A word from our event partner
Paul Lucas Global Managing Editor Insurance Business
Award winners
What to expect on the night
2023 Sponsors
La Trobe Financial Broker of the Year – Commercial
The year 2023 will go down as one of transition as the Australian economy emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic into an environment plagued by rising interest rates and inflation. However, the economy has also shown signs of resilience, with unemployment remaining low and consumer spending holding up. The mortgage and banking industry has been particularly affected by the rising interest rate environment as borrowers have done their best to avoid mortgage cliffs and mortgage prisons. Banks sparked a mortgage war by introducing a flurry of enticing cashback offers before retreating in the second half
Event partner
Award sponsors
Official media
Organiser
Methodology
more
Stage One – Nominations A nationwide call for nominations was conducted from June to July 2023 using the online channels of Mortgage Professional Australia and Australian Broker. Any individuals or organisations operating in the Australian mortgage industry were eligible to submit a nomination, either on their own behalf or for another individual or organisation. Nominations focused on achievements and results from the previous 12 months. All information contained in the entries that was marked confidential was treated as such and not released without permission from the entrant. All nominations had to be submitted via the official Australian Mortgage Awards online portal before the final date of entry (5 July 2023). The Australian Mortgage Awards team reserved the right to refuse any nominations submitted after this date. Within the online portal, participants were asked to answer specific questions relevant to the category criteria listed under ‘Award categories’. In addition to this, they had the opportunity to attach supporting documentation. If a participant was later shortlisted as an Excellence Awardee, they were not contacted to provide additional information for the judges.
Stage Three – Selection of Excellence Awardees Once the research was completed, Excellence Awardees were selected in each category and notified via email. Excellence Awardees were also announced on the MPA and Australian Broker websites.
Excellence awardee submission All excellence awardees will be invited to complete an official submission form, which will be forwarded to an independent judging panel. The submission form will ask for details on how each excellence awardee fulfils the criteria in their award category. All information contained in the submissions will remain entirely confidential unless otherwise marked and will not be shared with any third parties other than the judges.
Stage Five – Awards Ceremony The winners in each category were announced at the Australian Mortgage Awards official gala event and awards ceremony on 13 October 2023 at The Star Event Centre in Sydney. Winners were also published on the MPA and Australian Broker websites.
Find out more
FBAA Broker of the Year – Residential
Pepper Money Broker of the Year – Specialist Lending
Equity-One Broker of the Year – Productivity
NAB Broker of the Year – Regional
Adelaide Bank Young Gun of the Year
PRPTY360 Brokerage of the Year – Diversification
MFAA Brokerage of the Year (1-5 Staff)
Resimac Brokerage of the Year (6-20 Staff)
Commonwealth Bank Brokerage of the Year (>20 Staff)
ANZ Brokerage of the Year – Regional
Bankwest New Brokerage of the Year
Celebrating resilience and excellence
The AMAs 2023 rewarded the impressive achievements of mortgage professionals in a challenging market
Over the past year, we have witnessed the amazing resilience of people across the breadth of our nation. This year has seen that resilience again at the fore as many consumers faced a momentous change in the cost of living and borrowing for the first time. Throughout all of this, the independent help, guidance and advice that Australian brokers have provided has helped millions of people navigate the best possible financial path – we love that and thank you all for the difference you make. In this shifting economic environment, Westpac is more committed than ever to supporting brokers to help more Australians into their homes. Our third party distribution channel continues to contribute strongly to the growth of the Westpac Home Lending Portfolio, and this is a testament to the solid and steadfast relationships we have built with our brokers. We’re listening to what our brokers need, and we’re committed to service excellence, which means we’re continually looking for new ways to improve the broker experience across product, policy, process and support. Congratulations again to this year’s Excellence Awardees and winners. We applaud your achievements and thank you for your commitment to our customers and the Australian mortgage industry.
OnDeck Aggregator of the Year
Firstmac Best Aggregator BDM
Mortgage Steet Best Major Bank BDM
Hays Best Non-Major Bank BDM
Mortgage Choice Best Non-Bank BDM
Q2 Bank of the Year
Rate Money Non-Bank of the Year
of the year as they faced higher costs. This led to a resurgence of smaller lenders jumping in to occupy the space. Meanwhile, the industry was grappling with servicing a record boom in refinancing activity as many borrowers rolled off low fixed rates. Despite these challenges, the outlook for the Australian economy remains relatively positive. Australia has avoided a recession (so far), and the economy is expected to continue to grow, albeit at a slower pace than in recent years. Interest rates are also likely to remain elevated, but they are expected to ease over 2024. The mortgage and banking industry is also expected to adapt to the changing environment. For lenders, artificial intelligence, automation and open banking were the major trends of 2023 as they looked for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. For brokers, outsourcing and diversification were the focus, with a record number of brokers looking to diversify their offerings into other asset classes like SMSF and commercial. Overall, finance professionals deserve to celebrate their ongoing achievements in what has been a challenging but ultimately rewarding year. The Australian Mortgage Awards 2023 were a chance to recognise just how important brokers and their lending partners are in providing a highly skilled, responsive and customer-focused service to millions of people and businesses. A record crowd of 713 people embraced the opportunity to enjoy this year’s AMAs, held at The Star Event Centre in Sydney on 13 October. Hosted by comedian and presenter Merrick Watts, attendees danced up a storm to the sounds of party band and entertainment partner SongDivision. Organised by Key Media, the AMAs are supported by Australian Broker and Mortgage Professional Australia. Westpac was the event partner for the 14th consecutive year, while NAB and PRPTY 360 were premium partners. FINSTREET was the VIP post-awards event sponsor, while Fifo Capital was the photo booth sponsor and Maxiron Capital the social media sponsor. Other sponsors included Adelaide Bank, ANZ, Bankwest, Bluestone Home Loans, Commonwealth Bank, Equity-One, FBAA, Firstmac, Gateway Bank, Hays, La Trobe Financial, LBH, Liberty, MFAA, Mortgage Choice, Mortgage Street, OnDeck, Pepper Money, PropTrack, Q2, Rate Money, Resimac and ubank. Brokers, brokerages, BDMs, aggregators and lenders were honoured at the AMAs across 25 categories and two big national awards – Westpac Australian Broker of the Year and Liberty Australian Brokerage of the Year. Empower Wealth Mortgage Advisory took the top honour – the prestigious Liberty Australian Brokerage of the Year award – after also winning Commonwealth Bank Brokerage of the Year (Over 20 Staff) earlier in the night. Empower Wealth managing director Ben Magnus said he was shocked and humbled when he learned the news. “We’ve spent the past couple of years growing our brokerage, so this acknowledgement proves we are on the right path to success,” he said. For Kim Bui, who was named Adelaide Bank Young Gun of the Year, winning the award was a “great surprise and a beautiful moment”. “Winning the award means a lot to our business because we are just starting out on our growth journey,” said Bui, founder and director of Lending Hub Co. “It’s a big motivation for all the brokers in our firm, including myself as a young broker.” The winner of Westpac Australian Broker of the Year was Jean-Pierre Gortan, who was also named La Trobe Financial Broker of the Year – Commercial on the night. Gortan, the founder and director of Simplicity Loans and Advisory, expressed his gratitude for the recent awards bestowed upon him, acknowledging that these recognitions were a testament to the collective efforts of his entire team. “So many people reached out to me after we won the award, and it was a little overwhelming,” he said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without everyone working together.” Key Media was honoured to present the 2023 Australian Mortgage Awards. Congratulations to all the Excellence Awardees and winners. Read on to find out more about this year’s AMAs.
