December 11, 2025

Getting it right the first time: how brokers can master submission efficiency

There's no better sign of a broker acting in the best interest of their client then getting loans approved the first time they are lodged.

In our final Compliance series webinar for 2025, Amanda Stirling (Head of Governance, Connective) was joined by industry leaders Rachel Morrison (State Manager VIC/TAS, Macquarie Bank), Michael Goerner (Head of Connective Lending) and Robert Wozniczka (Compliance Support Manager, Connective) to share practical tips on improving submission efficiency to deliver faster, more consistent client outcomes.

Why submission efficiency matters

Efficient submissions aren’t just about speed - it's about acting in the best interest of your client. When your submissions are , complete and accurate, lenders can move faster, and your clients feel that momentum too. The smallest detail can hold things up: a mismatched name on an ID, incorrect income frequency, or extra documents that don’t belong.

Getting it right the first time saves time and stress, and it gives your clients confidence that they’re in good hands.

Use the right tools to help you stay compliant

Smart tech helps brokers work faster and stay compliant at every step, from automated ID checks to real-time valuations.

For brokers, Open Banking “helps guard against fraud and lets brokers have more meaningful, data-driven conversations with clients,” says Robert Wozniczka.

These tools don’t replace the human element – they make space for it. Increase your efficiency in securing loan approvals and spend less time chasing documents.

Rachel Morrison shared that Macquarie recently assessed a loan in just 17 minutes proof that precision pays off. Her advice:

“We don’t need pages of broker notes. Just tell us what we can’t see in the application.”

Structure, knowledge and experience

Not every deal is straightforward, but every deal benefits from structure.

Michael Goerner from Connective Lending said “Complex is a moment in time. The solution to complexity is knowledge through education and experience.”  

A simple finance or income flow chart can make the story clear for lenders and clients. And when things get tricky, your BDM is your best ally.

Steps to get started to get it right every time

Key compliance steps that help ensure “first touch” approvals:

  1. Complete all fields in your CRM – consistency prevents rework;
  1. Use tools like Connective's Client Portal to collect documents upfront;
  1. Write concise, structured notes that explain the client’s story clearly; and,
  1. Validate every document for accuracy, including income, IDs and expenses.

And if you’re ever unsure, reach out to your BDM or compliance team for guidance.

A disciplined process protects brokers, clients and lenders and reinforces professionalism across the industry. The time you invest upfront means faster approvals, more trust and stronger referrals to generate new business as a result.

The cost of inefficiency is not just time

Inefficient submissions don’t just slow things down, they carry risk:

  • Delays that frustrate clients.
  • Reputational damage from avoidable errors.
  • Potential compliance breaches or accreditation issues.

Getting it right the first time protects your business and delivers a better experience for your client.

Building broker confidence, together

We’re proud to support brokers who set the standard for professionalism and service.

Submission efficiency isn’t just a compliance exercise it’s a reflection of the trust you build with clients and lenders every day.

Faster approvals, clearer communication, and happier clients is what getting it right the first time is all about.

If you ever have questions about compliance or governance, reach out to our membership consultant for a free consultation today.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher or supplier. It is intended to provide general news and information only. While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information it contains, neither the publishers, suppliers, authors nor their employees can be held liable for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions. All information is current as at publication release, and the publishers or suppliers take no responsibility for any factors that may change thereafter.

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