Headquarters:

Unit D, 39 East Tamaki Road, Papatoetoe, Auckland 2025

Year founded:

2007

Number of employees:

Phone:

021 725 059

Email:

admin@fundagroup.co.nz

Website:

fundagroup.co.nz

LinkedIn:

linkedin.com/school/stuartholme-school

“We prioritise embracing cutting-edge technologies, creative problem solving and continuous improvement to enhance our premium funding solutions and provide exceptional value to our clients”

B.K. Sharma

Chairman

Payal Sharma

Chief Executive Officer

Bhaavan Sharma

Operations and Technology Lead

Leadership

B.K. Sharma is a visionary leader and qualified risk engineer with decades of global experience in claims and loss adjustment. As a pioneering force in the privatisation of India’s insurance sector, he brings unmatched strategic insight and operational excellence. From Fundagroup’s inception, Sharma embedded a 24x7, 365-day customer service ethos, setting a gold standard for responsiveness and client care. His international expertise, coupled with a deep understanding of risk, compliance and advocacy, continues to shape Fundagroup’s culture of professionalism, innovation and trust. Under his leadership, the firm remains committed to equity, resilience and industry transformation.

Chairman

B.K. Sharma

Payal Sharma is a dynamic insurance leader and qualified risk engineer who brings over 12 years of underwriting excellence to Fundagroup. She played a pivotal role as an underwriter and manager in elevating one of Auckland’s respected insurance firms, driving its growth with technical precision and brokers’ trust. Her ascent to the prestigious rank of Fellow ANZIIF reflects her deep industry expertise, postgraduate qualifications and unwavering commitment to professional standards. At Fundagroup, Sharma blends strategic insight with operational finesse, steering the firm’s expansion, compliance leadership and client-first culture. Her vision continues to shape Fundagroup’s reputation for innovation, equity and excellence in risk management.

Chief Executive Officer

Payal Sharma

Bhaavan Sharma is Fundagroup’s tech wizard and operational anchor, known for his precision, discipline and quiet brilliance. Joining the firm in his teens, he quickly mastered the art of accuracy – handling submissions, bordereau payments, policy documentation and IT updates with clockwork consistency. Every task, from emails to system maintenance, is completed on time and with near-perfect execution. Beyond the spreadsheets and systems, Sharma finds balance on the golf course. Weekends are reserved for tee-offs with mates, where he unwinds from the week’s intensity and recharges through camaraderie and competition. His blend of technical excellence and grounded routine makes him a vital force behind Fundagroup’s seamless operations.

Operations and Technology Lead

Bhaavan Sharma

BRETT BASTOW, IQUMULATE PREMIUM FUNDINGs

Leadership

Arjun Sharma

Client Relationship Lead

Arjun Sharma is the heartbeat of Fundagroup’s client engagement – always on the move, always connecting. A passionate explorer behind the wheel of his 4x4 Jeep, he travels across New Zealand to meet SME owners face to face, bringing insurance expertise with a human touch. Known for his calm, polite demeanour and gift for simplifying technical concepts, he makes coverage and compliance feel accessible – even to those unfamiliar with insurance jargon. Whether conducting inspections, compliance checks or premium collections, Sharma builds genuine rapport with business owners, employees and families alike. His presence is welcomed with warmth – young or old, clients trust him not just as a broker, but as a friend.

Client Relationship Lead

Arjun Sharma

Prakriti Garg

Office Administrator

Prakriti Garg is a dynamic professional who combines global academic achievement with everyday resilience. After earning her MBA in the United States, she relocated to New Zealand and now serves as office administrator at Fundagroup, a forward-thinking insurance and risk management firm. Working from home, Garg expertly manages administrative operations while raising her two young children. Her days are a masterclass in multitasking – balancing client coordination, internal workflows and team support with the demands of parenting. Garg brings precision, empathy and calm to every task, embodying the professionalism and adaptability that define Fundagroup’s culture and impact.

Office Administrator

Prakriti Garg

Stevens & Associates Lawyers is a leading and trusted employment law firm based in Sydney known for delivering high-quality legal expertise in the area of employment law and industrial relations across Australia, alongside a proven track record of effectively and swiftly resolving a variety of workplace law issues. In the past year, the firm’s growth has been notable. It has: • experienced a 213% growth in the number of client matters, increasing from 149 client matters in the 2022 financial year to 390 client matters in the 2023 financial year • improved its online visibility, leading to over 50 online enquiries each month and a conversion rate of client leads of up to 40% • significantly expanded the breadth and type of matters that it advises on day to day, which has increased the firm’s skillsets, diversity and resilience • expanded its community outreach by collaborating with local Sydney venues for client seminars and continuing active participation in a Sydney small/family business group Stevens & Associates Lawyers has adapted to digital trends by implementing an effective strategy with SEO and web design, resulting in a structural shift that has seen increased representation of employees where the firm previously mainly advised employers. The firm’s recognition as a “Fast Firm” attests to its momentum in the employment law space.

“IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started”

Wayne Tower, IQumulate Premium Funding

Brett Crawley

Renewal’s Manager

Thomas Barden

Account Executive

Darren Watt

Commercial Director

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

With years of experience in insurance, Brett Crawley strives to break the stereotype of insurance salespeople. He always aims for the best result for clients, treating insurance like a puzzle – piecing together the best price and cover. Crawley explains options as if advising a close friend, ensuring clients understand their choices and feel confident in the advice given. His approach is rooted in empathy and transparency, always acting in the client’s best interests and providing honest, thorough support throughout the renewal process.

Renewal’s Manager

Brett Crawley

With over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, Thomas Barden is dedicated to making the process simple, clear and stress-free for clients. He listens carefully, explains options in plain language and ensures clients feel confident in their decisions. His goal is to build lasting relationships, always being available to answer questions and provide support. Approachable, dependable and genuinely invested in his clients’ wellbeing, Barden works hard to find solutions that fit each client’s needs – whether protecting a family, home or business.

Account Executive

Thomas Barden

Darren Watt is the commercial director at Stuartholme School, bringing over 20 years of experience in auditing, accounting and business management within the education sector. Since joining in May 2022, he has overseen the school’s commercial operations, including financial strategy, procurement and business services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Commerce, a Bachelor of Arts (General), a Graduate Certificate in Business, is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). As a key member of Stuartholme’s leadership team, Watt plays a vital role in supporting the school’s mission within the Sacred Heart network.

Commercial Director

Darren Watt

Stephen McMillan first entered the financial services Industry when he joined GE Capital as a finance analyst in 2008, from which he progressed through roles working both onshore and offshore. From there, he moved into Pacific Premium Funding as a financial planning and analysis leader in 2012 and was a key resource in the evolution of the business, first with the successful sale to Macquarie Pacific Funding and then the following progression into IQumulate Premium Funding, where he is now the commercial manager. As commercial manager, McMillan leads a team that is responsible for commercial analysis and business support, identifying and reporting improvement initiatives, and the securitization and treasury functions of the business.

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

One culmination of these efforts has been the real-world, needs-based IQEdge solution. A one-stop online quoting tool designed for both the Australian and New Zealand markets, IQEdge delivers quotes in under 60 seconds. Plus, the solution offers quote comparison and quote versioning capabilities, enabling users to review vital historical and financial data in a single page view. IQEdge can streamline and automate application processing, underwriting document verification and payment collection, cutting the need for manual labour and minimising processing errors. A digital “self-service” platform, IQEdge, reduces the need for customer and administrative support. Meanwhile, borrowers can access their accounts, make payments and manage their policies independently and through sales and support teams, which are always available for further assistance. “We’ve created a quality platform that simplifies the quoting process yet amplifies the customer experience,” says Gordon. “It’s a real game changer.” IQumulate offers an online digital quoting tool to clients. The best-in-market solution enables IQumulate to tailor funding offerings to brokers that align with their prefered distribution channel.

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What does IQumulate have in mind for the future? “IQumulate is on a technology journey, and we’re just getting started,” says Wayne Tower, CEO. “Through continuous engagement with our clients, partners, marketplace and industry, we will listen to the needs as they arise and position our business to be agile and respond to changes as they occur. “Faster decision-making innovations such as AI-powered decision support systems can expedite the underwriting and approval process, leading to quicker responses to clients. This can improve client satisfaction and potentially attract more business, creating a competitive advantage with the potential to allow IQumulate to command premium pricing or capture a larger market share. “As forward-thinkers with a digital and ‘do it better’ mindset, we collectively and proactively look to learn and improve on our customer experience for our clients, paving the way for successful business outcomes for our clients and our business in the coming years ahead. “We’re excited for the future and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Commercial Manager

Stephen McMillan

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

Product Manager

Claire Watson

“Fundagroup isn’t just a brokerage; we’re a movement to redefine insurance, rooted in tradition, driven by innovation and built for impact”

B.K. Sharma, Fundagroup Insurance Brokers

“Fundagroup isn’t just a brokerage; we’re a movement to redefine insurance, rooted in tradition, driven by innovation and built for impact”

