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Just 38 per cent of brokers working with Connective now write residential loans exclusively, while 51 per cent offer multiple lending options.
One in five (19 per cent) are fully diversified across residential, commercial, and asset finance. The proportion operating across all three segments increased by 9 per cent year on year in 2025.
Residential lending continues to underpin the broker model, featuring in 89 per cent of broker-client relationships.
Brokers settling both residential and asset finance loans recorded the strongest growth in 2025, up nearly 39 per cent year on year, making it the fastest-growing diversification pathway.
Overall, 49 per cent of brokers settled asset finance loans during the year, while 35 per cent wrote commercial loans.
Connective said that the findings demonstrate a structural change in the broking sector, with diversification increasingly seen as a core growth strategy. By expanding across multiple lending types, brokers are creating new revenue streams, strengthening client relationships, and building resilience against market fluctuations.
Glenn Lees, CEO at Connective, said the data reflects a broader shift in how brokers are responding to market conditions and client expectations: “As borrowers navigate the ever-complex financial environment, they need more sophisticated services from brokers than ever before. It’s encouraging to see that brokers have adapted to meet the rising expectations and demand. Our brokers are writing more of everything, and the growth we’re seeing in areas like commercial lending reflects that.
“However, with market volatility and rate environment presenting ongoing challenges for borrowers, more efforts need to be made to support brokers’ diversification needs.
“We are acutely aware of the importance of providing brokers with the right compliance frameworks, technology, education and lender access to support their ambition to diversify their offerings and stay competitive in years to come.”
Performance in non-residential segments has helped underpin the shift. Commercial lending stood out in 2025, with settlements increasing 32.4 per cent year on year to $18.3 billion, underscoring the expanding role of commercial finance within broker-originated lending.
Broker Daily recently reported that brokers are expecting to see a rising demand for business and commercial loans, particularly for commercial mortgages and equipment and asset finance.
Brent Starrenburg, head of commercial and asset finance at Connective, added: “It’s not just about offering more products – it’s about really getting to know your clients and helping them with solutions that solve their different needs.
“Start small, try one new lending type, and make the most of your existing relationships. Brokers who educate themselves and bring multiple lending solutions together can grow revenue, strengthen loyalty, and build a more resilient business.”
[Related: Brokers remain the channel of choice for mortgagors]