Brighten goes live with ApplyOnline

Publication Date: Monday, 25 November 2024
This article originally appeared in TheAdviser.

The non-bank lender can now accept loan lodgements through NextGen’s ApplyOnline® platform, as it moves to provide more flexibility to brokers.

Brighten has become the latest lender to integrate NextGen’s ApplyOnline® platform into its technology stack, enabling more brokers to lodge deals through the platform and improve capacity at the non-bank lender.

While Brighten has utilised loan origination platform Simpology since 2021, it has also now turned on the ApplyOnline platform.

Through the ApplyOnline integration, Brighten’s brokers will be able to use streamlined application submissions and digital checklists, upload and submit documents directly through ApplyOnline (automatically indexed within Brighten’s CRM), and utilise digital signature capabilities.

According to Brighten, these features can help reduce processing times, minimise administrative tasks, and enable brokers to manage applications in real time, wherever they are.

The lender said the move comes after a recent broker survey emphasised the importance of greater flexibility and choice in loan submission options.

Chris Meaker, Brighten’s director and head of distribution, said: “The addition of ApplyOnline complements our existing technology suite, providing the flexibility and choice our brokers are looking for.

“Every enhancement we make is driven by our goal to improve the broker experience. We continually seek feedback from brokers, listen to their needs, and respond with tailored solutions.

“Going live with ApplyOnline will not only expand access for more brokers to work with Brighten, but it will also significantly increase our capacity to handle a growing volume of applications as we scale.”

NextGen’s head of lender partnerships, Mike Ponsonby, said: “NextGen’s ApplyOnline delivers best-in-class capabilities, supporting brokers with an agile and efficient platform.

“We’re proud to partner with Brighten to empower brokers with digital tools that keep them at the forefront of client service.”

Brighten’s ApplyOnline integration comes as the lender adds to its technology stack, having recently launched a new, cloud-based broker portal to help accelerate the lodgement process and improve the overall broker experience.

The new portal provides brokers with scenario lodgement, real-time application tracking, a conditions tracker (to help monitor any outstanding conditions), a digital serviceability calculator, document upload functionality, pricing and policy updates, and a range of tools designed to increase communication and operational efficiency.

Brighten has been on a transformation journey this past year, having installed Jason Azzopardi as its new CEO in January and welcoming three female leaders (Julie Stanceski, Annorah Hannon, and Katarina Topalovic) to its senior leadership team as it prepares to grow its operations and distribution through the broker channel.

According to Meaker, it has seen loan applications increase by 130 per cent compared to last year, with broker accreditations also rising.