We invest in experience
We believe in investing in talent and value the insights that both professional and life experience bring. With decades of combined experience, our growing team is well-equipped to guide clients in making smart mortgage and property decisions.

We believe in better broking
Over the last decade, we’ve carefully built a team of over 30 high-integrity, experienced and conscientious people. Now, our clients benefit from former Financial Advisers, Private Bankers, Consultants, and Chartered Accountants who all chose to work for Alcove because they see an opportunity for broking to be better.


Our Team

Chris Bates

Chris helps families make informed property and financial decisions that enable them to build the life they love around their home, not just focus on the numbers.
After nearly two decades in the mortgage and financial advice industry, he has witnessed firsthand the stress, confusion, and missed opportunities that can result from rushed decisions and ill-advised property moves.
That's why he co-founded Alcove back in 2014 — a mortgage strategy advice business built around delivering calmness, clarity, and confidence to families making property moves. They come from a Financial Advice background and approach things from a different angle to provide the Alcove strategy approach.
They work primarily with high-income families, often referred by financial advisers, and help them think through property, lending, and life strategies - not just securing good rates or pre-approvals.
They believe in long-term thinking and being a long-term partner to you.
Alcove is now a team of over 30, and have settled well over $2.5 billion in home loans, helping thousands of Australian Families on their life journey.
He is a firm believer that knowledge is power, and he hosts three podcasts: Elephant In The Room Property Podcast, Australian Property Podcast and Street Secrets.

Ben Sum

Ben is passionate about helping our clients make confident, informed decisions around property and finance. He's a CPA with a background in financial planning, having previously run a paraplanning practice with his brother Jon, where they supported advisers in developing goal-driven strategies tailored to their clients’ needs.
At Alcove, he believes in going beyond just chasing the lowest rate – it's about empowering people with education and advice that’s aligned to their long-term goals.

Jon Sum

Jon is a finance professional with over a decade of experience across financial planning, mortgage broking, and private wealth management. With a strong foundation in research and scenario modelling, he specialises in designing tailored, strategic financial solutions. Currently, he serves as Head of Strategy at Alcove, where he leads a multidisciplinary team and develops bespoke strategies to meet each client’s unique goals.

Nick Mundy

Nick brings over 20 years of experience across different sectors within the financial services industry. He started his career at large institutional fund manager before co-founding one of Australia's leading independent financial advisory firms.
After building a successful advisory practice, Nick shifted his attention to helping other advisors deliver truly holistic advice though an integrated, outsourced debt solution.
Nick holds his Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation, Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance, and Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning. But more than the qualifications, it's his hands-on experience running an advisory business that shapes his approach. Nick understands the practical challenges advisors deal with every day. His goal is straightforward: give advisors the tools and support they need to deliver great outcomes for their clients.

Craig Bigelow

Craig has spent the last two decades in various advisory roles across the financial services industry, from comprehensive financial planning to life insurance specialization. This diverse background has allowed him to develop exceptional client discovery skills and a strategic approach to financial guidance while thriving in high-volume environments that have defined most of his career.
At Alcove Partners his remit is to lead our comprehensive discovery conversations with clients, continuously deepen relationships with our professional service partners, and pioneer technology solutions that enable personal relationships at scale - applying learnings from tech innovations to enhance the human connection that sits at the core of his career.

Alicia Van Der Pluym

Alicia has been a mortgage broker for 11 years. She started her career in car finance, moved into an investment business and ended up at a Financial Planning business. From there she moved to Alcove.
She runs the Client Relations team, so is often the first person you’ll talk to. Her role is to best understand your property and life ambitions; from there she shepherds you through the Alcove strategy and loan process to get you to an approved loan.

Sandy Barber

Sandy has spent most of her career in Banking & Mortgage Broking, aside from a stint running her own creative side hustle as a baker. At Alcove, her role is to get you started on your property journey. She isbe an early point of contact to help you work out your goals, before managing it through the Strategy and Settlement team to achieve them.

Matthew Mohl

Matt is the Head of Private Clients at Alcove Private, an independent firm focused on strategic lending for high-net-worth families, professionals and founders. After nearly two decades in banking, he now works closely with clients to deliver tailored lending strategies that align with their bigger picture.
From 2007 to 2024, he built his career at CBA across CommSec, Colonial First State, retail banking and ultimately Private Bank, where he advised some of the country’s most prominent clients. That experience shaped how he works today — combining deep technical knowledge with a strong relationship focus.
What he loves most is the client experience. He enjoys being part of the journey, seeing a plan come together, and knowing that no transaction or situation is ever the same. Every client brings something unique, and that keeps him motivated and sharp.

