Latitude introduces structured learning for rookie brokersLatitude has taken another step in strengthening broker education by launching its free Broker Beginner Series, a four-week online program designed specifically for those new to the industry. Spread across eight modules, the course aims to help rookie brokers build financial literacy, develop a deeper understanding of responsible lending practices, and gain confidence in serving clients.
Led by Latitude’s broker capability manager, Nina Griffith, the initiative has been designed with the unique challenges of new brokers in mind. Many entering the profession start with only basic financial knowledge, which can make navigating compliance, risk, and product knowledge overwhelming. Through this structured training, Latitude seeks to provide new brokers with a strong foundation to succeed in a competitive industry.According to Natasha Murray, Latitude’s general manager of brokers and partnerships, the series represents an investment in the future of the broker community. “Latitude’s Broker Beginner Series is about giving new entrants the chance to train up on the fundamentals. By doing so, we are not only equipping them for success but also building resilience across the wider broker network,” Murray explained.Why financial literacy is critical for new brokersFor many new-to-industry brokers, the transition into lending can be daunting. Financial products such as personal loans and auto loans require careful attention to compliance, affordability checks, and risk assessment. Without a clear understanding of these processes, rookie brokers may find themselves struggling to keep up with client expectations and regulatory demands.Latitude’s Broker Beginner Series helps bridge this gap by focusing on financial literacy and responsible lending fundamentals. By learning how to correctly assess client circumstances and recommend sustainable loan solutions, participants gain the tools needed to provide long-term value to their customers. This not only ensures brokers can build trust with clients but also protects the industry from poor lending practices.Building on the success of broker roadshowsThe launch of the Broker Beginner Series follows Latitude’s successful inaugural broker roadshow earlier in 2024. The event connected the lender with over 500 brokers across Australia’s five major cities, creating an opportunity for knowledge sharing and industry engagement.The positive reception of the roadshow reinforced Latitude’s commitment to broker training and education. With a growing number of professionals entering the field, providing structured pathways for skill development has become increasingly important. The new beginner program ensures that those starting out are not left behind in an industry where knowledge gaps can have long-term consequences.Complementing compulsory product educationLatitude already requires compulsory training for brokers writing its personal and auto loan products. This includes risk management, compliance, and product-specific education to ensure brokers are fully equipped to handle loan applications. The new beginner-focused course adds another layer of support by addressing the basics of lending before brokers move into more advanced product and compliance training.By creating a tiered approach to learning, Latitude ensures brokers can progress at their own pace. This combination of compulsory product training and beginner modules provides a clear pathway from novice to experienced professional.Expanding Latitude’s broader education initiativesThe Broker Beginner Series is part of a wider Latitude Education Series, which also targets more experienced brokers. In the June 2025 quarter alone, more than 2,300 brokers attended advanced training sessions covering topics such as fraud prevention, supporting vulnerable clients, income validation, and servicing assessments.This broad investment reflects Latitude’s strategy of building long-term capability across its entire broker network. By offering both entry-level and advanced learning opportunities, Latitude helps ensure that brokers at every stage of their career can access relevant and practical training.Broker education as a driver of business growthLatitude’s emphasis on broker education is not just about industry goodwill; it also contributes directly to business performance. With over 4,500 broker partners across Australia and New Zealand, and 42% of personal loans written via brokers in 2024, well-trained brokers play a critical role in generating high-quality loan applications and stronger customer outcomes.Recent results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. In the most recent quarter, new originations across personal and auto loans rose 8% year on year to $783 million. Personal loans in Australia saw the strongest growth, increasing 13% to $370 million, while auto loans recorded a 3% rise to $229 million.These figures highlight how improved broker capability can translate into tangible business results. By ensuring brokers understand the fundamentals of lending, Latitude is positioning itself for sustainable growth while simultaneously strengthening the professionalism of the broker community.A step toward a more resilient broker industryThe launch of the Broker Beginner Series underscores Latitude’s long-term vision for a more skilled and resilient broker industry. By investing in the education of rookies and providing them with a structured pathway into the profession, Latitude not only enhances its own market position but also contributes to raising industry standards overall.As financial literacy and responsible lending continue to be central themes in the lending sector, programs like this are likely to play a growing role in shaping the next generation of brokers. For new entrants seeking to build their careers on a strong foundation, Latitude’s initiative offers a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the industry’s future.