Stage Two – Research The Australian Mortgage Awards team also conducted research and drew on knowledge and information gained through MPA’s and Australian Broker’s connections to the mortgage industry to ensure that no individual or organisation deserving of recognition was missed.
METHODOLOGY
JUDGING PANEL
AWARD WINNERS
SPONSORS
AGENDA
Barry Saoud
Domenic Lo Surdo
Frank Knez
Ali Khan
Ryan Gair
Graham Cooke
Blake Buchanan
Tim Brown
Alex Brgudac
Renee Blethyn
Cory Bannister
Matthew Atkin
Thank you to our esteemed judges for lending their time and expertise to help recognise and celebrate excellence in the mortgage profession.
2023 Judging panel
Australians have been through a lot since Westpac opened its doors in 1817. Wonderful, challenging, exhilarating moments – we’ve seen most of them up close and personal. Banking is often invisible in our lives, and even though we’re pretty sure you don’t think about us all the time, you’re interacting with us and our products nearly every day and when it does matter, we’re there to back you. It’s why we’re constantly improving your banking experience with technology like the launch of our new mobile App. Why we protect you through initiatives such as our scams promise. Why we’re working to provide simpler, smarter, and smoother banking to help you take and maintain control of your money – with features like Tap+Pay and Cardless Cash (T&Cs and eligibility apply). It’s why we offer Westpac rewards and better savings rates and give you the opportunity to really dig down into and understand what makes your finances work Whether you’re saving for your first big road trip or turning a side-hustle into a full-time gig; starting a family, downsizing to start a new adventure or getting financially literate – we’re here. Life is eventful – that’s why we help. Visit westpac.com.au/brokers or speak to your BDM today. Contact details: Website: www.westpac.com.au/brokers
Domenic Lo Surdo Group Executive Chairman, Stamford Capital
Frank Knez CEO, National Property Group
Ali Khan Managing Director APAC, Q2
Ryan Gair CEO, Rate Money
Graham Cooke Head of Consumer Research Finder
Blake Buchanan Aggregation | Acquisition | Strategy Specialist Finance Group
Tim Brown Head of Wholesale Distribution, BC Invest
Alex Brgudac Fintech Brand Strategist, MA Money
Renee Blethyn Head of Broker Partnerships, NextGen
Matthew Atkin President, Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia
Cory Bannister Senior Vice President – Chief Lending Officer, La Trobe Financial
Excellence Awardees
ubank Boutique Aggregator of the Year
Going the extra mile for brokers is how we do business. We do it because brokers are our business. With standout broker service, no-fuss loans and streamlined back-end processes, we’re consistently focused on delivering what you need. Less paperwork and more simplicity means there are even more reasons to choose Adelaide Bank. Contact details: Website: www.brokers.adelaidebank.com.au
Award sponsor
At ANZ, we believe a strong relationship with brokers is an essential part of helping you unlock a strong relationship with your customers. ANZ and brokers have been supporting customers for over 20 years, and now new ways of working better together will make us better than ever. Contact details: Phone: 1800 812 785 Website: www.anz.com.au/promo/broker
We give you the confidence to grow your business with CommBank. We do this by being transparent, accessible, reliable and adaptable, giving you greater control and confidence so you can support more clients to achieve their homeownership goals. Contact details: Website: www.commbank.com.au/home-loans/broker-accreditation.html
Equity-One has established itself as a leader in Commercial Lending by providing fixed rate solutions with flexible repayment options. Equity-One offers a genuine alternative to business borrowers looking for traditional personalised service. Contact details: Phone: +61 3 9602 3477 / +61 412 365 029 Email: deank@equity-one.com Website: www.equity-one.com
The Finance Brokers Association of Australia Limited (FBAA) was established in 1993 and is respected as the leading professional association to finance and mortgage brokers in Australia, with its leadership recognised internationally. The FBAA not only insists on the highest levels of professionalism, ethics and standards from its members, but it is the industry association of choice for finance professionals. The FBAA philosophically stands to support your business needs as well as your mental health and leads the advocacy to government for the industry ensuring that brokers’ rights and future are preserved and well protected. Contact details: Phone: +61 7 3847 8119 Email: Info@fbaa.com.au Website: fbaa.com.au
Bluestone Home Loans Mortgage Manager of the Year
PropTrack Fintech Lender of the Year
Entertainment partner
SongDivision are the global leaders in musical experiences and pioneers in interactive entertainment. Above all they are a people engagement company. Since 2003 they have helped thousands of organisations around the world to strengthen connections between their people and have worked in 30 different countries, 15 different languages and played with world-renowned artists such as Aerosmith, Guns N Roses, John Farnham, Guy Sebastian and more. Contact details: Katy Aldrich Phone: +61 370 655 923 Email: katy@songdivision.com Website: www.songdivision.com
Champagne sponsor
Stage Four – Judging The Australian Mortgage Awards team sent completed Excellence Awardee submissions to an independent panel of judges comprising mortgage industry leaders and senior representatives. Judges were well known and well respected within the industry, and their judgement was impartial, balanced, incisive and fair. Any judge with a conflict of interest in a particular category recused themselves from judging that category. Judges reviewed the Excellence Awardee submissions and allocated a score for each Excellence Awardee. The Excellence Awardee with the highest score in each category once the judging process was completed was named the winner.