Alex Pagonis

Alex helps people in Tech buy homes and scale their property portfolios.
He's an entrepreneur at heart; building a digitally-driven broking business to serve Australia’s best and brightest.
He bloody loves working with world beaters building the next gen of great companies.
Alex has worked at KPMG Consulting for a decade which gave him a depth of experience across Strategy, CX, Digital Experience, Brand, R&D and Innovation Grants. He has also spent time in R&D Lending, with exposure to Non-Dilutive Funding, Technical & Financial DD and Capital Raising. In his spare time he's a Alt-Protein Founder, so is heavily into NPD, GTM Strategy, Supply Chain and National Distribution.

Adam Mastrosa

Adam has spent 15 years in corporate sales, holding executive roles and managing multi–$100m clients, as well as leading large corporate sales teams. He has studied accounting at university for four years and completed an MBA. He has worked with large companies like Nestlé, Tassal and Baiada.
He has been investing in property since he was 23, buying his first home then and his first investment property at 26. Since then, he's grown a small portfolio that includes three investment properties and his family home. He loves helping young people get into their first investment - sharing lessons from his early mistakes and how his approach has evolved.
He's been a broker for just over two years. He started at Shore Financial in May 2023 and moved across to Alcove.
Alice Cotterell

Alice's background as a Chartered Accountant helps her bring more powerful, well-rounded Mortgage Advice to her clients. She enjoys helping clients not only secure an approved loan at a good rate, but take greater pride in understanding their scenarios and structuring the loan properly around their property and personal wealth ambitions.

Andrew Dihm

As an Adviser at Alcove, Andrew specialises in financial solutions for Australians over 50. With over three decades of experience in finance, he brings extensive knowledge and an innovative mindset to solving diverse financial challenges. Our "Over 50s Lending" program offers tailored home loans, equity release options, debt consolidation, and comprehensive retirement planning.
He is committed to simplifying the lending process, providing clear advice, and delivering personalised solutions to help clients achieve their financial goals. In Australia, the desire to downsize for a simpler, more manageable lifestyle is common, but securing suitable financing can be daunting, especially with strict criteria from traditional lenders. Having navigated these challenges firsthand, he’s dedicated to helping others access financing options, even when traditional routes seem closed.
With a client-centric approach, he builds long-term relationships and offers innovative solutions to enhance financial wellbeing.

Amethyst Jean Rosal

AJ is a talented Podcast Producer that produces all of Alcove's podcasts and those that we do with our partners. She is deeply involved in the full podcast production process, managing everything from raw file handling to audio and video editing, selecting and creating social media clips for promos, scheduling episodes, and ensuring the timely release of each show.

Rich Lloyd

Rich has mostly worked in Client Services at agencies: starting at big, creatively-driven ad agencies, then at smaller creative tech agencies and more recently as an MD of businesses that offer end to end brand experiences (creative + platform). He has chosen this path because he enjoys applying strategic and creative thinking to every facet of a brand. He's driven by this holistic approach to marketing, and brings a highly awarded creative background and in-depth knowledge of best practice technological experiences to Alcove.

Piyush Handa

As a qualified CPA, Chartered Accountant and a Commerce graduate, Piyush has more than 10 years of professional experience.
He has worked in various Finance roles in different verticals including Industrials and Telco. He also has extensive public practice experience both in Australia and India which have laid strong foundations in areas like Audits, Tax, Financial statement preparation and finalisations.
He now works at Alcove, where he uses his background in Finance to bring a powerful component to Mortgage Advice; one that is more holistic than rate-chasing and is more focussed on personalised strategies that deliver long term property wealth.

Katrina Childs

Katrina is a senior strategist at Alcove, a CPA, with over 15 years of experience in finance. Her background in accounting and non-conforming lending provides her with a sharp attention to detail and strong analytical skills to deliver tailored loan strategies.
She's passionate about empowering clients, especially women, to make informed decisions for their financial independence. She takes pride in bridging the gap between regional towns and city-level advice, offering strategies that combine local insights with industry expertise. Most importantly, she prioritizes our clients' long-term well-being, ensuring every decision is guided by her core values, focused not just on immediate needs but on securing their future.

