About Us
At Functional Finance we want to be a part of each and every one of our customer’s financial journeys, working closely with you to understand your future plans and how we can help facilitate them.
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Often you hear businesses say that they put the customer first. But at Functional Finance, we put the customer at the centre of everything we do. Every decision that is made, is made to benefit our clients in the short, medium and long term.
Whether you are a first home buyer or a property investor adding to your robust portfolio, we’re passionate about helping you achieve your financial goals.
At Functional Finance we understand that the financial decisions you make - and their outcomes - are incredibly meaningful to you, your family, and your business.
They are part of a much bigger picture, which is why our team is fully focussed on delivering the best possible outcome and customer experience for each and every one of our clients.
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What can you expect from working with us?
We want the experience to be simple, enjoyable, and most importantly beneficial to your needs. A memorable experience, for all the right reasons.
Every lending scenario is different and requires no detail to be missed.
Our highly experienced team of Mortgage Brokers are dedicated to making sure you feel informed and confident through every stage of the application process. Building a clear vision of what needs to happen in order to achieve your financial goals.
We prioritise sustainable decisions to ensure the best financial outcomes for every single client – every interaction is valued the same way and we want you to walk away knowing that we genuinely care about your financial wellbeing.
With clients based all over Australia, we make ourselves available to clients at a time which is suitable to them and can facilitate meetings at our premises or virtually. Irrespective of when and how you meet us, we want you to leave the meeting with full confidence that we will deliver an exceptional outcome for you.
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How Functional Finance came to be.
Functional Finance was founded by Daniel Nicholls, with a vision to create a boutique finance company that is focused obsessively on delivering an exceptional customer experience and helping each and every one of its clients achieve their financial goals.
Following 15 years’ experience working with clients large and small in the banking sector, Dan has come to understand that property is the vehicle many Australians use to store and grow their wealth. Paramount to the way we operate are sustainable long-term decisions, where finances work for the customer and their lives.
In establishing Functional Finance, Dan and the team identified that - as finance professionals - there was a way we provide better lending options for a range of clients that meet their individual financial goals, offering a suite of products that only a well-established and well-connected broker can. We’ve spent years developing professional relationships with financial institutions to ensure our clients get the best deal they can.
Fast forward to the present day, and we provide exceptional lending services that are not only functional, but also adaptive to the client’s needs, all delivered while operating with the utmost integrity.
Functional Finance was created to do just that. We’re achieving our goals - so now let us help you with yours.
Dan Nicholls Founder
The Founder of Functional Finance, Dan has more than 15 years’ experience working in the finance industry, assisting clients large and small through the full lifecycle of lending.
With an obsession for exceptional customer service, Dan is passionate about supporting each of his clients to achieve their financial goals.
With an extensive experience in financial services, Dan ensures that the outcomes that Functional Finance delivers are both sustainable and made with a social conscience.
Having previously established and managed lending centres for one of the ‘Big 4’ banks - and managing teams of customer-focussed lenders to drive them - Dan saw the opportunity to establish a purpose-built boutique finance company which puts the customer at the centre of everything it does.
Transforming customers to advocates and building trusted, long-term relationships with his many clients all across Australia, Dan genuinely cares about the financial wellbeing of everyone he works with.
Outside the office, Dan lives an active life with his two beautiful little girls. Enjoying going to the gym, riding, running, and eating out with family/friends.
Drew Harry Director
For the past decade, Drew has invested in and facilitated the establishment and management of several high-end restaurants and cafes, including Ballarat’s chef-hatted Ragazzone.
His profound understanding of the ebbs and flows of the hospitality industry has organically expanded to a passion for property and investment. This experience and knowledge enables him to connect with clients on a level of thorough understanding of varying circumstances and goals. He generously shares this knowledge to help each client achieve their individual goals.
In his down time, Drew is always up for a hit of golf, and enjoys spending time with his family in their regional Victorian home.
Ian Cunningham Director
With 17 years of banking experience across Australia and Asia, Ian brings his unique expertise to Functional Finance. Having specialised in process efficiency, he seamlessly integrates this approach into the lending process for his clients.
With his wealth of knowledge Ian navigates the complexities of securing lending, providing strategic insights and tailored solutions for each client. He is known for fostering strong, lasting relationships. Ian ensures that every client interaction is built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and mutual respect.
Outside of work, Ian cherishes time with his family, creating lasting memories with his two young boys.