Ian Rakhit
Chris Paterson
Anja Pannek
Steve Sampson
Tanya Sale
Lee Rudwick
Alf Vasta
Joseph Trimarchi
Louisa Sanghera
Angel Zhong
Sharon Yardley
Peter White
Barry Saoud General Manager Mortgages and Commercial Lending, Pepper Money
Anja Pannek CEO, Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA)
Chris Paterson General Manager Distribution, Resimac
Ian Rakhit GM Third Party, Personal and Third Party Banking, Bankwest
Lee Rudwick Performance Lead – Home Loans, ANZ
Tanya Sale CEO, Outsource Financial
Steve Sampson Chief Commercial Officer, Prime Capital
Louisa Sanghera Managing Director, Zippy Financial Group
Joseph Trimarchi Solicitor, Joseph Trimarchi & Associates
Alf Vasta Business Development Manager, Liberty
Peter White Managing Director, Finance Brokers Association of Australia
Sharon Yardley Head of Operations, Risk and Compliance, Heartland Finance
Jeff Zulman Managing Director, TrailBlazers Finance
Warren Shaw Head of Broker Distribution, Westpac Group
Premium partners
NAB Broker Distribution is dedicated to helping brokers deliver the best customer outcomes, supported by a national network of experienced BDMs and dedicated support through every stage of a customer’s home lending experience. As the Bank behind Brokers, we will continue to invest in the broker channel and uncover the next innovation to make things simpler and easier for our broker partners and our customers. Contact details: Phone: 1300 622 276 Email: brokerresponsecentre@nab.com.au Website: nabbroker.com.au
Premium partner
PRPTY360 offers a complete property acquisition service that delivers quantifiable results. We assist investors with insight, guidance and results, with the objective of reducing risk and maximising returns. We prioritise new houses in prime areas with convenient infrastructure and waterfront/lifestyle settings, ensuring the potential for early gains and long-term growth. Contact details: Phone: +61 414 509 100 Email: julian@prpty360.com.au Website: www.prpty360.com.au
Photobooth sponsor
Social media sponsor
Bankwest has the ambition to be the Best Broker Bank in Australia and continues to support brokers in the critical role they play in improving customers’ financial wellbeing across Australia. This is one of the many reasons why brilliant brokers choose Bankwest. Contact details: Phone: +61 476 842 344 Email: Ian.rakhit@bankwest.com.au Website: www.bankwest.com.au/brokers
Firstmac is Australia’s largest non-bank lender. We have more than 40 years of experience in home and investment loans. With our advances in technology, Firstmac provides brokers with streamlined business processes, an innovative product suite and a total commitment to service. Contact details: Phone: +61 7 3015 9449 Email: jake.sanders@firstmac.com.au Website: www.firstmac.com.au/accreditation/
Gateway Bank is a leading customer-owned bank serving over 30,000 members with a range of award-winning home loans, products and services. Gateway is committed to doing the right thing for our members’ pockets and the planet and drive our commitment through products, services and initiatives that underpin this purpose. Contact details: Phone: 1300 302 474 Website: gatewaybank.com.au
At Hays, we invest in lifelong partnerships that empower people and businesses to succeed. We offer an unrivalled suite of recruitment and workplace solutions. As career partners to lending professionals and recruitment & advisory partners to employers, we’ll help you make the right decisions for your tomorrow. Contact details: Website: https://www.haysplc.com/
La Trobe Financial is Australia’s leading alternative asset manager. Since 1952, La Trobe Financial has delivered tailored mortgage finance solutions using superior credit smarts, a proprietary credit platform and one of the sector's broadest product suites. With c. A$17 billion AUM, La Trobe Financial operates Australia’s largest retail credit fund with c. A$9.5 billion in AUM and more than 90,000 investors. Contact details: Phone: 13 80 10 Website: latrobefinancial.com
LBH is a technology advisory and software development business with deep industry experience in financial services and property. Our mission is to make the lending experience easier and more accessible for everyone. We serve borrowers, brokers, lenders and insurers and are proud to have many category leaders as existing clients. Contact details: Address: Level 11 & 12, 46 Market Street, Sydney, NSW Australia 2000 Phone: +61 2 9188 0839 Website: https://www.lbhpartners.com/
Liberty offers innovative solutions at competitive prices to support customers with greater choice. Over the past 25 years, this free-thinking approach has seen more than 700,000 customers get financial across a wide range of home, car, personal and business loans, as well as SMSF lending and insurance products. Contact details: Email: accreditations@liberty.com.au Website: www.liberty.com.au
Established in 1980, the MFAA represents over 14,500 members and contributes to a healthy, competitive mortgage and finance industry through advocacy, education and business-building support. Our finance brokers operate within a professional Code of Practice that supports the alignment of the retail mortgage market with investor and consumer trust and confidence. Together with our members, we work with the industry, regulators and government to help our members to match consumers and business owners with mortgage or financing outcomes that meet their individual financial objectives. Contact details: Phone: 1300 554 817 Email: info@mfaa.com.au Website: www.mfaa.com.au
For over 30 years Mortgage Choice has been at the forefront of Australia’s mortgage broking industry, and under the ownership of global property technology business REA Group, this doesn’t change. Mortgage Choice is one of Australia’s most trusted and recognised brands and has a network of over to 1,000 brokers and more than 750 franchises nationally. Mortgage Choice builds successful businesses that set the benchmark for advice, customer care and removing complexity from the home loan process. Contact details: Phone: +61 402 206 463 Email: nita.sreedharan@rea-group.com.au Website: www.mortgagechoice.com.au/franchises/
