian Stevens and Chris Bates launch new brokerage]
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