Viridian Financial Group has consolidated its mortgage broking operations under a new national brand, Viridian Lending, marking the completion of its integration of former business Smartmove, which settles more than $1 billion in lending annually.
Cameron Wiles (pictured left) has been appointed general manager, lending, to head the newly unified business.
The launch builds on chief executive Raamy Shahien's (pictured right) next-stage growth strategy, outlined earlier this year, which set out a sharper focus across advice, lending, and investments as Viridian looked to deepen how it connects property investors and first-home buyers to broader financial planning.
Shahien said the launch reflects a shift in how clients approach major financial decisions, with mortgage and investment choices now increasingly linked rather than handled separately.
"Ten years ago, a client might have approached a mortgage decision separately from investment or retirement planning. Today those decisions increasingly sit side by side," he said.
The group pointed to upcoming changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing rules, due to take effect from 1 July 2027, as a factor pushing property investors to reconsider how they structure and finance their portfolios — reinforcing, in Viridian's view, the case for brokers and advisers working more closely together.
Under the new structure, Viridian says brokers retain autonomy over their own client relationships while gaining access to the group's broader technology, operational support and referral network.
Wiles said the business had been designed around the direction the broking profession is heading.
"The future of broking isn't about choosing between independence and support - it's about having both," he said.
Viridian also flagged continued investment in technology and automation, including exploring artificial intelligence tools aimed at cutting administrative workload so brokers can spend more time with clients.
"Technology is changing what brokers should spend their time doing," Wiles said, adding that AI presents an opportunity to free up brokers "to focus on the judgement, relationships, and complex conversations that clients value most."
The new lending arm is backed by global growth investor TA Associates and has picked up industry recognition including the 2026 MFAA Professional Development Award and a placement in MPA's Top 50 Brokerages.
Get the hottest and freshest property and mortgage news delivered right into your inbox. Subscribe now to our FREE daily newsletter.