Having loaned over US$13 billion to more than 110,000 small businesses worldwide, OnDeck is a proven leader in transparent and accountable online lending. Since 2006, we’ve been offering smart, simple solutions that put brokers and their clients first, delivering more capital, faster and more often. Contact details: Phone: +61 414 750 896 Email: nreily@ondeck.com.au Website: ondeck.com.au/broker
Pepper Money was established in 2000 to help Australians achieve their financial dreams by providing loan options that factor in the ups and downs of real life. Since then, we’ve helped over 327,000 Australians succeed and have become one of the largest, most trusted and award-winning non-bank lenders. Contact details: Phone: 1800 737 737 Email: scenarios@pepper.com.au Website: www.pepper.com.au/broker
As part of REA Group, PropTrack is changing the way the world experiences property by transforming mortgage lending with faster and more efficient decisioning, while also supplying the most dependable data and insights in market. With PropTrack, your organisation can streamline lending operations through automation and provide an unrivalled property experience for your customers. Contact details: Phone: +61 429 485 338 Email: peter.saintruth@proptrack.com Website: proptrack.com.au
Q2 is a financial experience company dedicated to providing digital banking and lending solutions to banks, credit unions, alternative finance and fintech companies in the US and internationally. With comprehensive end-to-end solution sets, Q2 enables its partners to provide cohesive, secure, data-driven experiences to every account holder – from consumer to small business and corporate. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Q2 has offices around the world and is publicly traded on the NYSE under the stock symbol QTWO. Contact details: Phone: +61 433 775 918 Website: www.q2.com
Rate Money is an award-winning financial services franchise dedicated to empowering self-employed Australians to achieve their homeownership and property investing goals. In just four years, Rate Money has grown to 30 franchises with 150+ people employed across the network. The business has also proudly fulfilled $5 billion in loans for over 7,000 customers. Contact details: Phone: 1300 936 668 Website: ratemoney.com.au
Resimac is one of Australia’s premier non-bank lenders. We offer competitive interest rates and flexible home loan options with great features to a wide range of customers, including the self-employed and those with previous credit impairments. We service over 50,000 customers, with assets under management in excess of $16 billion. Contact details: Address: Level 9, 45 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000 (Broker): broker.resimac.com.au Phone: (Corporate): +61 2 8267 2000 (Broker): 1300 787 898 Email: sales.support@resimac.com.au Website: www.resimac.com.au
At ubank, we’re helping Aussies get ahead with money and own their dream homes faster, by backing our broker network with simple-to-deliver, customer-focused solutions. Our award-winning support and digital-first approach means a quicker time to yes. Contact details: Website: broker.ubank.com.au
VIP post-awards event sponsor
PRPTY 360 offers a complete property acquisition service that delivers quantifiable results. We assist investors with insight, guidance and results, with the objective of reducing risk and maximising returns. We prioritise new houses in prime areas with convenient infrastructure and waterfront/lifestyle settings, ensuring the potential for early gains and long-term growth. Contact details: Phone: +61 414 509 100 Email: julian@prpty360.com.au Website: www.prpty360.com.au
Fifo Capital revolutionises finance for SMEs and brokers with its innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology. Its tailored funding options empower businesses to enhance cash flow, while its white-label platform enables brokers to offer commercial finance solutions. Take your brokerage to the next level with Fifo Capital. Contact details: Website: www.fifocapital.com.au
Maxiron Capital is a subsidiary of Maxiron Group (est. 2002) that has been set up to provide property equity release to much-needed Australians and businesses. We are your missing puzzle piece when banks and other lenders can’t help. We have worked with thousands of brokers and referrers nationwide. Contact details: Phone: +61 451 366 883 / 1300 944 966 Email: iman@maxironcapital.com.au Website: www.MaxironCapital.com.au
FINSTREET is a mortgage manager and leading digital platform provider that grows further, together with finance specialists and borrowers. We imagine a better way for customers to have bold ambitions in their lives that are not reflected in the offerings of big financial institutions and lenders. We achieve this by being the single gateway to more dynamic non-bank lending solutions, innovative platforms and stronger partnerships in Australia and abroad. Our people are fast, agile and accessible game changers who help deliver more residential, non-resident, expat, commercial, construction, SMSF and investor needs. Contact details: Website: www.finstreet.au
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NAB Best Industry Service
LBH Best Industry Marketing Campaign
Gateway Bank Best Customer Service from an Individual Office
Westpac Australian Broker of the Year
Liberty Australian Brokerage of the Year
Jeff Zulman
Angel Zhong Deputy Head of Department – Finance | Associate Professor of Finance, RMIT University
Premium Partner
PRPTY 360 offers a complete property acquisition service that delivers quantifiable results. We assist investors with insight, guidance and results, with the objective of reducing risk and maximising returns. We prioritise new houses in prime areas with convenient infrastructure and waterfront/lifestyle settings, ensuring potential for early gains and long-term growth. Contact details: Phone: +61 414 509 100 Email: julian@prpty360.com.au Website: www.prpty360.com.au
VIP post-awards events sponsor
With Bluestone's expert service and solutions, brokers can help more types of customers. You’ll experience more flexibility, fast turnaround times, fairer commissions and access to experienced underwriters to help you workshop solutions. So you can turn downsides into opportunities and raise your business game. Contact details: Email: sales.support@bluestone.com.au Website: https://brokers.bluestone.com.au/
Entertainment
Hosted By Merrick Watts MC
Party Band SongDivision
