'More than trophies and recognition': broking’s biggest night just two days away

The 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs) are just two days away, and Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) chief executive Leo Gagic says Friday night's ceremony is about far more than who goes home with a trophy.

Gagic, who will present the Broker of the Year – Residential award at The Fullerton Hotel this Friday, sees the AMAs as “one of the most important events for the industry calendar”.

“It's obviously a great opportunity to recognise excellence and celebrate achievements," he said. "To me, it's more than trophies and recognition. It's really about bringing the industry together… and showcasing the professionalism and innovation of our members and our brokers within the industry."

Asked what brokers will be discussing over dinner, Gagic pointed to the regulatory settings that shape their day-to-day work.

"I think there's definitely going to be conversations around best interest duties, responsible lending and regulatory expectations," he said. He also expects "proactive conversations around how collectively we'll continue to raise professional standards across the industry”.

What makes a Broker of the Year?

The FBAA-sponsored Broker of the Year – Residential award is one of the most closely watched categories on the night. The 10 finalists this year are:

• Aaron Christie-David, Atelier Wealth Mortgage Brokers

• Ajeesh Thomas, A1 Fincorp

• Ben Robinson, Flint

• Christopher Wilson, Sunshine Coast Financial Broker

• Dana Blewitt, The Lenders Club

• Jason Khoury, iCHOICE

• Peter Ha, Mortgage Pros

• Stephanie Thomas, Loan Market Ignite

• Tom Hawley, Azura Financial

• Tom Joseph, Loan House Lending Solutions

For Gagic, the winner has to excel on more than volume.

"The Broker of the Year for me is someone who… is doing exceptionally well in their profession in terms of growth, but also is flying the flag high in terms of personal brand and integrity," he said.

That comes down to an "integrated approach, where you're balancing all the necessary ingredients of compliance, quality assurance, risk whilst continuing to grow and do all the great things you do as a broker for consumers and your clients”.

See the full list of finalists here.

A night to let your hair down

While the AMAs give peers a chance to share experiences and talk shop, the social side matters just as much after a demanding year.

"It's also about letting your hair down, having a bit of downtime and just relaxing and having a great night. And I think it's well deserved given some of the challenges this year," Gagic said. "All brokers work extremely hard, they work long hours."

The evening opens with networking drinks, followed by the awards program and a three-course dinner. Kate Ceberano will perform and Andrew Daddo returns as master of ceremonies.

Westpac is event partner, with Brighten and Liberty Financial as premium award partners. The night closes with the two national honours, the Westpac Australian Broker of the Year and the Liberty Australian Brokerage of the Year.

Shortlists were assessed by a 35-member panel, listed on the official 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards judges page.

A message to finalists

Gagic has a simple message for everyone shortlisted: “I'd just like to say on behalf of FBAA, congratulations to all the finalists and winners. Simply to be recognised amongst such a talented group of professionals is an achievement itself."

He said the awards are a reminder that when brokers "continue to innovate and collaborate and put the customer first … the entire industry benefits”.

MPA will be at the interview desk on Friday night, with full coverage of the winners to follow.