Jack Elliott

Jack is the National First Home Buyer Specialist at Alcove and co-host of First Home Unlocked, a podcast designed to guide first home buyers through every step of the journey with clarity and confidence.
With a background in education and a people-first approach, he helps buyers cut through the noise and make decisions they feel good about. Whether it’s on the phone, over email or through the podcast, his goal is to simplify the process, reduce stress, and make sure you’re never left wondering what comes next.
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. He's here to break it down, build a strategy around your goals, and give you a plan you can trust.

Tisha Pradhan

With over six years of experience in the mortgage broking industry, Tisha has worked across the full lending journey—from preparing tailored loan strategies for clients to managing the processing stage with precision. Joining Alcove when it was a small team, she has been an integral part of the company’s growth into one of the industry leaders.
Tisha values strong relationships and upholds a high standard of work ethic, ensuring that both clients and teams are supported with professionalism and care. Holding a Master’s degree in General Management, Tisha combines strategic insight with operational excellence to deliver sustainable growth and outstanding client outcomes.

Sajju Shrestha

With over three years of experience in the mortgage industry, Sajju began her journey specializing in loan strategy before transitioning into a key role assisting Ben with the seamless execution of deals from application preparation to settlement. Her deep understanding of the mortgage process and her vision for future industry trends drive her to deliver solutions that ensure smooth transactions and long-term success for clients.
Sajju is passionate about helping clients achieve their property goals with ease, always placing their needs at the forefront of every deal. Her attention to detail enhances her ability to navigate complex deal structures with precision. By blending her strategic mindset with a client-centered approach, Sajju remains committed to delivering exceptional service and results.

Neha Rauniyar

Neha is a Strategist at Alcove, where she helps clients make confident decisions on their home loan journey. She has a genuine passion for understanding each client’s goals and finding lending solutions that truly fit their needs.
Known for her calm and approachable nature, Neha enjoys breaking down complex details into simple, clear advice that makes the process smoother and stress-free. She’s all about building trust, staying proactive, and keeping things running seamlessly from start to finish.
Outside of work, Neha loves spending time outdoors, catching up on podcasts, and discovering new coffee spots around town.

Anushka Kasaju

Anushka has a background in client service and operations, bringing strong organisational skills and attention to detail to her role at Alcove. She supports clients through key stages of their lending journey, from document collection to post-settlement care. Anushka helps coordinate rate reviews, manages follow-ups, and assists the Client Experience team to ensure every client enjoys a smooth and stress-free process.

Mos Shakya

As a Strategist, Mos brings a thoughtful and client-focused approach to every stage of the lending process. With over four years of experience in the mortgage industry, she works closely with clients and lenders to tailor strategies that fit individual goals and circumstances. Known for her calm and approachable manner, Mos takes pride in making the loan journey smooth, transparent, and empowering, ensuring every client feels supported and confident along the way.

Siju Puri

Siju is a Team Leader for the Loan Processing Team , where she guides her team and works closely with home buyers through one of the most important milestones of their lives; purchasing a home. With over three years of experience, she has grown from starting out in loan processing to stepping into leadership, a journey that reflects her dedication and adaptability. Known for her approachable nature, Siju takes pride in fostering a supportive team culture and ensuring clients feel confident and at ease throughout the loan process.

Gerard Coronado

Gerard brings seven years of Australian lending expertise to Alcove, joining in 2025 as Senior Loan Processor and Team Leader. With comprehensive experience across all loan processing stages since 2018, he combines hands-on technical knowledge with a genuine commitment to doing what's right for customers. Gerard champions process improvement and leverages technology to enhance efficiency, while his leadership style balances trust in his team with systematic documentation that ensures smooth operations. Known for being direct and speaking up when it matters, he's always ready with a helping hand and focuses on building strong processes that deliver exceptional client experiences from application to settlement.

Caryl Cantalejo

Caryl is a Loan Processing Specialist who thrives on precision and care, ensuring every detail is handled with accuracy and integrity. With a natural gift for customer service, she makes clients feel supported and understood throughout the loan process. Her clear communication style builds trust, while their caring approach creates a positive experience even in complex situations. Curious and inquisitive by nature, she asks the right questions to uncover solutions and keep processes running smoothly and deliver successful results.

Loojaw Nakarmi
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Loojaw helps clients through the loan process with clear guidance and support. He makes sure everything is handled carefully and on time. He aims to make the loan journey a positive experience from start to finish, and that clients feel confident and supported.

