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Matt Claffey – Team Member Profile

It’s not hard to see why Matt is an excellent fit at Australian Securities. His passion for what he does shines through his words. Matt gets a thrill from knowing that he has played a significant role in supporting individuals to achieve financial independence, which many of us pursue.

At Australian Securities, we pride ourselves on our values and our teamwork. We’re always looking for new team members who value this, just like Matt.

"Matt brings both experience and passion to his role as Head of Lending at Australian Securities Limited. Matt is a dedicated and effective team member who is highly motivated to achieve the right outcomes for clients to achieve financial independence. His hunger for success is infectious within the team."

Q&A with Matt

Q&A with Matt was both insightful and engaging. Here’s what he had to say.

Q. What is your role, and how long have you been at Australian Securities?

I’m the Head of Lending and was brought in to source, develop and expand the ASL finance division. Early on in my new role, I realised that my challenge was to grow awareness of the brand and build relationships with brokers so they would know that there is a viable alternative for their loan clients. November will be my 0ne-year anniversary.

Q. What do you like most about your role?

I love the challenge of complex structures and lending as it keeps my mind active. I’m motivated by success for my team and the wider business. I love the industry and building trusting relationships with brokers and borrowers. It’s fantastic to know that you have played a major role in supporting individuals to achieve their financial independence. I love the team I work with; Australian Securities has a great culture and is an enjoyable business to work with… everyone is both accountable and supportive.

Q. Name one of the most important lessons you’ve learnt throughout your career?

I believe in the mantra, “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. You have a sphere of things you can and can’t control in your life, and you get to choose whether you whinge about the things you have no control over or focus on what you can control. In other words, focus on what you can control. Getting caught up in the small stuff we cannot influence is easy. There is, however, so much within your control that you can impact positively, so focus on this. Control change rather than allowing it to control you. The change in focus can help you to avoid wasting your energy where you have no influence and instead use it to make positive changes – in life and work.

Q. Which Australian Securities value do you resonate with the most and why?

I resonate with all six values, but if I had to choose one, it would be HUNGRY. I am hungry; I love winning and seeing others win. I’m hungry to see our business succeed and grow. I’m hungry for sustainable success, to always do and be better for people – in business and life. When you are hungry for success, and you start to share that with your team and celebrate success when you achieve it, it can positively impact culture. It’s important to make the most of your time in the office; you spend so much time there.

Q. How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t working?

I love spending time with my family and my 15-year-old twins; they keep me on my toes. I enjoy going on holidays and am a tragic Brisbane Lions supporter. I enjoy playing competition tennis at my local club (well, truth be told, it’s challenging to keep up with the young ones, but I stick around because I enjoy playing, and even more, I developed great friendships through that).

Q. What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?

I never actually planned to work in finance. I fell into it. Like most people, I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and as both my dad and sister were in banking, I was encouraged to start there. Later on, I began to enjoy and love the work. However, thinking back now, I would have loved to be a Police profiler. I have a very analytical mind, love to problem solve and have always been fascinated with what makes people tick and what motivates each individual, whether good or bad.

Q. Do you have a favourite person, book, blog, or podcast that has influenced your life and career?

Without question, this would be my father. He has greatly influenced my life since I can remember in sports, career, family, personal and overall values. He always knew what to say, and he genuinely cared. He shaped me into the man and father I am today and taught me how to be a leader of people and in life.

If there were one piece of advice you would have to share with existing and prospective clients, what would it be?

I know it may seem quite basic, but I’d like to say that everyone should have a budget. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. It’s a valuable tool for understanding where you spend your money and what you can afford. In today’s financial climate, where many are struggling, having a budget can help reduce overspending. While a budget won’t necessarily stop us from buying, it’s a great tool to tell us where our money should go. Take note of your budget, and don’t spend more than you have available. Make sure you hold yourself accountable.

Want to find out more about our loan division?

Call us on 1300 275 275 to talk to one of our Lending Managers. We prioritise direct communication and personalised support for our clients.

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