Why flexibility isthe broker advantage

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AS BROKERS face rising complexity in 2026, one thing is clear: brokers are more essential than ever. MFAA data shows brokers facilitated 76.7% of all new residential home loans in the December 2025 quarter – a clear sign that borrowers need expert support. Given the conditions they may be facing, a broker could feel like a lifeline to help cut through the noise and find solutions that otherwise seem impossible. Liberty chief distribution officer David Smith says Liberty recognises the pressure brokers are under to deliver fast and successful outcomes. He sees first-hand how brokers are going the extra mile for customers. “We see the hard work brokers put in, so we go the extra mile for them. Just as brokers provide clients with unparalleled support, we’re here in the same way – offering scenario help and flexible products to suit a wider range of borrower needs,” says Smith. “Our role is to make the process easier for brokers and, ultimately, better for the customer.” 

As one of Australia’s leading non-bank lenders, Liberty offers innovative solutions to support customers with greater choice. For close to 30 years, this free-thinking approach to loan solutions has seen us help nearly one million customers across a wide range of home, car, personal and business loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance. Liberty remains the only non-bank lender with an investment-grade credit rating offering custom and prime solutions to help more people get financial.

DAVID SMITH, LIBERTY

More choice for customers With customer circumstances becoming increasingly diverse, brokers and lenders need to offer nuanced and custom solutions to meet this demand. Smith says that with access to a greater selection of custom offerings, there are significant opportunities for brokers to help a broader range of borrowers. “As property prices and interest rates remain high, customers are seeking alternative ways to enter the market. For those with more complex situations, securing traditional finance can be even tougher,” says Smith. “This is where alt-doc, low-doc and custom solutions come in.” Smith says that at first glance some borrower scenarios may appear too challenging if they don’t fit standard lending criteria. However, he urges brokers not to rule them out before giving Liberty a call. “Liberty thrives on delivering innovative solutions for those borrowers who require an alternative pathway. We partner with brokers to understand a customer’s unique circumstances and provide greater choice,” says Smith. A wider range of options What does flexibility look like in practice? For Liberty, it’s tailored lending options combined with strong broker support. In 2025, Liberty introduced 40-year home loan terms, increased home loan limits and a compelling alternative to traditional LMI, alongside its low-doc and custom-loan options. Smith says these enhancements reflect what Australians are looking for: more ways into the property market. “We’re constantly talking with brokers about customers who may not appear to be the perfect borrower at first glance. Once we dig deeper and ask the right questions, there are options available to them,” says Smith. “For Liberty, flexibility isn’t just about products – it’s in our free-thinking approach to application assessment. We look at the whole picture and find creative outcomes that work for a diverse range of customers.”

“We see the hard work brokers put in, so we go the extra mile for them. Just as brokers provide clients with unparalleled support, we’re here in the same way – offering scenario help and flexible products to suit a wider range of borrower needs”

With flexibility key to broker success this year, Liberty is doubling down on support. Chief distribution officer David Smith shares how brokers can seize more opportunities, especially with complex scenarios

Published 08 Apr 2026

“For Liberty, flexibility isn’t just about products – it’s in our free-thinking approach to application assessment. We look at the whole picture and find creative outcomes that work for a diverse range of customers.” According to Smith, these scenarios range from self-employed customers still building their businesses and lacking full documentation, to borrowers looking for long-term affordability, or those who would rather not wait until they’ve saved a 20% deposit. Recent policy updates at Liberty also offer extra support to borrowers seeking added flexibility, including accepting 100% of employer or government parental leave income or eligible return-to-work income. 

Smith expects stronger demand this year for lending solutions that combine certainty and flexibility with speed, as brokers and customers move quickly to seize opportunities. “While we’re always looking at ways to broaden our offerings to cater to more individual situations, it’s also a priority to deliver them right when brokers and customers need them,” says Smith. Broker survey data shows Liberty’s residential turnaround time improved by more than 30% in January 2026 compared to the previous month, alongside a 47% boost to its broker NPS score. With a focus on ease of process, and dedicated BDMs, underwriters and support teams available at every step, broker experience remains Liberty’s highest priority. Of the brokers surveyed in January, 92% rated their BDM experience positively and 92% reported a positive application experience. Smith says the lender’s ongoing investment in automation and new digital technologies will continue to streamline processes, helping brokers move faster and improving the overall broker experience. “We’re continually innovating to remain the lender brokers can rely on, especially when the clock is ticking. We also provide direct access to our teams in a way that isn’t seen elsewhere. It makes a big difference when brokers can just pick up the phone to ask a question or chat through a scenario,” says Smith.

Fast and flexible finance

Strength in the market 

Non-banks are set to play an even bigger role as demand for lending choice grows, and Liberty’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. Recent half-year results showed record new loan originations from improved borrower demand and an outstanding broker NPS of 90. Liberty also recently acquired a controlling 50% stake in cash flow lender Moula, strengthening its position in unsecured SME lending. “With Moula now under the Liberty group umbrella, we’ve broadened our support for business owners at every stage of growth,” says Smith. Like brokers, Liberty thinks differently Over nearly 30 years, Liberty’s innovative approach has helped close to one million borrowers with home, car, business, personal, commercial and SMSF finance. Smith says the key is continuously evolving to meet the needs of brokers and customers. “We’re always looking to give people more choice and support, whether that’s through diversifying our customer solutions, investing in automation, or enhancing service,” says Smith. As 2026 unfolds, Smith is optimistic. “We see brokers lifting their game, and we’ll be right there with them offering unwavering support to turn more possibilities into outcomes.”

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“Liberty thrives on delivering innovative solutions for those borrowers who require an alternative pathway. We partner with brokers to understand a customer’s unique circumstances and provide greater choice”

DAVID SMITH, LIBERTY