Ex-Smartmove chief Darren Little to source stakes inside and outside AFG’s network
Australian Finance Group (AFG) has appointed former Smartmove Professional Mortgage Advisors chief executive Darren Little to source new deals for its Broker Investments program, the ASX-listed group announced on 29 October 2026.
As head of broker investments – origination, Little will look for brokerages where AFG’s capital and expertise could help owners grow. His remit covers businesses both inside and outside the AFG network.
A program six deals in
Broker Investments launched in November 2024. It takes minority, non-controlling stakes in established broking businesses. Owners keep control of day-to-day operations, while AFG provides growth capital, help with acquisitions, and strategic advice.
The group has completed six deals so far, most recently a minority stake in Perth’s Capita Finance Group in May 2026.
Consolidation in focus
AFG said the new role reflects its commitment to expanding the program and its confidence in the market’s long-term prospects. Chief financial officer Luca Pietropiccolo said the appointment gives AFG “additional capacity to pursue new investment opportunities”.
He added that the hire would let AFG keep supporting brokerages it has already backed. He also said the group, having been through market cycles before, remained confident in the outlook for housing and broking.
Little will work alongside Vik Sukumaran, who becomes head of broker investments – execution and operations. Together, the pair will cover the full deal cycle, from first conversation to completion.
Sukumaran joined AFG just over two years ago from outside broking and is bullish on what consolidation can deliver for brokerages.
“Consolidation done well creates real value for all involved”, he said.
From the broker’s side of the table
Little has 38 years of experience across banking, mortgage distribution, and broking. His senior roles have spanned national lending strategy and lender relationships, as well as broker performance. At Smartmove, which sat within AFG’s network, he steered the business through several phases of change. He has also worked with AFG for more than two decades, as both a lender partner and a member.
He said he would target brokerages with “strong growth potential in New South Wales and across Australia”.
