Commonwealth Bank of Australia’s impressive mortgage business is helping to propel its lofty valuation compared with peers at rival banks, as it has less reliance on brokers and more control over pricing.
CBA is rated highest among the major banks by brokers even though it is less reliant on them for new lending.Mr Cacho said CBA had the lowest share of broker-sourced new lending, at 46 per cent versus 60 per cent for the sector, but it is also rated the highest among the major banks by brokers. “CBA’s premium franchise is also evident in the reasons brokers cite for using it, with 30 per cent of brokers citing customer preference.”Jarden calculates CBA’s lower reliance on the broker channel and having less need to compete and lead on price due to its strong and well-liked brand mean its margins could be more sustainable.
In Jarden’s latest monthly mortgage tracker, which follows competition in the home lending market, Westpac maintained second position behind Macquarie on pricing.