How Technology Is Rewriting Finance Broking
Sam Pedetta sits down with Julian Fiard from LoanOptions AI to break down how technology, automation and AI are transforming finance broking — from 36-minute loan approvals to fully automated client onboarding.
Julian Fiard explains how he built one of the most advanced tech platforms in finance broking — combining automation, AI and customer-first design to dramatically reduce friction, speed up approvals and scale broker productivity.
1) The biggest innovation: solving real problems
Julian believes most tech fails because it’s built by engineers who don’t truly understand the problem. His advantage came from working as a broker first and then designing technology around real workflow pain points.
- Finance knowledge + tech skills created a rare advantage.
- Great tech solves friction instead of adding complexity.
2) Why finance technology adoption is slow
Many financial institutions still operate on legacy systems and processes built decades ago. Leaders often lack deep understanding of modern technology — creating hesitation to adopt innovation.
- Legacy systems slow down modern workflows.
- Risk-averse leadership delays adoption of better tools.
- Technology pressure from fintech lenders is forcing change.
3) Technology enables new lenders to compete
Fintech lenders are rising because they can deliver faster approvals, better customer experiences and competitive rates through automation.
- Speed of decisioning is becoming a major competitive advantage.
- Better tech infrastructure allows smaller lenders to outperform big banks.
4) The future of lending is speed
Julian shared an example where a personal loan was approved, documented, signed and funded in just 36 minutes.
- Instant approvals are becoming the new expectation.
- Automation removes friction across the entire loan process.
5) Why asset finance moves faster than mortgages
Asset finance allows much shorter sales cycles and faster settlements, which makes it an attractive area for innovation and automation.
- Deals can settle same day in asset finance.
- Less complexity compared to mortgages.
6) How LoanOptions scaled top-performing brokers
LoanOptions built internal technology that removes manual tasks, allowing brokers to focus only on high-value activities like strategy and client communication.
- AI follows up documents automatically.
- Credit decision engines identify the best lenders instantly.
- Automation reduces admin dramatically.
7) A 5-minute loan application
LoanOptions built a mobile-first application where clients upload ID, bank statements and payslips — allowing the system to automatically complete over 80% of the application form.
- Auto-population reduces manual data entry.
- Better UX increases completion rates.
8) Halo: technology for mortgage brokers
After years of building internal tools, LoanOptions launched Halo — a white-label system that mortgage brokers can use to automate their own loan onboarding process.
- Clients complete a full fact-find in minutes.
- All documents collected automatically.
- Brokers receive a fully packaged application.
9) The next frontier: AI assistants for brokers
Julian believes AI agents will increasingly handle tasks like document follow-ups, client reminders and data verification — freeing brokers to focus on advice and strategy.
- AI voice agents already double document collection rates.
- Automation expands broker capacity without increasing staff.
10) Hard work still beats talent
Despite the technology discussion, Julian’s biggest personal lesson was simple: consistent hard work remains the ultimate advantage.
- Work ethic compounds faster than raw talent.
- Success comes from relentless iteration.
The future of broking
The next generation of brokers will win by combining human advice with powerful technology. Automation handles the process — brokers deliver the strategy and relationship.
Ready to Level Up?
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