Australian Broker's Spotlight Series is back, where we shine a light on the standout professionals driving innovation and success in Australia’s mortgage and finance industries.
In our second installment, we caught up again with Carly Cappielli, asset finance and business finance broker at Sydney-based Bell Partners Finance, to learn more about the secrets to her success.
Cappielli, an award-winning broker, has nearly two decades experience in asset finance. But she's also a published author. Her book "Listurbia" combines her communication and detail-oriented skills with her ability to research, analyze and gather information — all important skills for brokers.
In part two, we explore her book, uncover her success strategies and hear her thoughts on what's trending in Australia's loan and property markets as we enter 2026.
The following interview has been edited for grammar and clarity.
CC: It sounds obvious, but my number one tip for working with both clients and lenders is to remember that we are all people first. And to let that awareness guide our interactions. Applying for finance can be a very stressful time for our clients, particularly when there are complications or credit issues involved. So taking the time to listen and understand can make a huge difference. Likewise, credit analysts and lender BDMs are people trying to do a job, so treating them like fellow humans can go a long way.
CC: I should say first off that it's not about finance or broking. I originally studied communications. I absolutely loved studying and always wanted to go back and complete my postgraduate studies at some stage. In 2017, I finally got around to doing that and returned to Western Sydney University to complete my master of research degree, and later my doctorate of creative arts degree, while still working in asset finance.
"Listurbia" was written as the creative component of my master's thesis and was lucky enough to win an award and get published as a book in 2019. It's a novella written completely in lists, about a girl from Western Sydney trying to make sense of herself and of the mysterious things happening around her.
CC: We're seeing an increase in activity now, as interest rate cuts start to take effect and buyers start to gain or regain some confidence. This activity in the property and home loan market generally leads to increased activity in the asset finance market too, so things are looking promising.
CC: My advice for borrowers or would-be homeowners is the same as for myself during these times: to get good advice from qualified people and to look for the opportunities in the situation. Because they are always there. You just have to know where to look.
CC: The asset finance market is always evolving, and right now we are seeing existing lenders broadening their asset appetite, as borrowers seek funding for an ever-growing range of assets. Rather than just vehicles and equipment, borrowers are seeking funding for niche assets and new technologies, and lenders are rushing to accommodate this shift. Couple that with the ongoing improvements lenders are making to their own technology and interfaces, and you can see why I think the asset finance market has never been more exciting.
