At P&N Bank, our people are our biggest strength – and few embody that more than Dean Brickell, one of our most experienced Relationship Managers in Business Banking. With a career in finance spanning nearly four decades, Dean brings not just technical expertise, but a calm confidence and a refreshingly human approach to banking.
A career built on experience
Dean’s journey in banking began in the mid-1980s at ANZ, where he worked across institutional and property finance. Over the years, his career has taken him through some of Australia’s major financial institutions, including AMP, GIO Finance, Suncorp, and St George, before joining P&N Bank two years ago. Along the way, he’s seen the full evolution of property and commercial lending in Western Australia. “I might be the longest property finance person in WA,” Dean says. “I can’t think of anyone who started as far back as I did.” From large infrastructure-style projects to hands-on work with property developers and investors, Dean has done it all – and that depth of experience now benefits P&N customers every day.
From big banks to real relationships
Early in his career, Dean worked heavily in institutional banking, dealing with lawyers, accountants, and complex corporate structures. But over time, his focus shifted. “I realised the best clients to work with are the ones you get along with,” he says. That realisation led him towards working directly with business owners, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth clients – people who value straight-talking advice and genuine relationships. For Dean, banking isn’t about chasing every deal. “Being on the same page makes the work more enjoyable and means I’m better able to meet the client’s needs.”
A network built over 30 years
These days, Dean doesn’t need cold calls or marketing lists. Most of his new clients come through word of mouth. “Some of my clients I’ve known for 30 years,” he laughs. “It’s nice when someone recommends you – It helps because most of them will know what I'm like. So therefore, they're not going to introduce me to someone who I’m not going to gel with.”
And amongst this he still manages to keep strong relationships going with his existing customers. “There's a number of customers I'll catch up with over the weekend and just talk about what's going on in the property industry.”
Why P&N is different
Dean believes P&N Bank fills a critical gap in the market – particularly for small to mid-sized property developers and business owners. “The big four banks struggle to be efficient with loans under $10–15 million,” he explains. “That’s got to be our main point of difference.”
Because P&N focuses on this space, customers benefit from:
- Faster decision-making
- Direct access to experienced bankers
- Solutions tailored to real-world business needs
- People who genuinely understand property finance
A practical, personal approach
When it comes to structuring deals, Dean’s style is simple: understand the whole picture. “I know how property works – from councils and planning approvals through to utilities and timeframes,” he says. “So, I can actually work with how things unfold in the real world.” That practical knowledge means fewer surprises, clearer expectations, and smoother journeys for clients navigating complex projects.
Experience you can feel
Dean is humble about his expertise. But for P&N customers, that experience translates into something invaluable: confidence. “There’s not much I haven’t seen,” he says. “So, I don’t need to ask too many questions – I can just get on with it.” And that’s exactly what great banking should feel like: calm, capable, and built on relationships that last.
You may also be interested in:
Relationship managers
What it takes to be named Bank of the Year
The return of business confidence: what it means for growth in 2025
Important information
Banking and Credit products issued by Police & Nurses Limited (P&N Bank).
Any advice does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Read the relevant terms and conditions, before downloading apps or acquiring any product, in considering and deciding whether it is right for you. The Target Market Determinations (TMDs) are available on our website or upon request.