In a statement to the ASX, YBR executive chairman Mark Bouris said YBR franchisees will still be able to distribute wealth products and give wealth advice to their existing and future clients, but will be done under a separate AFSL with one or more third parties.
He said this will result in a headcount reduction to the overall business, with a clear objective of significantly reducing the cost to income ratio of the business.
“Going forward, the cost of maintaining YBR’s AFSL and associated compliance functions and liabilities would then no longer be borne by the YBR Group,” Mr Bouris said.
“The restructure of the wealth business is expected to significantly reduce our cost base allowing us to run a leaner and more cost-effective organisation.”
In a joint venture with a major US alternative asset manager, YBR said it intends to manufacture and fund mortgage products for its in-house and third-party distribution outlets.
It is in the later stages of final due diligence and negotiation and documentation in a long and complex process with multiple parties.
The categories of borrower and mortgage products include, but are not limited to:
- Self-employed lending
- SME business lending
- >80 per cent LVR loans
- Investor loans
- Interest only loans
- SMSF loans
- Loans to foreign residents and expats
- Other specialist lending products
“Our research shows that there is a deep and broad market for mortgage products that satisfy borrowers who now tend to fall just outside current bank prime mortgage lending eligibility criteria,” Mr Bouris said.
“Our objective is to meet that growing demand. Our distribution networks are telling us that these products are in heavy demand but largely under-serviced in the market.”
Mr Bouris said he would oversee the transition of YBR to its “new streamlined business structure”.
In addition, Frank Ganis would step down as group chief executive to a part-time role where he will consult to the group on a number of initiatives, including building its securitisation programme and funding partnerships, growing its brands, continuing operational and customer service improvements and industry advocacy.
