In a move that has taken many in the industry by surprise, National Australia Bank (NAB) has announced the closure of its white label lending arm, Advantedge. The closure will be rolled out over the next 12 to 18 months, marking the end of an era for a business that has supported brokers and borrowers across Australia for more than two decades.
A Trusted White Label Funder Comes to an End
Advantedge, a division of NAB, has long been a key player in Australia’s mortgage market, funding simple, cost-effective home loans through a range of aggregator-branded products. These include well-known offerings such as AFG Home Loans Edge, Mortgage Choice SmartSelect, Loan Market’s Go Edge, Connective Essentials, Astute Simplicity, and Yellow Brick Road Home Loans Select.
Originally established as Challenger Mortgage Management before becoming Advantedge, the lender built its reputation on streamlined processes, digital service, and competitive pricing. Over the years, it has helped brokers offer clients a compelling alternative to traditional bank-branded loans.
Key Dates and What’s Changing
According to NAB’s announcement, Advantedge will stop accepting new loan applications from 30 September 2025. While borrowers will still be able to request changes—both credit-critical and non-credit-critical—beyond this date, a cut-off for all variations is expected to follow in due course.
From 2026, existing Advantedge customers will be gradually transitioned to NAB-branded home loans. During this time, all servicing requests will continue to be handled as normal. However, once a loan is moved over to NAB, all future servicing will need to go through NAB’s systems and teams.
Importantly, NAB has confirmed there will be no changes to commissions or clawbacks, and the online servicing platform StarNet will remain available until further notice. This assurance will come as a relief to brokers currently managing large books of Advantedge clients.
Why Is NAB Making This Change?
NAB says the decision reflects its commitment to enhancing the customer experience by offering more features, greater flexibility, and improved digital tools under its own brand.
In a message to brokers, the bank explained:
“Customers will benefit from additional features, including access to up to 10 offset accounts, transactional banking, and expanded functionality via the NAB App.”
The move also aligns with NAB’s broader strategy to focus on proprietary lending channels. CEO Andrew Irvine has previously outlined plans to increase direct lending activity, and NAB’s latest financial results suggest that strategy is well underway.
A Shift in Strategy Backed by Data
NAB’s half-year financial results for the six months to March 2025 revealed that proprietary lending is on the rise. New NAB-branded home loans (excluding UBank) increased 25% year-on-year, reaching $16.6 billion.
At the same time, loans originated through the broker channel dropped from 64.6% to 59.6%—an 8% decline. This indicates a clear shift in distribution preference, with NAB doubling down on channels it can more directly control and integrate.
For some in the broker community, this pivot has been met with disappointment. Many brokers rely on white label lending options to offer clients more tailored or cost-effective solutions. The closure of Advantedge reduces that diversity in the market.
What This Means for Brokers and Borrowers
For brokers, the next 12 to 18 months will be critical in terms of client communication and planning. Existing Advantedge customers will receive updates and notifications, and their loan documents will be reissued under NAB branding.
Fortunately, NAB has stated that interest rates, fees, and charges will remain the same during the transition. AFSH Nominees will continue acting as an agent and credit representative of NAB until all loans are fully transferred.
Meanwhile, NAB is promising to keep brokers, aggregators, and customers informed at every step through regular updates and milestones.
Looking Ahead
Although change can be challenging, it also brings opportunity. NAB’s shift toward proprietary lending and enhanced digital capabilities may open new doors for borrowers seeking more functionality, and for brokers who adapt quickly to the evolving lending environment.
As this transition unfolds, staying informed and proactive will be essential—for brokers looking to maintain strong client relationships and for borrowers seeking clarity around their loan’s future.
If you currently hold an Advantedge loan or are unsure how this transition may affect your lending options, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with us today to review your current home loan, explore refinancing opportunities, or simply get clear answers on what to expect. We’re committed to supporting you every step of the way during this industry shift.