Our Team

Check out the team at Distinct Financial and get in touch with a qualified Finance & Mortgage Broker today.

Rated 5 from 39 Reviews

Mortgage Broker Nathan Cohen Distinct Financial

Nathan Cohen

Managing Director

0409456177
nathan@distinctfinancial.com.au

Nathan is a fully accredited mortgage broker and a member of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Monash University, a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning from Kaplan Professional, and a Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management from Kaplan Professional.

Before establishing Distinct Financial in 2017, Nathan spent three years with an award-winning mortgage brokerage specialising in high-net-worth individuals. During this time, he facilitated complex funding requirements for some of Melbourne’s wealthiest family offices, gaining valuable experience both residential and commercial finance.

Nathan was recognised in the MPA 2025 Top 100 Brokers, ranking 5th in Victoria. He prides himself on being an adviser to his clients—not simply a mortgage broker—drawing on his background in accounting and financial planning to understand his clients’ broader financial goals and provide tailored lending solutions.

Away from the office, Nathan enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, walking their Groodle, playing and watching sport, and, when time permits, enjoying a round of golf at Yarra Yarra Golf Club.

See More
Mortgage Broker Daniel Polyachenko Distinct Financial

Daniel Polyachenko

Mortgage Broker

0431 6633 53
daniel@distinctfinancial.com.au

Daniel is a finance broker at Distinct Financial who has been helping clients navigate their property journey since 2021. He works with a range of clients, from first-time homebuyers taking their first step into the market to investors growing their portfolios and homeowners looking to upgrade.

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and a Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking, bringing a thorough and analytical approach to every deal. He also has strong experience navigating more complex lending scenarios, including trust structures, SMSF lending, and expat lending.

He's known for taking the time to truly understand each client's situation, working closely with them through loan structuring and lender negotiations to find solutions that genuinely fit their needs. Daniel prides himself on clear communication throughout the process, making sure clients feel informed and supported from initial conversation through to settlement.

Outside of work, Daniel enjoys staying active at the gym and going for runs, watching his beloved New York Knicks and spending time with family and friends.

See More
Senior Relationship Manager Ricky Ng Distinct Financial

Ricky Ng

Senior Relationship Manager

0420 719 014
ricky@distinctfinancial.com.au

Ricky Ng is a finance and mortgage professional with over six years of experience in relationship management and a strong focus on delivering tailored lending solutions. He holds degrees in Finance and Accounting from Macquarie University in Sydney and completed his Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management in January 2026.

Ricky specialises in residential lending, construction finance, expat lending, trust loan structures, and business and commercial lending. He combines a strong understanding of lending requirements with a commitment to maintaining high industry compliance standards, ensuring each recommendation is carefully considered and aligned with the client’s circumstances and objectives.

Taking a client-first approach, Ricky takes the time to understand each client’s financial position, short- and long-term goals, and future plans before developing a tailored mortgage strategy. He is committed to providing clear, practical and transparent guidance throughout every stage of the lending process.

Fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin, Ricky is well placed to assist clients from diverse backgrounds and build lasting professional relationships.

Outside of finance, Ricky is a proud father of two French Bulldogs, Whiskey and Sake. He also regularly plays social badminton across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Whether it’s working with clients or chasing a badminton shuttlecock, Ricky brings the same energy, commitment and positive attitude to everything he does.

Xyla Velasco Distinct Financial

Xyla Velasco

Client Success Manager

xyla@distinctfinancial.com.au

Xyla is a financial services professional with 12 years of experience across corporate and retail banking, Australian mortgages, loan processing, credit analysis, people management, and client support. She holds a Master of Information Systems (High Distinction) from Central Queensland University, Sydney, and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Development Studies from De La Salle University Manila. She also participated in an Exchange Program at Osaka University, Japan, focusing on development work, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and web development initiatives, and has completed professional training in Digital Marketing and Content Creation last 2024.

Xyla is committed to promoting financial literacy and guiding clients through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. Outside of work, she enjoys music, arts, and wildlife, plays the piano, and loves spending time with her husband and their two sun conures.

Zai Botor Distinct Financial

Zai Botor

Client Services Manager

zai@distinctfinancial.com.au

Zai is an experienced financial services professional with over six years of expertise in mortgage processing, credit administration, and client relationship management.

Throughout a progressive career spanning multiple roles within the finance and lending industry, Zai has developed a strong reputation for delivering exceptional client service, maintaining operational efficiency, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

With a comprehensive understanding of mortgage lending, financial services, and client management, Rezainie is committed to delivering outstanding results while continuously expanding their professional knowledge and leadership capabilities.

Away from the office, Zai keeps busy with her three children.

Ready to chat with our team at Distinct Financial?

Reviews for Distinct Financial

CT

Christopher Thorborg

We've worked with Nathan from District Financial on several occasions, and he consistently exceeds expectations. Most recently, we needed to secure a mortgage on an extremely tight timeline before starting construction on our build. Nathan managed to get the loan approved and finalized within just a week. He's professional, responsive, and clearly knows how to navigate complex situations under pressure. It's rare to find someone this reliable and easy to work with. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend Nathan to anyone looking for a mortgage broker who genuinely delivers.

LN

Laura Newton

I felt totally out of my depth when purchasing my first property - until I went to Nathan to organise my finance, he totally took the stress of it away and made the process so easy and efficient. I have bought another property and refinanced with Nathan over the past 6 years and it is always so easy. Couldn’t be happier or more grateful!!

RC

Robert Cohen

Nathan has been excellent to deal with. I've purchased one property with him and refinanced once since then and have always received A+ service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Distinct Financial support high net worth clients with complex financial structures?

