2026 Australian Mortgage Awards: Book your table now

The 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs) Excellence Awardees have officially been announced and table bookings are now live.

Presented by MPA and AustralianBroker, this year's AMAs span more than 20 categories, with winners to be revealed live on Friday, 16 October, at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney's Grand Ballroom.

The 'Oscars of the broking industry' will open with networking drinks before the formal awards program and three-course dinner.

This year's judging panel includes senior industry leaders such as Helen Avis of Specialist Mortgage; Cory Bannister of La Trobe Financial; Adam Brown of NAB; and Anja Pannek, chief executive of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA).

Book your table now

Entertainment for the night will be supplied by Australian singer and actress Kate Ceberano, with DJ Em on the decks and TV presenter Andrew Daddo as MC.

Westpac returns as official event partner, with Brighten and Liberty Financial as premium award partners.

Now that the awardees are locked in, attention turns to 16 October. Tables for the gala dinner at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney are being snapped up fast — reserve your seat via the official AMA registration page to celebrate with this year's shortlisted brokers, brokerages, lenders, BDMs and more.

Q&A: Jake Sanders, Firstmac head of third party sales

What do you enjoy most about being an awards sponsor at the Australian Mortgage Awards?

"The most rewarding part is helping to recognise the people who go the extra mile and provide outstanding service to the broker community. A lot of great work happens quietly across our industry, so it is important to stop and acknowledge the people whose commitment makes a real difference. Firstmac is proud to support that recognition."

Why are awards nights such as the Australian Mortgage Awards important to the broking and mortgage finance community?

"Everyone in our industry is incredibly busy and focused on delivering for brokers and their customers. The Australian Mortgage Awards give us an opportunity to step back, take stock of what has been achieved and recognise outstanding work that might otherwise go unnoticed. It is important that people have the chance to celebrate their success and the contribution they make to the wider industry."

What are the highlights of the Australian Mortgage Awards night for you?

"The highlight is always the people. The awards bring together a very high-calibre group from across the mortgage industry, so it is a valuable opportunity to reconnect with people we have known and worked with for many years, build new relationships and enjoy some good conversations outside the usual day-to-day environment."

What have been the highlights for Firstmac over the past 12 months, and what can the industry expect next?

"The biggest highlight has been the continued success and growth of Firstmac over the past 12 to 24 months. That growth reflects the work of our people and the trust brokers continue to place in us.

"Looking ahead, we will continue to challenge the status quo, invest in innovation and provide brokers with great service and practical alternatives. This includes revamping Firstmac Broker Tools to make the platform more intuitive and user-friendly, helping brokers manage their Firstmac business more easily."

What would you like to say to this year's nominees?

"Congratulations and good luck to every nominee. Being nominated is an achievement in itself because it means your contribution has been recognised by others in the industry. You should take the time to enjoy the occasion and be proud of what you have achieved."

This year's Excellence Awardees include:

La Trobe Financial Broker of the Year – Commercial

• Curtis Stewart, Flint
• Daniel Green, Green Finance Group
• Jeff Pang, Reginsun Credit
• Keval Oza, Absolut Financial
• Matt Spears, Evoke Capital
• Mick Ristevski, Porta Finance Group
• Nathan Nguyen, Rethink Financing
• Phil Ringuet, Vincents Lending Solutions
• Sean Breen, Conquer Finance
• Tony Rickards, HMW Finance

Pepper Money Broker of the Year – Specialist Lending

• Amol Khuntale, ASK Financials
• Chris Mushan, ChapterTwo
• Dana Blewitt, The Lenders Club
• Jonathan De Sensi, Marquee Group
• Mark Davis, The Australian Lending & Investment Centre
• Michael Maiolo, The Melbourne Mortgage Company
• Michael Mankin, Mankin Finance
• Paolo Llave, Berti Financial
• Peter Savage, Savage Money
• Yousof Ahmadzai, Flint

Brighten Broker of the Year – Regional

• Alvie Oliveira, Capta Financial
• Carrie Twine, Up Loans
• Duane Mengel, Mortgage Choice Coffs Harbour
• Eli Hayes, Mortgage Choice Albany
• Hem Raj Kasana, Kasana Finance
• Jason Cuerel, Mortgage Innovations
• Katie Thomas, Focus Finance
• Maddie Walton, Money Lounge
• Phil Rogers, Loan Market Edge
• Xavier Quenon, Go Mortgage

Bankwest New Brokerage of the Year

• Amara Mortgage Brokers
• Balmoral Financial
• Blue Gate Finance
• Bridge Finance
• By Invite Finance
• Ezi Homeloans
• Felix Finance
• Homestead Agribusiness
• PRG Strategic Advisors
• Seven Finance