As one half of Merrick and Rosso, Merrick Watts took Triple J drive to ratings highs, was the first voice on the NOVA network and built a cult TV fan base with shows on Nine, Ten and the Comedy Channel. As a solo performer, Merrick has carved out a new course: as an actor on The Hollowmen and Underbelly; and as a comedian, touring a solo show for the first time in 2017 with Man of the House and appearing on TV shows such as Thank God You’re Here, The Project, and Hughesy We Have a Problem. He’s also been performing regularly as a panellist on Network Ten’s Studio 10. Still a regular on radio, Merrick recently had his own drive show on Triple M Sydney and he can now be heard regularly on a variety of stations across the country including regular appearances on 2GB. Merrick started a series of stand up gigs called Grapes of Mirth in 2018 which tour a range of his stand-up comedian mates to wineries around the country for acclaimed sell out shows. In 2020, Merrick undertook a physically and psychologically demanding training course as part of his appearance in Channel 7’s SAS: Australia. The record-breaking show saw Merrick push himself to the limit as he underwent a series of tests from the real SAS selection process. There are over 24 million people in this country and you’d be hard-pressed to find one that doesn’t know this radio veteran’s name. Merrick is well recognised as a leading performer in comedy and entertainment, and has a wealth of experience in MCing corporate events, awards nights, product launches, company Christmas parties etc. He can entertain your audience as auctioneer and even get results! To describe him as “multi-talented” is a gross understatement (at least that’s what he reckons!). He has the incredible ability to perform in any arena, big or small, and can cater his material for all audiences, including building a multi-media PowerPoint presentation chocked full of jokes, customised to suit your occasion! Based in Sydney but willing to travel, Merrick is perfect for those gigs that Vince Sorrenti said no to, or Richard Wilkins was too expensive for. He’s also capable of not swearing at absolutely no additional cost!
MC
Merrick Watts
SongDivision are the global leaders in musical experiences and pioneers in interactive entertainment. Above all they are a people engagement company. Since 2003 they have helped thousands of organisations around the world to strengthen connections between their people and have worked in 30 different countries, 15 different languages and played with world renowned artists such as Aerosmith, Guns N Roses, John Farnham, Guy Sebastian & more.
Party Band
SongDivision
Mortgage Street – your B2B partner in unlocking limitless opportunities for your clients. We specialise in tailoring funding solutions, from SMSF to non-conforming, green construction loans and beyond. With Mortgage Street, you’ll experience rapid, comprehensive quotes, ensuring increased opportunities, unwavering certainty and heightened confidence across the entire credit spectrum. Join us on this journey to infinite solutions! Contact details: Email: broker@mortgagestreet.com.au Website: thirdpartyb2b.mortgagestreet.com.au
Award Sponsor
Commemorative Guide
Friday 1st September 2023 | The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney
EVENT PARTNER
BACK
La Trobe Financial is Australia’s leading alternative asset manager. Since 1952, La Trobe Financial has delivered tailored mortgage finance solutions using superior credit smarts, a proprietary credit platform and one of the sector's broadest product suites. With c. A$17 billion AUM, La Trobe Financial operates Australia’s largest retail credit fund with c. A$9.5 billion in AUM and more than 90,000 investors. Contact details: Phone: 13 80 10 Website: www.latrobefinancial.com
"I’m proud that for the 5th year, AXA XL is sponsoring the Young Gun of the Year– International Award. Insurance is often overlooked as a career choice - we need to keep attracting talent as well as celebrating and supporting the development of the passionate individuals who are contributing to the future of insurance in Australia."
Catherine Carlyon, Country Manager Australia, AXA XL
Daniel Green, Green Finance Group
George Karam, BF Money
View profile
Simplicity Loans & Advisory
Jean-Pierre Gortan
WINNER
This award recognises the best broker who specialises in commercial real estate, investment finance, SME/debtor finance, asset and leasing finance. Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also considers input from lenders and aggregators.
Sumit Sopori, Imperium Insurance and Financial Solutions
Son Pham, Rethink Financing
Marwan Rahme, Kanebridge Capital
Isabella Constantinou, Simplicity Loans & Advisory Joseph Portolesi, JPI Finance
Kevin Wheatley, Bayside Residential & Commercial Mortgages
The Finance Brokers Association of Australia Limited (FBAA) was established in 1993 and is respected as the leading professional association to finance and mortgage brokers in Australia, with its leadership recognised internationally. The FBAA not only insists on the highest levels of professionalism, ethics and standards from its members, but it is the industry association of choice for finance professionals. The FBAA philosophically stands to support your business needs as well as your mental health and leads the advocacy to government for the industry, ensuring that brokers’ rights and future are preserved and well protected. Contact details: Phone: +61 7 3847 8119 Email: Info@fbaa.com.au Website: fbaa.com.au
La Trobe Financial is Australia’s leading alternative asset manager. Since 1952 La Trobe Financial has delivered tailored mortgage finance solutions using superior credit smarts, a proprietary credit platform and one of the sectors broadest product suites. With c. A$17 billion AUM La Trobe Financial operates Australia’s largest retail credit fund with c. A$9.5 billion in AUM and 90,000+ investors. Contact details: Phone: 13 80 10 Website: www.latrobefinancial.com
Alex Veljancevski, Eventus Financial Chris Bates, Blusk
Graeme Holm, Infinity Group Australia
Shore Financial
Christian Stevens
This award recognises the best broker in a residential business. Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also considers input from aggregators and brokerages. Extra weight is placed on nominations that come from those in a position to assess a broker’s performance objectively.
