Jess Matthews knows the value of being a woman in a heavily-dominated industry, such as finance.
After spending more than a decade at Australia's largest lender, she struck out on her own this past spring, launching Settled Property Finance in New South Wales' Central Coast. It's a crowded market. But Matthews said what makes her different is exactly what makes her effective.
"I bring a client-focused approach that blends empathy, precision and strategic insight," the Central Coast broker told Australian Broker. "I've seen how powerful it is to make clients feel heard and supported, especially when navigating major milestones like buying a home or building an investment portfolio."
In a second installment, we reconnected with Matthews for Australian Broker's Spotlight Series — our showcase of standout talent in the mortgage and finance broking sectors — to dive into her views on representation, the unique value she brings to clients and lenders as a woman in the industry and her take on where mortgage broking is headed as we approach 2026.
The following interview has been edited for grammar and clarity.
JM: As a female broker and founder, I bring a client-focused approach that blends empathy, precision and strategic insight. I've seen how powerful it is to make clients feel heard and supported, especially when navigating major milestones like buying a home or building an investment portfolio. I'm methodical and compliance-driven, but I also bring warmth and clarity to every interaction. My strength lies in simplifying complex lending structures into confident decisions. As a woman in finance, I also understand the nuances of balancing ambition with life's other priorities, and I use that perspective to create tailored solutions that truly fit my clients' goals.
JM: There's progress. But we're not there yet. Female brokers are still underrepresented in Australia, especially in leadership and ownership roles. That's why visibility matters. Not just for clients who value diverse perspectives — but for the next generation of women considering a career in finance. I believe representation isn't just about numbers; it's about creating space for different styles of leadership, communication and client care. I'm proud to be part of that shift and I hope my journey encourages more women to step into the industry with confidence and purpose.
JM: My success comes from personal experience and collaboration. I’ve built and managed my own property portfolio, so I understand the journey from both sides, both as a lender and a buyer. That perspective helps me guide clients with confidence.
What makes broking so rewarding is the support within the industry. Even among competitors, there’s a genuine willingness to help each other. That's rare in a sales industry. But it also lifts the standard for everyone. I think brokers who aren’t already collaborating can learn a lot by leveraging the relationships around them, especially in areas they’re less confident in. For example, if commercial finance isn’t your strength, connect with peers who are strong in that space. They might be able to learn something from you in return. You’ll grow faster and your clients will benefit too.
JM: Heading into 2026, I’m seeing more activity than this time last year. Buyer confidence is lifting, especially with talk of rate cuts and improved affordability, combined with the introduction of [updated] government schemes. There’s strong momentum in both residential and investment lending, and clients are more engaged in planning long-term. It feels like the market is shifting from cautious to optimistic — and brokers are busier because of it.
JM: There’s no perfect time to buy or sell. Waiting often means missing out or being priced out. If you’re buying and selling in the same market, timing matters less. What’s more important is having a clear plan and borrowing within your means. Just because the bank says you ‘can’ doesn’t always mean you ‘should.'
We're still facing a housing shortage, but I'm encouraged by the developers and builders working closely with councils to improve infrastructure and deliver more homes. It's a long game, but there is progress.
For clients, my advice is to stay informed, act with confidence and lean on professionals who understand the market. Explore strategies with your broker, such as rentvesting or other ways to help you enter or navigate the market to achieve your goals.
For brokers, collaboration is key — especially in areas you're less confident in. Partnering with peers helps you grow and better serve your clients, furthering your knowledge on a national level. Equally important is staying informed on what's going on in the economy.
JM: We're seeing a noticeable surge in first-time homebuyers activity, largely driven by the expanded government schemes and incentives. That’s led to a flood of applications and longer queue times at banks. Investors are also re-entering the market, encouraged by rate cut forecasts and strong rental yields. And with spring being the most popular season to buy, the combination of demand and momentum is definitely being felt across the board.
It's also worth highlighting that brokers now write a record 77.6% of all home loans — a clear sign that more Australians are choosing brokers over going direct to their bank. I believe this shift comes down to trust and choice. Brokers work in the best interests of their clients and can compare multiple lenders to find tailored solutions. That level of transparency and advocacy is what sets us apart.