Led by Latitude’s broker capability manager, Nina Griffith, the initiative has been designed with the unique challenges of new brokers in mind. Many entering the profession start with only basic financial knowledge, which can make navigating compliance, risk, and product knowledge overwhelming. Through this structured training, Latitude seeks to provide new brokers with a strong foundation to succeed in a competitive industry.According to Natasha Murray, Latitude’s general manager of brokers and partnerships, the series represents an investment in the future of the broker community. “Latitude’s Broker Beginner Series is about giving new entrants the chance to train up on the fundamentals. By doing so, we are not only equipping them for success but also building resilience across the wider broker network,” Murray explained.Why financial literacy is critical for new brokersFor many new-to-industry brokers, the transition into lending can be daunting. Financial products such as personal loans and auto loans require careful attention to compliance, affordability checks, and risk assessment. Without a clear understanding of these processes, rookie brokers may find themselves struggling to keep up with client expectations and regulatory demands.Latitude’s Broker Beginner Series helps bridge this gap by focusing on financial literacy and responsible lending fundamentals. By learning how to correctly assess client circumstances and recommend sustainable loan solutions, participants gain the tools needed to provide long-term value to their customers. This not only ensures brokers can build trust with clients but also protects the industry from poor lending practices.Building on the success of broker roadshowsThe launch of the Broker Beginner Series follows Latitude’s successful inaugural broker roadshow earlier in 2024. The event connected the lender with over 500 brokers across Australia’s five major cities, creating an opportunity for knowledge sharing and industry engagement.The positive reception of the roadshow reinforced Latitude’s commitment to broker training and education. With a growing number of professionals entering the field, providing structured pathways for skill development has become increasingly important. The new beginner program ensures that those starting out are not left behind in an industry where knowledge gaps can have long-term consequences.Complementing compulsory product educationLatitude already requires compulsory training for brokers writing its personal and auto loan products. This includes risk management, compliance, and product-specific education to ensure brokers are fully equipped to handle loan applications. The new beginner-focused course adds another layer of support by addressing the basics of lending before brokers move into more advanced product and compliance training.By creating a tiered approach to learning, Latitude ensures brokers can progress at their own pace. This combination of compulsory product training and beginner modules provides a clear pathway from novice to experienced professional.Expanding Latitude’s broader education initiativesThe Broker Beginner Series is part of a wider Latitude Education Series, which also targets more experienced brokers. In the June 2025 quarter alone, more than 2,300 brokers attended advanced training sessions covering topics such as fraud prevention, supporting vulnerable clients, income validation, and servicing assessments.This broad investment reflects Latitude’s strategy of building long-term capability across its entire broker network. By offering both entry-level and advanced learning opportunities, Latitude helps ensure that brokers at every stage of their career can access relevant and practical training.Broker education as a driver of business growthLatitude’s emphasis on broker education is not just about industry goodwill; it also contributes directly to business performance. With over 4,500 broker partners across Australia and New Zealand, and 42% of personal loans written via brokers in 2024, well-trained brokers play a critical role in generating high-quality loan applications and stronger customer outcomes.Recent results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. In the most recent quarter, new originations across personal and auto loans rose 8% year on year to $783 million. Personal loans in Australia saw the strongest growth, increasing 13% to $370 million, while auto loans recorded a 3% rise to $229 million.These figures highlight how improved broker capability can translate into tangible business results. By ensuring brokers understand the fundamentals of lending, Latitude is positioning itself for sustainable growth while simultaneously strengthening the professionalism of the broker community.A step toward a more resilient broker industryThe launch of the Broker Beginner Series underscores Latitude’s long-term vision for a more skilled and resilient broker industry. By investing in the education of rookies and providing them with a structured pathway into the profession, Latitude not only enhances its own market position but also contributes to raising industry standards overall.As financial literacy and responsible lending continue to be central themes in the lending sector, programs like this are likely to play a growing role in shaping the next generation of brokers. For new entrants seeking to build their careers on a strong foundation, Latitude’s initiative offers a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the industry’s future.