Kiara Gilliana

With a keen eye for detail and a strong commitment to delivering a seamless client experience, Kiara plays a vital role as our Post Settlement Specialist. She supports internal teams through the final stages of the settlement process, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Kiara brings a calm, solutions-focused approach to her work, handling post-settlement tasks with professionalism and care. Passionate about helping clients feel confident and supported after settlement, she is driven by the belief that great service doesn’t end when the deal is done—it continues until every detail is wrapped up.

Jayson Syndiongco

Jayson is a dedicated Post Settlement Specialist with a keen eye for detail and a passion for ensuring seamless processes post-transaction. With a deep understanding of the settlement cycle, Jayson works tirelessly to facilitate the smooth transition for clients after a deal is completed. His expertise spans managing and resolving any issues that may arise, coordinating with various teams, and ensuring all final documentation is accurate. Known for his proactive approach and excellent problem-solving skills, Jayson is committed to providing exceptional support, ensuring a stress-free experience for clients.
In his role, Jayson thrives in a fast-paced environment, leveraging his strong communication skills and attention to detail to manage post-settlement tasks efficiently. His ability to stay organized and deliver prompt, accurate results makes him an invaluable member of the team.

Victor Baghucan

With over three years of experience in mortgage broking, Victor plays a key role as a Loan Processor Specialist. He is responsible for managing the end-to-end processing of loan applications, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and a smooth client experience.
Victor’s strong attention to detail and commitment to meeting deadlines make him an essential part of the team. He takes pride in supporting clients through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.

Saloni Maharjan

Saloni is a Loan Processing Associate who recently graduated and began her career in the mortgage industry. With a strong focus on detail and excellent communication skills, she is committed to supporting clients and making the loan process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Saloni brings enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and a client-first approach to her role while building strong professional relationships.

Jatin Maharjan

Jatin is a Loan Processing Specialist, dedicated to helping clients navigate the loan process from start to finish. He ensures all applications are handled carefully, deadlines are met, and every detail is checked, so clients can feel confident and supported. With a focus on clear communication and timely updates, Jatin works closely with clients, lenders, and colleagues to make the loan process as smooth and stress-free as possible. He takes pride in turning what can be a complicated process into a positive experience for everyone involved.

Rupa Lungeli

Rupa joined Alcove in 2025 and began her journey in the mortgage industry in 2023 as a Data Processing Support Specialist. She brings a positive attitude and a strong eagerness to learn, always open to feedback that helps her grow both personally and professionally.
Known for her cooperative spirit and friendly nature, Rupa enjoys working closely with her team and values meaningful connections with colleagues and clients alike. Outside of work, she loves listening to people’s stories, experimenting in the kitchen, and going on spontaneous trips.

Kritika Rai

Kritika is a Loan Processing Specialist who has been an integral part of Alcove for the past 11 months. During this time, she has gained valuable experience managing loan applications from start to settlement, earning positive feedback from clients along the way. She believes there is always room for improvement, and client feedback motivates her to keep learning and growing in her role.
Outside of work, Kritika enjoys hiking, listening to true crime podcasts, and watching horror shows.

Sabiya Pradhan

For the past two years, Sabiya Pradhan has been a dedicated part of the Alcove team, serving as a Senior Loan Processing Specialist. With a thoughtful and organized approach, Sabiya takes pride in creating a smooth, transparent loan experience that helps clients feel at ease every step of the way. She values clear communication and attention to detail, ensuring that every application is handled efficiently and with care.
Sabiya enjoys building genuine relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs, and providing the support they need to make confident financial decisions. Her positive attitude, professionalism, and commitment to doing things right reflect her belief that a great client experience is built on trust, clarity, and respect.

Sahara Basnyat

Sahara is a Senior Loan Processing Specialist who has been with Alcove for nearly two years. In her role, she manages the end-to-end loan process, ensuring each application is handled with accuracy, consistency, and care. Sahara works closely with both clients and strategists to keep every stage of the process well-coordinated, from initial preparation to final settlement. Sahara values reliability and collaboration, and she takes pride in contributing to a smooth and positive experience for clients and the team alike.
Sandy Barber
I’m Sandy and I’ve spent most of my career in Banking & Mortgage Broking, aside from a stint running my own creative side hustle as a baker. At Alcove, my role is to get you started on your property journey. From working out your goals, to achieving them and everything in between.
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Selected Awards
2024 The Adviser
#1 Elite Broker Ranking
2024 MPA
#3 Top 100 Broker Ranking
2024 MFAA Excellence
Finance Broker Business Award
2025 AFG Champion Broker
Finalist: AFG National Broker Awards
2025 NSW/ACT Champion
AFG Broker Awards NSW