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I have over 30 years banking experience, predominantly in business banking in North Queensland, based in Townsville. Over the years I have also worked in Toowoomba, Chinchilla, Dalby, Stanthorpe, Darwin, and until very recently in Brisbane working for a large Asian Bank in Corporate/Institutional banking. However, my preference is very much towards assisting the family owned business owner/operators of Northern Queensland.
I have been fortunate to have experience across a broad range of industries including hospitality, accommodation and tourism; professional services firms; smaller end manufacturing; transport and logistics; marine services; construction and trades; mining services; civil contractors; property investment and property development; motor dealers; retailers and wholesalers; health; and the agricultural sector amongst others.
I will be able to assist market sectors including small business, larger commercial businesses, emerging and lower end corporate, property investors and developers, and agricultural.
I am very pleased to have joined John and Orla Watts and the Astute North QLD Group based in Cairns, but am available to discuss current or proposed business banking arrangements across Queensland.
Whether you are looking at a specific transaction to be financed, refinancing existing debt, a review of current banking arrangements, or just would like a chat, I am contactable by email or mobile any time.
We have been using John since we bought our first house in 2008 and taken sound advice from him in all our finance dealing ever since; which has included, opening a business, building our second house and now purchasing an investment property. We trust the advice given to us and not understanding the finance world hugely rely on the knowledge given to us in making decisions. We thank Verena very much with her patience throughout each deal and her simple way of explaining the overwhelming fluff that the banks put on paper. Johns stickmen and drawings helped us immensely 🙂 We really feel like we have actually made some good friends when dealing with Astute.
I was very impressed with the quality of service and support. Jasmin really went beyond to ensure my equipment loan went as smooth and quickly as possible which took a great deal of stress out of setting up my new business. I would highly recommend Astute’s EF team Donnie, Morene and Jasmin for any car or equipment loans.
Being newbies to town & the housing market, it was reassuring to have the guidance of Liam from Astute. We felt like one of his family by the extent of his efforts. His honesty, calming persona, knowledge & ability to explain the scary & unknown house buying process in our ‘speak’ was invaluable. Not to mention the fantastic custom home loan we have secured. I would highly recommend, and already have recommended, his services. Thank you again Liam and the Astute Team.
We were recommended from friends to see Fei Chan to discuss buying investment property. He was very polite, friendly, sincere and honest. But most importantly, he has made it clearer for us on how to build our property portfolio for a better future. For that, I too highly recommend his service to others.
Prompt efficient service from the 1st phone call to make an appointment through to the loan contract. Excellent service all round. Well informed and kept up to date throughout the process . Highly recommended. Thank you.
The staff in the Cairns office were amazing. The receptionist was the best I have ever encountered in a business and any staff that walked past us said hello. The entire office appears to be a very friendly, happy and vibrant workplace!
I had no understanding of how the insurance side of Astute worked. After my first visit with Peta I was blown away with how she explained everything to me. And what I didn’t understand she was happy to take the extra time to explain them again. I felt she was very thorough and when I left I was able to think about what suited my needs to make a decision on how I wanted to proceed. Thanks Peta for advice.
