Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
the adviser logo
Tech

Sherlok raises $3.4m to launch single-click refinancing

by Annie Kane12 minute read

The mortgage repricing platform has raised $3.4 million in a funding round to help it launch single-click refinancing this year.

Sherlok has raised $3.4 million in a funding round led by Rampersand, with participation from Investible and members of its club investable syndicate Paloma and Common Sense Ventures.

Currently, Sherlok’s AI engine assesses a consumer’s financial data (including open banking data through its partnership with Adatree) to identify whether they can access a better rate. It enables brokers to automatically reduce customers’ interest rates by repricing with their current lender.

As well as saving borrowers money, this also adds value and efficiencies to the broker proposition by reducing the risk of run-off.

==
==

Following the successful funding round, it is now working on building out the platform’s capability to allow brokers to refinance their clients through a single-click refinancing tool.

Speaking to The Adviser, Adam Grocke commented: “We’re at a really interesting inflection point in the mortgage industry and I think there’s an opportunity to be first mover in doing this, and this opportunity won’t exist again in two or three years’ time.

“The quality of open banking data and data sharing is at a point where its usable and there is now the capability of technology — and the demand from consumers and brokers — for a much faster, digital way of processing a refinance.

“The new capital allows us to further improve our current platform and build out really cool functionality for brokers, but more importantly push us into the next stage, which is helping brokers with digital refinancing and instant credit decisioning.”

According to Mr Grocke, the refinancing process will enable brokers to spend no more than 10 minutes on the refinance and doesn’t require any additional documentation.

It is expected that the tool, which is currently being built and tested, will be rolled out to brokers (whose aggregators have agreed to use the digital refinance) around September 2023.

As such, while brokers will be able to see repricing opportunities for all lenders available to them, they will also be able to push through deals through single-click refinancing to participating lenders later this year.

Several lenders are understood to have already agreed to participate in Sherlok’s single-click refinancing.

Speaking of the capital raise, Taryn Pieterse, principal at Rampersand VC, said: “Property ownership is central to the Australian economy and culture and, in a rising interest rate environment, Sherlok has built the platform that swings things back in the home owner’s favour using advanced technology and AI models.

“We were impressed by Sherlok’s strong vision as a category creator and their ability to deliver on strategic milestones with a small team. Before founding Sherlok, Adam was an award-winning broker for over a decade and that insider knowledge shines through in their product.

“This technology is built for brokers, by brokers, with a deep understanding of retention strategy and the single-click refinancing solution represents a major step forward.”

According to Sherlok, the fintech has seen 700 per cent user growth in the past year as rates have increased. Indeed, it recently found that the average length of a loan is now just 37 months, as more brokers and borrowers work to take advantage of competition in market and refinance.

[Related: Average loan life now around 3 years: Sherlok]

press release adamgrocke sherlok zvogmk

AUTHOR

Annie Kane is the managing editor of Momentum's mortgage broking title, The Adviser.

As well as leading the editorial strategy, Annie writes news and features about the Australian broking industry, the mortgage market, financial regulation, fintechs and the wider lending landscape.

She is also the host of the Elite Broker, New Broker, Mortgage & Finance Leader, Women in Finance and In Focus podcasts and The Adviser Live webcasts. 

Annie regularly emcees industry events and awards, such as the Better Business Summit, the Women in Finance Summit as well as other industry events.

Prior to joining The Adviser in 2016, Annie wrote for The Guardian Australia and had a speciality in sustainability.

She has also had her work published in several leading consumer titles, including Elle (Australia) magazine, BBC Music, BBC History and Homes & Antiques magazines.  

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!
magazine
Read the latest issue of The Adviser magazine!
The Adviser is the number one magazine for Australia's finance and mortgage brokers. The publications delivers news, analysis, business intelligence, sales and marketing strategies, research and key target reports to an audience of professional mortgage and finance brokers
Read more