Trade body backs new brokers with structured program amid record industry growth
The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has launched a new program to support brokers in the early stages of their careers.
The program, called Practical Broker Foundations, is a structured resource series aimed at brokers in their first year. It covers areas including client acquisition, compliance, loan submission quality, business development, customer communication, and cyber security and artificial intelligence.
Resources include video content from experienced brokers, templates, checklists, and business sustainability tools. MFAA members who contributed to the series include Gemma Piscioneri of G&T Finance, Kanwal Singh of White Horse Finance, Amir Beganovic of Talk Finance, Kate Sadler of The Broker Society, Matt Barnes of BE Financial Services, and Sarah Smelt of Finance Society.
With mortgage brokers now facilitating 76.7% of all new residential loans in Australia, the stakes around how new entrants establish themselves have risen considerably. The program was built in direct response to that reality, drawing on feedback from MFAA members, state managers, mentors, and industry leaders about the pressures new brokers face in managing compliance, client acquisition, and business development at the same time.
"We consistently hear newer brokers were looking for tailored support that reflects the realities of modern broking," said Melanie Kafka (pictured right), MFAA member experience and partnerships executive.
"This is about more than just technical knowledge. It includes support around communication, business structure, client relationships, compliance and sustainability. Practical Broker Foundations brings those resources together in a way that supports brokers progressively through their first year."
"Strong broker businesses are built over time through consistent client outcomes, operational discipline, sound compliance practices and trusted relationships. These resources are designed to help brokers build these foundations from day one."
For MFAA chief executive Anja Pannek (pictured top), strong client outcomes depended on brokers building solid foundations from the start.
"These resources are designed to help brokers build their confidence, capability and business practices so they can build sustainable businesses and careers in a rapidly evolving profession," she said.
Practical Broker Foundations is available to MFAA members via a structured email journey, with materials hosted on the MFAA Learning Hub for on-demand access throughout the first year.
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