B.K. Sharma, Fundagroup Insurance Brokers

Ivan Verescuk

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

Shaun O’Brien

Head of Underwriting

Emily Walker

Head of Strata and Development

Rex Oakman

Head of Operations and Risk

Sandy Newton

Head of Underwriting

Andrew Mitchell

Manager – NSW

Michael Prokopis

Manager – Southern Region

Pam Chhabra

Manager – Residential Strata

Jeffrey Valdivia

Manager – Commercial Strata

Adam Basaldella

Manager – Claims

Born from the rigour of the Chartered Insurance Institute London and refined through the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance’s professionalism, Fundagroup Insurance Brokers is rewriting the playbook for fire and general insurance. By putting fundamentals first, it transforms technical risk engineering into outcomes clients can measure, trust and build on. A five-strong, broker-led team turns in situ inspections into savings – up to 10% below market, without compromising protection. Armed with technical depth, round-the-clock service and the strength of a strategic partnership with Steadfast, Fundagroup has earned industry acclaim, including recognition from Insurance Business as a Top Brokerage 2025. The team’s collective expertise is the engine of Fundagroup’s success – each member bringing a distinct strength that, together, defines the firm’s edge. Senior broker B.K. Sharma anchors strategy and compliance. Director Payal Sharma brings over 12 years of underwriting experience in New Zealand alone, distinguished by her commitment to crafting precise, high-quality submissions. Financial advisor Arjun Sharma leads complex risk structuring, visiting sites and surfacing improvements that strengthen acceptance and pricing, especially in high-risk and ISR portfolios. IT data manager Bhaavan Sharma, also a licensed financial adviser, embeds technology into pricing scalability and operational architecture. Administrative officer Prakriti Garg drives client-referral analytics, brand positioning and internal training to sustain a culture of continuous learning.

IQumulate invests in education and people, which are vital to attracting new business and talent to the company. “We have long tenures for several of our key staff, including some in leadership positions, and this sound working knowledge of our business, practices and industry provides great insights and a wealth of experience to offer our clients,” says Bastow. “Our new head of sales, Graeme Gordon, formerly manager for New Zealand, joins us in Australia to drive our sales strategy and lead our team to successful outcomes for our clients and our business. We look forward to great things ahead with Graeme as he continues to be active and present in the New Zealand market as well as building sound working relationships and new connections in Australia.” Clients can also expect a lot from working with IQumulate. “Through active engagement with our trusted broker network, IQumulate provides relevant information, education and training content,” says Graeme Gordon, head of sales. “Our clients can expect IQumulate to support their business in several ways, providing an understanding of what premium funding solutions are available and how IQumulate can spread the cost of insurance and help borrowers get the right level of insurance cover to free up their cash flow for other expenses or business growth opportunities. Premium funding is often considered a tool for those who simply cannot afford to pay their premiums in full. While this is certainly a significant driver for many, it is also successfully used by profitable companies who use premium funding to manage their cash flows more wisely or better manage their liquidity.”

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Benefits

Compensation

Culture

Diversity, equity and inclusion

Innovation

Reputation

Sustainable programs

Overall

Younger, purpose-driven Gen Z clients demand authenticity, speed and clarity. Fundagroup’s blend of technical mastery, broker ownership and product innovation positions it to meet those expectations. Fundagroup rejects call centre routines in favour of relationship-led service. The team prioritises face-to-face engagement, empathetic communication and on-site support during claims. Precise claims drafting and compassionate handling convert problem resolution into client advocacy, fuelling organic growth through referrals. Community sponsorship with purpose raises awareness that lasts. Seventy percent of Fundagroup’s growth comes from one source: clients who recommend it. Its referrals are proof of a culture that blends 24/7 service with empathy, innovation and fearless claim advocacy.

The firm’s product innovations underscore a simple promise: clearer advice, fairer pricing and faster recovery. “Fundagroup isn’t just a brokerage; we’re a movement to redefine insurance, rooted in tradition, driven by innovation and built for impact,” says B.K. Sharma. Its in-house risk engineering converts site inspections and technical analysis into precise, underwriter-ready submissions, improving clarity and market appetite. That depth enables its brokers to secure stronger placements and better terms for complex and high-risk exposures. Complementing this capability, ClaiMyExcess – the firm’s parametric recovery product – delivers rapid, transparent and predictable payouts tailored to consumers, SMEs and vulnerable sectors. A long-term succession plan and equity participation mean each licensed broker owns their domain from risk assessment to product architecture. This decentralised ownership creates accountability, speed and tailored solutions. Platform investments, including integrated quoting tools and secure Microsoft 365 workflows, increase transparency and reduce operational friction. A premium funding partnership and an auto-phone exchange improve client cash flow and response times, turning service into a competitive advantage.