Josh Egan, Astute Melbourne City South, Gippsland and Newstead Louisa Sanghera, Zippy Financial Group Mark Davis, The Australian Lending & Investment Centre Parth Shah, Jabsons Finance Sarah Thomson, Loan Market Geelong City
Chuyu (Kiki) Feng, AUSUN Finance
We were established in 2000 to help Australians achieve their financial dreams by providing loan options that factor in the ups and downs of real life. Since then, we’ve helped over 327,000 Australians succeed and have become one of the largest, most trusted and award-winning non-bank lenders. Contact details: Phone: 1800 737 737 Email: scenarios@pepper.com.au Website: www.pepper.com.au/broker
“The time for traditional broking is in the past, the future is online digital platforms for brokers and their policyholders. Brokers that are on the front foot to create a digital customer experience will be the front runners. We equally share their passion and are inspired by the entries this year. We look forward to celebrating their successes at the 2023 Insurance Business awards.”
drew schnehage, managing director - australia
We were established in 2000 to help Australians achieve their financial dreams by providing loan options that factor in the ups and downs of real life. Since then, we’ve helped over 327,000 Australians succeed and have become one of the largest, most trusted, and award-winning non-bank lenders. Contact details: Phone: 1800 737 737 Email: scenarios@pepper.com.au Website: www.pepper.com.au/broker
This award recognises the best broker that provides specialist lending as part of their overall offering. Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also considers input from specialist lenders. Considerable weight is placed on nominations from those in a position to assess a broker’s performance objectively. Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.
Hayden Turner, KeyStart Finance Mark Anyon, Green Finance Group Michael Hughes, AHK Finance Michael Maiolo, The Melbourne Mortgage Company Rojan Paudel, Home Loan Experts Samuel Gardiner, TSC Mortgage Brokers/Punters Finance Suvidh Arora, Cinch Loans
This award recognises the best broker that provides specialist lending as part of their overall offering. Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also considers input from specialist lenders. Considerable weight is placed on nominations from those in a position to assess a broker’s performance objectively. Nominees are invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.
Helen Avis
Specialist Mortgage
This award recognises the best broker based on productivity improvements through increased office efficiencies and quality submissions. Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also considers input from banks and brokerages. Extra weight is placed on nominations that come from those in a position to assess a broker’s performance objectively. Nominees are invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.
Ben Walker, First Finance Solutions - BW Finance Solutions Christopher Raymond, Unconditional Finance Chuyu (Kiki) Feng, AUSUN Finance Hasitha Dharmasena, JETT Finance Leah Busby, Blackfish Finance Parag Dixit, Nfinity Financials Suvidh Arora, Cinch Loans Vivienne Than, Home Loan Experts
Home Loan Experts
Mohit Lal Pradhan
Andrew Hadjidemetri, Australian Financial and Mortgage Solutions
This award recognises the best broker based in and deriving the majority of their income from a regional area (outside of major capital cities). Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also considers input from banks and brokerages. Extra weight is placed on nominations that come from those in a position to assess a broker's performance objectively. Nominees are invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.
Brenden Lowbridge, Money Links Duane Mengel, Mortgage Choice Coffs Harbour Jarred Spurr, Hubbl.it Kirsty McKinnon, Flair Finance Matthew Turner, GSC Finance Solutions Nick Smith, Red10 Finance Paul Nelson, Nelson Financial Vincent Woodgate, Woodgate Finance Xavier Quenon, Go Mortgage
Loan Market Geelong City
Liz McRae
This award recognises the best broker based in and deriving the majority of their income from a regional area (outside of major capital cities). Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team will also consider input from banks and brokerages. Extra weight is placed on nominations that come from those in a position to assess a broker's performance objectively. Nominees are invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.
Going the extra mile for brokers is how we do business. We do it because brokers are our business. With standout broker service, no-fuss loans and streamlined back-end processes, we’re consistently focused on delivering what you need. Less paperwork and more simplicity means there are even more reasons to choose Adelaide Bank. Contact details: Phone: 1300 791 679 Website: www.brokers.adelaidebank.com.au
This award recognises the best broker aged 35 or under (as at 1 July 2022) who has less than two years experience. To be eligible, nominees must have been accredited as a broker on or after 1 April 2021. Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also reviews nominations from aggregators. Considerable weight is placed on nominations that come directly from brokerage heads and aggregation groups.
Baz Khan, Mortgage Advice Bureau Sydney Bradley Donnelly, Green Finance Group David Lucas, Indigo Finance Jyh Kao, JD Capital Morgan Bushell, Full Circle Finance Nicholas Hakim, Smartmove Professional Mortgage Advisors Peter Jin, Keylend Shubham Bhaskar, Sheel Capital
Lending Hub Co.
Kim Bui
Terry Wong, Fundex Capital
This award recognises the best broker aged 35 or under (as at 1 July 2022) who has less than two years' experience. To be eligible, nominees must have been accredited as a broker on or after 1 April 2021. Brokers may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also reviews nominations from aggregators. Considerable weight is placed on nominations that come directly from brokerage heads and aggregation groups.
Veronica Vojnikovic, Vevo Financial Services
This award recognises an HR leader who has demonstrated excellence at the executive level over the past 12 months. Eligible finalists were senior-level leaders who report to the CEO and manage an HR team. Finalists were judged on their leadership, communication, strategy, drive and results.
AUSUN Finance Birdie Wealth Blackfish Finance Build Invest Grow
The Australian Lending & Investment Centre
This award recognises the brokerage that has implemented the most effective diversification business model. Nominations were open to all independent and franchise brokerages, regardless of whether the business was a small operation providing a compact diversification offering or a larger business with a range of specialists (financial planners, accountants, mortgage brokers) all operating under one brand.
Infinity Group Australia
This award recognises the brokerage that has implemented the most effective diversification business model. Nominations are open to all independent and franchise brokerages, regardless of whether the business is a small operation providing a compact diversification offering or a larger business that has a range of specialists (financial planners, accountants, mortgage brokers) all operating under one brand.
