Australian Finance Group (AFG), Australia’s largest wholesale mortgage broker, is set to float early next year as it expands its services to become a broad-based financial services group.

AFG Executive Director Malcolm Watkins told Sunrise Exchange News the company has formed an IPO steering committee and is keen to build on its growth.

“Last financial year we grew by 30% and have been listed in BRW’s ‘Fast 100’ for three consecutive years,” he said.

Mr Watkins says the company has embarked on a “skilling-up” program for its 2500 brokers as it moves away from mortgage broking to becoming an allfinanz group, selling insurance and other financial services and products.

“We have 20% of the Australian mortgage broker market and we aim to enhance this by moving into other areas,” he said. “We will list in the first quarter of next year.”