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From Banker to Broker.

How to transition from banking to mortgage broking

Thinking about life beyond the bank? 

If you’ve spent a good chunk of your career in a banking role, chances are, you’ve thought about self-employment options.  

Mortgage broking offers the opportunity to use your skills in a more flexible, client-focused, and often more financially rewarding way.  

But what does it take to make the leap? 

At Purple Circle Financial Services, we’ve supported many successful career transitions through our Purple Pathway Academy. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand what’s involved, what to expect, and how we support you every step of the way. 

Why mortgage broking is a natural next step for bankers.

Your background in banking gives you a significant head start. 

You already know how to work with customers, assess financial positions, and navigate credit policies. You’re likely comfortable with compliance frameworks and have a solid understanding of financial products. 

In mortgage broking, you take that same core knowledge — but apply it with far greater flexibility and ownership. Instead of being limited to one lender’s policies, you can help clients choose from dozens. Instead of working towards KPIs that benefit the bank, you’re building a business that benefits you. 

From employee to entrepreneur.

Transitioning from banking to broking is more than just changing jobs — it’s about changing mindset. 

Banking 

Mortgage Broking 

Employed by an institution 

Self-employed or business owner 

Sell the bank’s products 

Offer a wide range of lenders 

Income is salary-based 

Income is commission-based 

Limited control over processes 

Full control of client experience 

Rigid day-to-day 

Full flexibility & independence 

 

This shift can feel daunting at first — but it’s also empowering. It allows you to take ownership of your career, your income, and your client relationships. 

Common concerns — and how we help.

1. “I’ve never run a business before.” 

That’s where our Purple Pathway Academy comes in. We offer coaching, qualifications, and real-world tools to help you build and grow a successful broking business. 

 

2. “Will I have enough support?” 

Yes. You won’t be on your own. We surround you with mentors, educators, and experienced brokers to ensure you’re supported from day one. 

 

3. “What about compliance and systems?” 

We make it easy. We provide the technology, systems, and training to help you meet your obligations without getting bogged down in paperwork. 

 

4. “Will I earn enough?” 

Mortgage broking is a performance-based profession, but the earning potential is significantly higher than traditional banking — and it grows as your client base grows.  

The Purple Pathway Academy

Your launchpad. 

Our Purple Pathway Academy is a tailored, proven program built specifically for new-to-industry brokers. It gives you everything you need to make the leap with confidence. 

Foundational training 

Learn the fundamentals of lending, compliance, and loan structuring with support from industry experts. 

Business mentoring 

Understand how to build your client base, set goals, market yourself, and run your business day-to-day. 

Systems and tech 

We’ll get you set up with the tools and platforms you need to write loans efficiently and manage clients professionally. 

Ongoing support 

You’ll have access to experienced mentors, your own broker support team, and the wider Purple Circle community. 

Accreditation and CPD 

We help you meet industry requirements, stay compliant, and continue growing as a broker. 

Take your next step with Purple Circle.

Some of our most successful brokers started out in banking. They wanted more independence, more flexibility, and more control — and they found it here. 

We don’t just help you become a broker — we help you become a successful one. With the right support, the right program, and the right mindset, your banking experience can be the foundation of an exciting new chapter. 

Contact us to learn more. 

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Guarantee Scheme


The Scheme will enhance lenders’ willingness and ability to provide credit and will be available for new loans made by participating lenders until 30 September 2020.

The Government will provide eligible lenders with a guarantee of 50% per cent of new loans. Some generic terms are:

  • Businesses with a turnover of up to $50 million.

  • Maximum total size of loans of $250,000 per borrower.

  • Loans will be up to three years, with an initial six month repayment holiday.

  • Unsecured finance, meaning that borrowers will not have to provide an asset as security for the loan.

Reduced Interest Rates


Consider your current banking arrangements. The Reserve Bank has recently reduce the cash rate and lenders have passed this on to various loans they have.

Instant Asset Write Off


An increase in the instant asset write-off threshold from $30,000 to $150,000 30 June 2020.

Deferment of Loan Repayments for up to 6 Months


The banks are developing their own approach as to how to deal with requests from their clients for repayment holidays. Some are automatically granting the request, others are assessing the requests individually.