Shane Howell joins aggregator as it expands business lending focus
LMG has appointed Shane Howell (pictured top) as group executive - business lending, as the aggregator expands its focus on SME and commercial finance across Australia and New Zealand.
Howell will join the aggregator on Monday, after two decades at Westpac Group. His most recent roles were general manager of commercial banking and managing director of business lending.
The appointment, LMG said, forms part of its broader investment in SME and business lending, with brokers having a growing role in helping Australian businesses secure capital, particularly where traditional lending options may not meet their needs.
Howell will be responsible for developing LMG’s SME and business lending proposition. His remit includes strengthening lender relationships, with a focus on technology, integrations and data, as well as considering new products, markets and adjacent opportunities.
He will work with Stephen Scahill, group executive - commercial, who remains responsible for LMG’s commercial broker and lender relationships.
“We’re deepening our investment in the SME and business lending space because we know the broker channel can do for business lending what it has done for home lending – giving Australians more options, better outcomes, and a real alternative to the traditional path,” said Ewen Stafford (pictured right), chief executive and executive director at LMG.
“Shane understands business lending from both sides – what lenders are weighing up, and what brokers need from a partner. That combination is rare, and it's why we’re so pleased he is joining LMG.”
Howell has also worked across commercial banking, business and consumer products, and transformation in Australia and New Zealand. His Westpac Group career included nine years as chief product officer and chief customer experience officer in New Zealand.
“LMG is operating at a scale and pace that genuinely excites me,” Howell said. “The broker channel has reshaped Australian home lending, and there's a real opportunity to do the same in business finance – but it takes serious commitment, the right partners, and a willingness to build. That’s what I see at LMG, and it’s why I’m excited to be joining.
“Too many Australian businesses don’t get access to the capital they need, and we want to change that. Our ambition is to connect brokers, lenders and capital so more businesses can access funding on the right terms.
“At a time of ongoing economic pressure, access to the right capital structured appropriately and delivered quickly is critical. The work ahead is making sure more Australian businesses, not just some, can access the funding they need to grow.”
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