Leopard Lending Marquee Group Secure Finance TM Finance Group Ufinancial
Established in 1980, the MFAA represents over 14,500 members and contributes to a healthy, competitive mortgage and finance industry through advocacy, education and business-building support. Our finance brokers operate within a professional Code of Practice that supports the alignment of the retail mortgage market with investor and consumer trust and confidence. Together with our members, we work with industry, regulators and government to help our members to match consumers and business owners with mortgage or financing outcomes that meet their individual financial objectives. Contact details: Phone: 1300 554 817 Email: info@mfaa.com.au Website: www.mfaa.com.au
This award recognises the best brokerage operation with 1–5 staff (or full-time equivalents). The number of staff includes all loan writers and support staff across all company offices/branches. Nominees are invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel, such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials.
MoneyQuest Penrith and Blue Mountains Mortgage Choice (Lane Cove) Mortgage Choice (St Peters) Nelson Financial Nfinity Financials Pristine Finance Reach Lending Group Zippy Financial Group
Bayside Residential & Commercial Mortgages
This award recognises the best brokerage operation with 6–20 staff (or full-time equivalents). The number of staff includes all loan writers and support staff across all company offices/branches. Nominees are invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel, such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials.
Atelier Wealth Birdie Wealth Blue Crane Capital
JKK Solutions
Ming Finance MortgageWorks Reservoir Finance Seniors First - Reverse Mortgage Broker
This award recognises the best brokerage operation with over 20 staff (or full-time equivalents). The number of staff includes all loan writers and support staff across all company offices/branches. Nominees are invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel, such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials.
1st Street Financial Entourage Green Finance Group Inovayt
Loan Gallery Finance
Empower Wealth Mortgage Advisory
Shore Financial Smartmove Professional Mortgage Advisors The Australian Lending & Investment Centre Ufinancial
This award recognises the best brokerage operation based in a regional area (outside of major capital cities). Nominees will be invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel, such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials.
Astute Gippsland Atmosphere Capital Capta Financial Crunch Finance Go Mortgage
Mortgage Innovations
This award recognises the best brokerage operation based in a regional area (outside of major capital cities). Nominees are invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel, such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials.
Preferred Finance
This award recognises the best brokerage office or branch that has been in operation for less than two years. To be eligible, a business must have started on or after 1 April 2020. Brokers may nominate their own businesses, and our researchers also contact aggregator groups and major franchises to submit details of their standout performers.
Cinch Loans Core Finance Co Kiri McNamara – Loan Market Lending Hub Co. Resolve Finance - Nedlands The Happy Finance Company Trusted Financial Choice
Entourage Mornington
This award recognises the best brokerage office or branch that has been in operation for less than two years. To be eligible a business must have started on or after 1 April 2020. Brokers may nominate their own businesses, and our researchers also contact aggregator groups and major franchises to submit details of their standout performers.
Gateway Bank is a leading customer- owned bank serving over 30,000 members with a range of award-winning home loans, products and services. Gateway is committed to doing the right thing for our members’ pockets and the planet and drive our commitment through products, services and initiatives that underpin this purpose. Contact details: Phone: 1300 302 474 Website: gatewaybank.com.au
Customer service is an incredibly important measure of any brokerage operation's long-term sustainability and success. This award recognises the brokerage office or branch that has displayed excellence over the past 12 months in maintaining consistent and sustainable customer service standards.
JETT Finance Loan Market Canberra Mortgage Domayne Mortgage Choice (St Peters) Penny Finance Shore Financial Smartmove Professional Mortgage Advisors Specialist Mortgage
&
Birdie Wealth
WINNERS
This award recognises the best below the line (B2B) marketing and advertising campaign conducted by an organisation marketing to mortgage brokers. The winner of this category must demonstrate the greatest impact on the industry over the last 12 months.
Bankwest Birdie Wealth Mortgage Choice My Expert® ubank
Pepper Money
Broker Essentials Deposit Assure FINSTREET GROUP LoanQ PropTrack Rerise Digital Success & Broker Uptick Marketing
Quickli
Industry services play an extremely important role within the mortgage industry. This award recognises the service provider that adds the most value to its customers' businesses. Eligible service providers include but are not limited to software and technology, legal, compliance, training and education. Lenders and aggregators are not eligible to enter this category.
Industry services play an extremely important role within the mortgage industry. This award recognises the service provider that adds the most value to its customers' businesses. Eligible service providers include but are not limited those in software and technology, legal, compliance, training and education. Lenders and aggregators are not eligible to enter this category.
This award is open to subaggregators with offices in Australia. They are judged on their performance over the past 12 months. Aggregators are the most important link between mortgage brokers and lenders. This award recognises the best subaggregator.
Liberty Network Services Masters Broker Group Platform Finance
Money Quest Group
This award is open to aggregators of all sizes with offices in Australia (excludes subaggregators). They are judged on their performance over the past 12 months. Aggregators are the most important link between mortgage brokers and lenders. This award recognises the best aggregator. The results of the 2023 MPA Brokers on Aggregators survey is a contributing factor.
Finsure Loan Market National Mortgage Brokers outsource Financial
Mortgage Choice
This award is open to aggregators of all sizes with offices in Australia (it excludes subaggregators). They are judged on their performance over the past 12 months. Aggregators are the most important link between mortgage brokers and lenders. This award recognises the best aggregator. The results of the 2023 MPA Brokers on Aggregators survey is a contributing factor.
BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender-broker relationship. This award recognises the best aggregator BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also reviews nominations from aggregation groups. Considerable weight is placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community.
Anne-Marie Deieso, Loan Market Anthony Wick, National Mortgage Brokers Ben Livera, Mortgage Choice Erin Williams, AFG Sarah Chan, outsource Financial Shelley Tetlaw, Loan Market Taryn Howe, Loan Market Van Vu, Finsure
AFG
Haley Bellamy
Mortgage Street Best Major Bank BDM
Mortgage Street – your B2B partner in unlocking limitless opportunities for your clients. We specialise in tailoring funding solutions, from SMSF to non-conforming, green construction loans and beyond. With Mortgage Street, you’ll experience rapid, comprehensive quotes, ensuring increased opportunities, unwavering certainty and heightened confidence across the entire credit spectrum. Join us on this journey to infinite solutions! Contact details: Email: broker@mortgagestreet.com.au Website: thirdpartyb2b.mortgagestreet.com.au/
BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender-broker relationship. This award recognises the best major bank BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also reviews nominations from lenders. Considerable weight is placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community.
