Queensland broker recognised for two decades of service to Australia's mortgage broking industry
Caroline Jean-Baptiste (pictured), a Queensland-based Mortgage Choice broker with more than 21 years in the industry, has been awarded MFAA Life Membership – one of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA)'s highest honours.
Jean-Baptiste's path into broking began after she returned to Australia following eight years working on cruise ships, when she found she could not secure finance because of how her overseas income was assessed.
"I'd always been passionate about property, but I hadn't heard of mortgage and finance brokers at the time," Jean-Baptiste said. "When I came back and found out about this fantastic mortgage and finance broking industry, I realised I could help people avoid the situation I'd found myself in. It had put me behind years in buying my own home."
A record of governance and advocacy
Over her career, Jean-Baptiste has served on the MFAA's Finance, Audit and Risk Committee, later becoming Deputy Chair and then Chair of the Nominations, Remuneration and Governance Committee. She currently chairs the Queensland Mortgage Choice Charity Foundation and continues to mentor brokers across the sector.
She is also the author of two books focused on women in property and business, Buy That House: How Kickass Women Make it Happen and The Leverage Effect: The Secret Women Use to Scale their Business and Build Wealth – a body of work that speaks to an industry still working to lift female broker representation, which the MFAA's 19th edition Industry Intelligence Service report put at 26.8% of the national broker population.
Reflecting on what has driven her career, Jean-Baptiste said her relationships with clients had always been central. "I genuinely believed I had the solution for my clients. I never felt like I was selling them something. I was helping them get to where they wanted to be," she said. "The mortgage and finance broking industry genuinely wants to lift people up. Brokers want to support each other, support their clients and share what they've learnt. That's one of the things I've always loved about this industry."
Industry leaders praise contribution
MFAA Chair Kerri Buurman said Life Membership recognises individuals whose contribution has had a lasting and meaningful impact on both the MFAA and the broking industry. "Caroline has given generously of her time, expertise and leadership over many years. Through her governance roles, advocacy for professional standards, mentoring of brokers and unwavering commitment to the industry, she has helped shape a stronger profession for the benefit of members and consumers alike," Buurman said. "On behalf of the MFAA Board, I am delighted to congratulate Caroline on this well-deserved recognition and thank her for her outstanding service to our Association and the broader industry."
MFAA chief executive Anja Pannek said Jean-Baptiste's influence extended well beyond her own brokerage. "Caroline exemplifies the very best of our industry. Throughout her career she has combined commercial success with a genuine commitment to supporting others, whether through mentoring, leadership, governance or championing greater opportunities for women in business," Pannek said. "She has never lost sight of why mortgage and finance broking matters. Her passion for helping Australians achieve home ownership, coupled with her willingness to share her knowledge and lift others, has earned the respect of colleagues right across the industry."
