ABOUT US

Rick Thorn brings a wealth of experience to Square Peg Mortgage Management, having spent nearly twenty-five years as a qualified advanced financial planner in the UK Financial Services sector. In 2006, Rick moved to Australia after selling his successful Financial Planning practice in London, which he operated for nearly a decade with his wife, Wendy. His practice employed a robust team of six qualified Mortgage Advisors, three administrators, two Advanced Financial Planners, and two tax accountants, serving a client base of three and a half thousand.

Diverse Financial Background
Rick’s extensive career includes fifteen years with various companies, twelve of which were with the Aviva Group (General Accident). His expertise spans all areas of financial planning, including house purchases, mortgages, retirement planning, medium-term savings, and the essential aspect of protection.

Investment Property Specialist
In addition to his financial planning background, Rick has developed a significant portfolio of investment properties. He leverages this experience to guide clients in entering the investment property market, aiming to build robust investment property portfolios. His comprehensive approach utilises the combined expertise of financial planners and accountants within his network to provide clients with well-rounded, strategic advice.

Client-Focused Advisory
Rick is dedicated to advising clients on the best products to fit their unique circumstances, selecting the right providers based on features and benefits, and ensuring the rates align with the client’s budget. These core elements form the foundation of his advisory responsibilities.

Ethical and Principled Approach
A firm believer in karma, Rick emphasises the importance of doing the right thing for people in both business and moral contexts. He views his role as a Mortgage Advisor as an opportunity to help clients create opportunities for themselves, navigate the complex array of financial products, and always strive to maximise benefits while minimising costs.

Professional Credentials
Rick is a Credit Representative of Connective Services Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence No: 389328) and is authorised to provide advice on:

Property Purchase
Refinancing for Better Rates
Further Advances (Top-Up Mortgages)
Investment Property Purchase
Property Retention and Further Purchase
Debt Management

Dan Mcfarland's journey began in the United Kingdom before he moved to Australia during his schooling years, seeking new opportunities and a better lifestyle. He completed his secondary education at A B Paterson College on the Gold Coast and pursued a Marketing and Corporate Management Business Degree at Griffith University.

Career Evolution in Retail Banking
Upon graduating, Dan embarked on a career focused on client engagement and financial advice, starting at National Australia Bank (NAB). His tenure at NAB provided a solid foundation in retail banking, banking policy, and client interaction. Dan quickly progressed within the retail banking sector, gaining comprehensive knowledge of fundamental banking processes and ensuring positive client experiences.

Specialisation in Mortgage Lending
Dan's interest in lending led him to transition into the mortgage lending market, where his expertise in banking and risk assessment flourished. His dedication and proficiency in understanding lending policies and client requirements earned him a role as Lending Manager at one of the Gold Coast's busiest branches. Here, Dan honed his skills in using banking policies to benefit clients, helping them achieve their financial goals while delivering exceptional service.

Accredited Financial Advisor
In addition to his university degree, Dan pursued independent studies and obtained diplomas in Financial Planning and Finance and Mortgage Broking. These qualifications equipped him with the expertise to enter the Mortgage Broking sector, providing clients with a broader range of options and superior outcomes.

Commitment to Client-Focused Service
After seven successful years at National Australia Bank, Dan joined Square Peg Mortgage Management as a Mortgage Advisor. Here, he utilises his extensive lending experience and education to understand clients' overall objectives. Dan leverages a diverse market of products beyond traditional bank offerings, ensuring personalised and comprehensive service tailored to each client's needs.

Wendy Thorn began her career at the age of 18, working with the pioneering sound scientists (Ray Dolby) at Dolby Laboratories. She later transitioned to the banking sector, joining Bank of America, where she assessed interbank lending risks in the wholesale money markets. Wendy then moved to ABN AMRO, a Dutch bank specialising in offshore trade lending, where she evaluated the risks of lending in various global contexts, from transporting aid to war-torn areas to financing major construction projects like skyscrapers in Singapore.

Expertise in Financial Planning
Wendy's journey in finance continued at Aviva (General Accident), where she qualified as a Financial Planner. Her role involved mortgage market navigation, retirement planning, protection services, and aiding clients in wealth creation through property acquisition and various investments. It was here that Wendy met Rick, with whom she eventually married and had two daughters.

Co-Founding a Financial Planning Practice
Wendy joined Rick in their UK-based Financial Planning practice, engaging with her own clients while helping to run the business and manage staff. Her multifaceted experience and dedication contributed significantly to the practice's success.

Operational Excellence
Today, Wendy brings her extensive expertise to Square Peg Mortgage Management, focusing on the operational side of the business. She manages the submission of applications, ensures compliance, liaises with clients to gather necessary information, and oversees the smooth running of both client interactions and internal processes. Wendy Thorn's diverse background and operational acumen make her an invaluable part of the Square Peg Mortgage Management team, ensuring seamless service and client satisfaction.