Australian Broker returns with its Spotlight Series, where we shine a light on standout professionals in Australia’s mortgage broking and finance industry.
Today, we caught up with Sergio Stefano, Adelaide-based broker, partner and director at Flint Group. He’s also the founder and chief executive officer of Brokerage & Co, an Adelaide brokerage he launched in April 2024. In May 2025, he merged the business with Flint Group, stepping into the role of South Australia director and establishing Flint’s first office outside New South Wales. The team adopted the Flint brand and gained access to its broader support network.
In June, he was appointed the Finance Brokers Association of Australia's (FBAA) state president for South Australia and the Northern Territory. Australian Broker sat down with Stefano to talk about his move to Flint Group, the drivers behind his success and what fellow brokers can take from his journey.
The following interview has been edited for grammar and clarity.
AB: Tell us a little bit about yourself. What is your background? How and why did you get into the mortgage finance industry and become a broker?
SS: My path into finance wasn’t exactly traditional — and that’s something I’ve come to really value. I started my working life on the doors as a nightclub bouncer, and then moved into corrections, working in maximum security. Not the usual foundation for a broker. But those roles taught me a lot about discipline, resilience and how to manage pressure.
From early on, I put every spare dollar into property. I bought land, invested in quality locations and even purchased an 80-acre property that I sadly lost in a bushfire. That experience — the highs and the setbacks — taught me a lot about risk, opportunity and backing yourself when things get tough. It’s also where I found a deeper connection to the work I do now. I've been through the uncertainty, the pressure and the decision-making that comes with significant financial moves. That gives me a real understanding of what clients are feeling, because I’ve been in their position.
I didn’t enter broking to follow the herd. I came in to help people make smart, strategic choices with someone they can trust to call it straight. It’s never been about quick wins for me. It’s always been about long-term outcomes. Now, I lead a team that shares those values. We’re focused, considered and always working in our clients’ best interest. That’s how we’ve built long-term trust and grown a loyal client base.
AB: You recently moved over to Flint Group. What made you decide to make the leap?
SS: This wasn’t just a move. It was a decision to partner with people who shared our values. At Brokerage & Co., we’d built something strong. We had solid systems, a great team culture and a track record of results. But as we looked to scale, we recognized we’d need deeper infrastructure, smarter tech and more support behind the scenes to take things further. The conversations with Flint were never rushed or transactional. From the beginning, it felt like alignment. The way they thought about clients, culture and growth matched our own. They’d already built the operational foundation, but had done it in a way that still felt personal and founder-led. That mattered to me.
This wasn’t about jumping ship. It was a progression. Flint didn’t ask us to give up what made us successful. They gave us the tools to go bigger without compromising on who we are. And that’s rare.
AB: Do you work with clients nationally, or just in South Australia?
SS: We work with clients right across Australia. While our roots are in South Australia, we’ve built a national presence. Our client base, broker network and referral partnerships all stretch interstate. That reach gives us a clear view of how different markets are performing and helps us tailor our advice accordingly. Wherever our clients are based, we can deliver the same high level of service and outcome-focused strategy. That consistency is really important to me.
AB: Do you focus on residential, commercial, or both? What’s your specialty?
SS: I work across both residential and commercial, but residential investment lending is where I’ve built my niche. Helping clients build and structure property portfolios is what I do best. It’s not just about getting the loan. It’s about aligning finance to long-term outcomes and building flexibility into the structure so clients are well placed no matter what the market is doing.
When it comes to commercial [lending], I’ve taken the time to properly understand it. Early on, I made it part of my daily routine to study commercial policies, work through case studies and lean on specialists where needed. That effort means I can now move between residential and commercial seamlessly, depending on what’s best for the client. The key in both is strategy, asking the right questions and building a finance structure that supports the bigger picture.
AB: What is the secret to your success? Why do you think you’ve been successful as a broker? What are you doing that others aren’t?
SS: Success for me isn’t just about numbers. It’s about trust and consistency. It’s when a client refers their family and friends, because they know I’ll look after them like they’re my own. That kind of trust only comes when you show up the right way, day in and day out. I see broking as a long-term relationship. I don’t just arrange finance. I help clients make better decisions by understanding their goals, their risks and their big-picture strategy.
I’m big on building structure and clarity. Other brokers might chase volume. I focus on value. That’s value for the client, for the team and for the business. We’ve been able to scale without losing that personal touch. And that’s made all the difference.
AB: How has the industry supported you? Have any organizations or individuals made a difference?
SS: Absolutely, the support from the industry has made a huge impact. When I first started, I reached out to a few brokers I really respected. I wasn’t looking for favors, just a chance to learn. And they were generous with their time. Those conversations helped shape how I operate today. Now I try to do the same for others. Whether it’s a quick phone call, a catch-up over coffee or just sharing what’s working. I’ve always got time for someone who’s serious about growing the right way. This industry’s better when we support each other. And I’m always open to a conversation if it helps someone else along the way.