Anita Crawford, Westpac Anthony Gravina, NAB Anurag Bonde, Commonwealth Bank Blake Hauber, Westpac George Markos, ANZ Jessica Matthews, Commonwealth Bank Kym Ning, ANZ Sam Tang, Westpac Yash Dave, NAB
Westpac
Lily Parle
At Hays, we invest in lifelong partnerships that empower people and businesses to succeed. We offer an unrivalled suite of recruitment and workplace solutions. As career partners to lending professionals and recruitment and advisory partners to employers, we’ll help you make the right decisions for your tomorrow. Contact details: Website: https://www.haysplc.com/
BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender-broker relationship. This award recognises the best non-major bank BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also reviews nominations from lenders. Considerable weight is placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community.
Aysun Portoglou, ubank Helen Bozikis, Bankwest Kim Lau, Suncorp Bank Madeleine Papathanasiou, Bank of Melbourne Michael Anastasovski, HSBC Nicholas Brookes, ING Roohi Kumar, St.George Bank Sally Hillman, St.George Bank Tony Lionello, ubank
Bankwest
Tes Anderson
For over 30 years Mortgage Choice has been at the forefront of Australia’s mortgage broking industry, and under the ownership of global property technology business REA Group, this doesn’t change. Mortgage Choice is one of Australia’s most trusted and recognised brands and has a network of over 1,000 brokers and more than 750 franchises nationally. Mortgage Choice builds successful businesses that set the benchmark for advice, customer care and removing complexity from the home loan process. Contact details: Phone: +61 402 206 463 Email: nita.sreedharan@rea-group.com.au Website: www.mortgagechoice.com.au/franchises/
BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender-broker relationship. This award recognises the best non-bank BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves, and the AMA team also reviews nominations from lenders. Considerable weight is placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community.
Belinda Gray, Bluestone Chris Maamoun, Funding.com.au Dragan Latincic, Firstmac Harry Stewart, Pepper Money Jaime Aplin, Prospa Jo Oliver, Resimac Liz Mollica, Resimac Simon Winters, SHIFT Waran Chandiran, La Trobe Financial
BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender/broker relationship. This award recognises the best non-bank BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also review nominations from lenders. Considerable weight will be placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community.
Jimmy Hou
Brighten Home Loans
This award recognises the best bank in the mortgage industry based on its performance over the past 12 months. Lenders are invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nominations.
Bank of Sydney Bankwest ING Australia Suncorp Bank ubank
The Westpac Group
This award recognises the best bank in the mortgage industry based on performance over the past 12 months. Lenders are invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nomination.
AMA Insurance Brokers
TRC Group
This award recognises the best non-bank lender in the mortgage industry based on its performance over the past 12 months. Lenders are invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nominations.
Heartland Reverse Mortgages
Liberty
Pallas Capital
This award recognises the best non-bank lender in the mortgage industry based on their performance over the past 12 months. Lenders are invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nominations.
RedZed
La Trobe Financial
Resimac
This award recognises the best technology-based (fintech) lender in the mortgage industry based on its performance over the past 12 months. Lenders are invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nominations.
ubank
Butn Limited
Funding.com.au
This award recognises the best technology-based (fintech) lender in the mortgage industry based on their performance over the past 12 months. Lenders are invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nominations.
Prospa Wisr
This award recognises the best mortgage manager in the industry based on its performance over the past 12 months. Mortgage managers are invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nominations.
Better Mortgage Management FINSTREET Home Affordability Solutions
Rate Money
Mortgage Ezy
This award recognises the best mortgage manager in the industry based on their performance over the past 12 months. Mortgage managers are invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nominations.
Australians have been through a lot since Westpac opened its doors in 1817. Wonderful, challenging, exhilarating moments – we’ve seen most of them up close and personal. Banking is often invisible in our lives, and even though we’re pretty sure you don’t think about us all the time, you’re interacting with us and our products nearly every day, and when it does matter, we’re there to back you. It’s why we’re constantly improving your banking experience with technology like the launch of our new mobile App. Why we protect you through initiatives such as our scams promise. Why we’re working to provide simpler, smarter and smoother banking to help you take and maintain control of your money – with features like Tap+Pay and Cardless Cash (T&Cs and eligibility apply). It’s why we offer Westpac rewards and better savings rates and give you the opportunity to really dig down into and understand what makes your finances work Whether you’re saving for your first big road trip or turning a side-hustle into a full-time gig; starting a family, downsizing to start a new adventure or getting financially literate – we’re here. Life is eventful – that’s why we help. Visit westpac.com.au/brokers or speak to your BDM today. Contact details: Website: www.westpac.com.au/brokers
LA TROBE FINANCIAL Broker of the Year – Commercial
FBAA Broker of the Year – Independent & Franchise
EQUITY-ONE Broker of the Year – Productivity
PEPPER MONEY Broker of the Year – Specialist Lending
This award recognises the most outstanding mortgage broker in Australia. The Excellence Awardees in this category comprise the winners of the individual broker categories.
This category is not open for nominations. Excellence Awardees are announced on the night.
Christian Stevens, Shore Financial Helen Avis, Specialist Mortgage Liz McRae, Loan Market Geelong City Mohit Lal Pradhan, Home Loan Experts
RESIMAC Brokerage of the Year (6-20 Staff)
COMMONWEALTH BANK Brokerage of the Year (Over 20 Staff)
This award recognises the most outstanding brokerage operation in Australia. The Excellence Awardees in this category comprise the winners of the brokerage categories:
BANKWEST New Brokerage of the Year
Bayside Residential & Commercial Mortgages Entourage Mornington Loan Market Geelong City Specialist Mortgage The Australian Lending & Investment Centre
