Boutique aggregator Liberty Network Services (LNS) is committed to supporting new entrants to the broking industry. And with their 24-month internal mentoring program, A-FIT they are setting them up for success from day one.
LNS CEO Daniel Marsi said the industry requires new broker entrants with fresh ideas to secure its future. With a 220-strong network, LNS has national scale and is still recruiting.
“A-FIT is designed to set new brokers up for business success, ensuring they’re not only skilled in technical lending, but also have strong business development, customer engagement, and relationship building knowledge,” Marsi said.
Advisers have a clear blueprint for success with A-FIT’s three stages: Foundation, Growth, and Momentum.
Strong foundations
The initial two months of the program are the Foundation stage. It involves extensive onboarding, including initial training, lender accreditations, and technology set-up. New advisers create a business plan with their dedicated network sales manager (NSM) and are guided through the customer engagement process.
Victorian-based Liberty adviser Saurabh Varma joined Liberty Network Services in 2020 and believes the A-FIT program is “a must” for new-to-industry brokers.
“The first 12 months are the toughest to survive in this industry. It’s a steep learning curve that can be make or break for the broker,” Varma said.
“There is so much to learn in terms of the processes, policies, and customer relationship management, while also running your own business for the first time. The support one gets via A-FIT keeps you motivated and steers you in the right direction.”
Steady growth
The Growth phase spans 10 months and provides over 50 hours of expansive training centred on seven core categories: sales, marketing, Spark+ (LNS’ proprietary software platform), finance acumen, lending essentials, product and scenarios, and compliance.
Advisers are provided in-depth loan process training, a comprehensive loan application checklist, and loan application reviews prior to submission. This ensures new advisers are equipped to confidently lodge loan applications.
WA-based Liberty adviser Zayna Chhaya graduated from the A-FIT Program in 2023 and said that she would not have known where to start without it.
“Being new to industry, it was hard to know where to start, but A-FIT provided structure and support. I have a great relationship with my NSM and mentor, Clara Sciarretta, and that’s what made all the difference. The regular communication and encouragement give you confidence there will always be support to help you learn and grow,” Chhaya said.
Chhaya remains in touch with the advisers she participated in the program with.
“It was great to meet those going through the program with me, we learnt from each other, and I never felt alone.”
Gaining momentum
In the last 12 months of A-FIT, advisers are given the tools, training, and support needed to continue growing their business. Continued tweaks address training gaps, improve productivity, and increase loan diversification.
Marsi also hosts quarterly group check-ins. Known as ‘Connect and Reflect’, these sessions provide an opportunity for advisers to discuss strategies, marketing activities, and any challenges. This helps ensure they feel supported while encouraging collaboration and open communication.
NSW-based adviser Melissa Baxter said A-FIT was a game changer as a new broker.
“It gave me the tools and confidence I needed to start my career on the right foot. The training covered everything from industry basics to client relationships, and the support was incredible,” Baxter said.
“I especially appreciated the mentorship and connecting with other new brokers going through the same challenges. The program made me feel prepared and excited to take on my first clients. I’d recommend A-FIT to anyone new to industry – it really sets you up for success.”
