Brokers now facilitate a record 81.6% of new home loans – and MFAA chief Anja Pannek says it's time to recognise that
The 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs) are just one day away, and Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) chief executive Anja Pannek says the industry heads into Friday night with “so much to celebrate”.
“The Australian Mortgage Awards are always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people behind our industry’s success,” Pannek says on the eve of the biggest event on the broking calendar. “There is an enormous amount of hard work that happens every day in broking businesses across Australia, and it is lovely to have a night where we can come together and recognise that.”
She pointed to the broker channel's record share of the home loan market as proof of how far the industry has come.
“Mortgage brokers are now facilitating a record 81.6% of new residential home loans and, in 2025 alone, brokers settled 838,815 residential loans worth almost $496 billion,” she said. “Those are extraordinary numbers, but behind every one of them is a client who has turned to a broker for help navigating an important financial decision.”
More than who wrote the most business
For Pannek, the strength of the AMAs lies in what they choose to reward. “What I love about the AMAs is the breadth of achievement they recognise. It’s not just about who has written the most business. It’s about great client outcomes, strong businesses, innovation, leadership and the people who are helping our industry continue to evolve."
She also highlighted the depth of new talent entering broking. “Celebrating emerging leaders alongside people who have contributed over many years is really important because both will play a role in shaping where mortgage and finance broking goes next.”
Who's in the running for MFAA Brokerage of the Year (1–5 staff)?
The MFAA sponsors Brokerage of the Year for businesses with one to five staff, a category that showcases how much smaller operations can achieve. The 10 excellence awardees are:
- Aussie Stones Corner
- Balmoral Financial
- Berti Financial Group
- Bridge Finance
- In Financial Services
- Pathway Finance
- Pro Good Finance
- Redwood Financial
- Southshore Finance
- Strive Finance
Several are chasing more than one title. Balmoral Financial and Bridge Finance are also shortlisted for Bankwest New Brokerage of the Year, while Strive Finance is in the running for AMP Bank Brokerage of the Year – Regional.
The full shortlists are on the official 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards excellence awardees page.
A message to finalists
Pannek, who also sits on this year's 35-member judging panel, had a clear message for everyone shortlisted.
“To every finalist, I hope you take a moment to enjoy the recognition. Being named among the best in your field is something to be incredibly proud of, regardless of who takes home an award on the night.
“And most importantly, enjoy it. The AMAs are a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues, celebrate each other and recognise what has been another remarkable year for our industry. I’m really looking forward to being there.”
The ceremony takes place at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney on Friday, 16 October 2026, with Kate Ceberano performing and Andrew Daddo as master of ceremonies.
MPA will be at the interview desk on Friday night, with full coverage of the winners to follow.
