Competition pushing demand for mortgage professionals

The recently released Hays Quarterly Report for July to September 2016 said that high performing mortgage and mobile lenders with proven lending experience are being sought in both the broking and banking environments, as each seeks to grow its market share.

Equally, Hays reported that demand is on the increase for experienced mortgage processors and settlement officers, especially those with big four experience.

Temporary lending operations candidates are also required in response to a number of banks running big marketing campaigns.

“Within the lending operations area there is a lot of temporary movement, especially in smaller companies that want to utilise particular skills quickly and for a short period of time,” the report said.

This demand is being buoyed by a general increase in home loan volume entering the system through the broker channel.

Another market development is the increase of asset and equipment finance being written: “With asset and equipment finance rates at a constant low, processing departments are rapidly increasing to maintain output. Therefore experienced asset finance credit analysts and settlement officers are in high demand, especially in NSW.”

The report found a shift towards hiring people in operations roles who lack prior operations experience, but have the necessary attitude and aptitude: “Employers believe you can train a candidate in the necessary skills but you cannot train attitude or team fit.”

With the focus on gender diversity, female candidates are in demand across business, commercial and corporate banking. Along with talented local applicants, employers are also considering high-performing women from oversees.

Hays said Chinese and Japanese speaking corporate banking professionals are needed too: “There has been an increase in lending from Asian banks whereas domestic banks are tightening their risk appetite. As a result Chinese and Japanese speaking candidates are wanted in the corporate space.”

In other trends, Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Rules continues to be a large focus. Compliance roles as well as KYC and enhanced due diligence are therefore sought after.

And, qualified and experienced financial planners remain in demand: “Candidates with tertiary qualifications are preferred however there is a shortage of such candidates. To counteract this employers are promoting degree qualified employees, from paraplanners or client services officers through to financial planners, under fast track training plans.”

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