BDMs must be good communicators
BDM in the Spotlight and State Manager in the Spotlight is a regular series, giving brokers insight into the lives of some of the country’s leading relationship managers.
MPA spoke to David Askew (pictured above), AMP Bank’s NSW-based business development manager about how he supports brokers, what sets successful brokers apart and what brokers should expect from a BDM and lender relationship.
Askew, who worked in hospitality before joining the industry, has spent 25 years with AMP so now really enjoys mentoring other AMP team members to help develop their banking and relationships skills.
Name: David Askew
Title: Senior business development manager
Time in industry: 25 years.
Company: AMP Bank.
Location: Sydney.
Give a brief description of your role and how you support brokers?
I am the main liaison relationship point between brokers, advisers and AMP Bank, while also working closely and staying connected with aggregators. I support brokers by getting to know their business and challenges, offering my knowledge of AMP’s policies, processes and services to help them find the best solution for their client.
Outline a goal you achieved last year?
I reached 25 years of service with AMP in May 2023, which is quite a milestone. In fact, the same year AMP Bank celebrated its 25th Anniversary. My current focus is striking the balance between reaching work goals and personal goals, eating well, and exercising regularly. This enables me to feel balanced and perform at my best.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
Anyone who knows me will know I’m always up for a chat and meeting new people. I find my role as a BDM very satisfying as you get to connect human-to-human and build new relationships. I also enjoy hearing about clients’ stories and how they’re reaching their goals and building wealth.
What sets successful brokers apart?
A successful broker is one that stands by their customer and takes them on the full journey. It’s all about communication and ensuring they are kept informed and well looked after.
What should brokers be demanding from a BDM and lender relationship?
They should feel as though their BDM and lender supports them with the right solutions for their customer. Again, communication plays a key role in any broker/ BDM relationship. Brokers need to be able to trust the lender and feel they can ask any questions that their customers have in relation to the bank they choose.
What do you provide to brokers that makes you valuable to them?
Honesty, integrity, as well as delivering on the promise to follow up any questions or issues. AMP Bank also supports brokers via our broker experience team which adds an extra layer of service and value.
Describe your ideal weekend
My ideal weekend is packing up and heading down to Narrawallee Beach on the south coast of NSW. Hanging out as a family, having a surf with my sons, enjoying a BBQ and a few drinks with friends and family are among the best things in life.
BDM in the Spotlight features a range of relationship managers and BDMs within the mortgage and finance industry. Among those recently featured: Moula’s Gillian Paton, La Trobe Financial’s Waran Chandiran, Pepper Monday’s Harry Stewart, Dynamoney’s Victoria Graves, Aquamore’s Richard Planca, Resimac’s Stefanie O’Connell, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s Julie Saliba, AFG’s Scott Chandler, Suncorp Bank’s Zach Metaxotos, AMP Bank’s Laura Downer, RedZed business development manager Joel Reid, Aquamore’s Brett Winzer, Commonwealth Bank relationship manager third party banking Jessica Matthews and Suncorp Bank business development manager, small business and commercial Ash Fernando.
What sort of attributes do you think a good BDM should have? Share your thoughts below