High net worth clients often hold assets and income across multiple entities, including companies, trusts, self-managed super funds, and personal names. This complexity can make standard lending assessments challenging, as many lenders are not equipped to properly evaluate these structures. At Distinct Financial, we have significant experience working with clients who have sophisticated financial arrangements. We take the time to understand how your wealth is structured and work with lenders who have the capability and appetite to assess applications of this nature. We also work closely with your accountant, financial planner, or legal adviser where needed to ensure your lending strategy is coordinated with your broader wealth management approach.

Does Distinct Financial charge fees for their services?

In many cases, mortgage brokers are paid a commission by the lender when a loan is settled, which means there is no direct cost to you for standard residential and investment lending. However, for certain types of complex or specialist finance, a broker fee may apply. At Distinct Financial, we are transparent about how we are remunerated and will always disclose this to you upfront before any work begins. You will receive a Credit Guide and other disclosure documents that clearly outline any fees or commissions involved. We believe you should have a full understanding of the financial arrangement before proceeding, and we are always happy to answer any questions you have about how our services are structured.

Is my financial information kept confidential?

Yes, protecting your privacy is something we take seriously at Distinct Financial. All personal and financial information you share with us is handled in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act and our own internal privacy policy. Your information is only shared with lenders and third parties where it is necessary to progress your application, and only with your knowledge and consent. We understand that our clients, particularly those with significant assets or complex business structures, place a high level of trust in us when sharing sensitive financial details. That trust is something we work hard to maintain throughout every stage of our relationship with you. If you have specific questions about how your data is managed, we are happy to walk you through our privacy practices in detail.

How do I get started with Distinct Financial?

Getting started is straightforward. The first step is to reach out to our team to arrange an initial conversation. This is an opportunity for us to learn about your situation, what you are looking to achieve, and whether we are the right fit for each other. There is no obligation involved in having that first discussion. From there, if you decide to proceed, we will guide you through the information and documentation we need to properly assess your position and begin researching suitable lending options. At Distinct Financial, we work with clients who are serious about growing their wealth through property, and we bring the same level of commitment and professionalism to every client relationship, regardless of where you are in your property journey.

Can Distinct Financial help me if I already have existing loans and want to restructure my debt?

Absolutely. Reviewing and restructuring existing lending is one of the most important things a borrower can do as their financial situation evolves. Over time, your circumstances, goals, and the lending products available in the market all change, and a loan that suited you several years ago may no longer be the most appropriate arrangement today. At Distinct Financial, we regularly work with clients who want to consolidate debt, release equity from existing properties, adjust their loan structures, or simply ensure their current lending is still aligned with their investment strategy. We conduct a thorough review of your existing commitments and present options that may better serve your current position, without making any assumptions about what the outcome will be.

What does a finance and mortgage broker actually do?

A finance and mortgage broker acts as the link between you and a wide range of lenders, including banks, credit unions, and specialist finance providers. Rather than approaching lenders one by one on your own, a broker does the research, comparison, and application work on your behalf. At Distinct Financial, we take the time to understand your financial position, your goals, and your circumstances before recommending a lending solution that suits your situation. For self-employed individuals and high net worth clients, this process is particularly valuable because your income and asset structures are often more complex than standard employment arrangements. Having an experienced broker in your corner means your application is presented to lenders in the strongest possible way.

Why should self-employed people use a mortgage broker instead of going directly to a bank?

Self-employed borrowers often face additional scrutiny from lenders because their income can look different on paper compared to someone receiving a regular salary. Banks assess self-employed applicants using tax returns, business financials, and other documentation that can vary significantly from year to year. Going directly to a single bank means you are limited to their specific policies and appetite for self-employed lending. A broker like Distinct Financial has access to a broad panel of lenders, including those who specialise in working with self-employed clients. We understand how to present your income and financial position in a way that accurately reflects your true capacity to service a loan, giving your application the best possible chance of being assessed fairly.

How long does the loan application process take?

The timeframe for a loan application can vary depending on the complexity of your situation, the lender involved, and how quickly documentation can be gathered and submitted. For straightforward applications, conditional approval can sometimes be received within a few business days. For more complex applications involving self-employed income, multiple entities, or larger loan amounts, the process may take longer as lenders conduct more thorough assessments. At Distinct Financial, we work proactively to keep your application moving and communicate with lenders on your behalf to minimise unnecessary delays. We will always give you a realistic expectation of timeframes upfront so you can plan accordingly, particularly if you are working towards a specific settlement date.

What documents will I need to provide when applying for a loan through Distinct Financial?

The documentation required will depend on your individual circumstances, the type of loan you are applying for, and the lender being approached. For most applications, you will need to provide proof of identity, details of your income, recent bank statements, and information about your existing assets and liabilities. If you are self-employed, lenders will typically require your most recent tax returns, notices of assessment, and business financial statements. For clients with more complex structures, additional documentation such as trust deeds, company financials, or SMSF statements may be required. At Distinct Financial, we will walk you through exactly what is needed for your specific application so the process is as straightforward as possible from the outset.

What types of finance does Distinct Financial arrange?

Distinct Financial works across a range of finance solutions to support clients who are building and growing wealth through property. This includes residential home loans, investment property loans, refinancing existing debt, construction finance, and commercial property lending. We also assist with asset finance and business lending for clients whose personal and business finances are closely connected. Our focus is on understanding the full picture of your financial situation rather than looking at a single transaction in isolation. Whether you are purchasing your first investment property, expanding an existing portfolio, or restructuring your current lending arrangements, we work with you to identify a pathway that aligns with your broader financial goals.

Ready to get Started?

Book a chat with a Finance & Mortgage Broker at Distinct Financial today.