Managing director of the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) Peter White AM says while the industry will always emphasise in-person relationships with customers where possible, technology will advance business growth.

He was speaking following the launch of the FBAA’s new customer relationship management system designed to streamline broker needs and provide benefits in the form of combined buying power.

“The days of manual processing are over and our message to all brokers is to embrace it, learn it and make it work for you,” he said.

“We all must work together to ensure brokers spend more time servicing clients and generating new business, and less time doing administrative tasks.”

He said FBAA members can now update details, complete membership renewals, upload documents and download certificates for their aggregator and lenders all online though the new membership portal.

New memberships are now processed in less than 60 seconds.

“While most brokers are doing more online, some are still dragging their feet. While I understand change can be hard, my message is to make the effort and you’ll get better outcomes,” Mr White said.

He also said there are direct benefits to brokers using the system through the new FBAA member benefits program launched only days ago, which offers benefits and discounts to over 4500 products covering homewares, electronics, travel, children’s products and even motor vehicles. 

The association’s new Education Institute will soon be launched as an online product accessible through the new member portal.

“Bottom line is that efficiency provides brokers with more time that will lead to more business. “The industry is going forward and let’s hope no broker gets left behind,” he said.