MFAA - Benefits of Membership

Benefits of Membership

The MFAA belongs to professional people and companies working in the mortgage and finance industry. It exists and it grows for its members. The association is committed to making membership worthwhile and beneficial.

MFAA membership establishes you as a trusted source for borrowers. Belonging to the peak industry body shows you adhere to an industry code of practice which sets high standards professionally and ethically for members. It demonstrates your integrity, commitment to professionalism and ongoing professional development, and shows your promise to always put your client first.

Membership of the MFAA is an investment in yourself and your business for your customers.

The Benefits of Belonging

Credibility - As the peak industry body, the MFAA is determined to rid the industry of unscrupulous operators. We continue to maintain strict accreditation standards on education, experience and ethics. Consumers can then continue to use MFAA Members and borrow with confidence.

Visibility - We launched the second phase of our advertising campaign to consumers stressing the importance of only borrowing with MFAA members. Using print, internet and radio ads the campaign makes clear how MFAA members can help and why they are The Essentials of Borrowing. This campaign has helped us double our awareness in just six months!

Authority -The MFAA is the acknowledged authority in the mortgage and finance industry.MFAA can give you the access to what you need when you need it. This year we have given you:

access to a variety of face to face and online professional development offerings including a free online annual compliance refresher course valued at $255,
access to Legal and Compliance help to keep you on track through the transition to AML legislation,
the latest relevant industry and Association information delivered through the printed Mortgage and Finance Brief Magazine and now in an online version delivered to your inbox every fortnight.

Unity - MFAA continues to proactively lobby governments at all levels on behalf of its members. The past year has seen us making submissions:

on the Draft Finance Broker Bill (15/02/08) following member consultation,
the Senate Inquiry into Housing Affordability,
to the Productivity Commission on the federal regulation of brokers and
to ASIC on Entry/Exit Fees.,

MFAA has also,developed a strong working relationship with:

Senator Nick Sherry, Federal Minister for Financial Services on the issue of Federal Regulation as well as briefing senior Opposition advisers of MFAA''s policy.

Opportunity - Increasingly consumers will be asking if you are an MFAA Member. MFAA membership is good for your business. Being a member of MFAA enables you to take advantage of our extensive professional development program, the numerous events around Australia to broaden your contacts and develop your business networks. MFAA also provides the opportunity to be recognised by your peers as well as the community boosting your marketing efforts through the MFAA Excellence Awards.

The hugely successful MFAA 2008 Annual National Convention attracted 1500 delegates over three action packed days. These were filled with,broker and industry focused sessions delivered by some of the most experienced speakers both from here and overseas.

Each State has hosted well attended PD days including Steve Westons highly sought after Exposing the Credit Crunch Myth seminars which attracted an average of 300 people per session.

BENEFITS

Industry Representation

MFAA seeks members’ views and positions and puts them forward to government, regulators, media and consumer groups
MFAA assists governments and regulators in preparing government policies and initiatives affecting our industry (including the proposed national regulation)
MFAA runs an information and public relations campaigns to support the industry and to encourage borrows to always use an MFAA member
Members are able to stand for election and participate in the governance of the association
MFAA actively lobbies to ensure regulatory changes don’t increase the cost of business or create inefficiency
The MFAA disciplinary rules and procedures act to rid the industry of rogues

Business Services

Mortgage & Finance Brief Magazine, MFAA Update and MFAA Business Update keep members informed emerging issues and developments and provides information on a wide variety of subjects
MFAA provides legal and compliance information to ensure members comply with the letter and spirit of relevant laws and regulation
MFAA has a legal and compliance help area for general queries
MFAA ExpoMart is the biggest annual exhibition for the mortgage and finance industry
MFAA Events team can manage your seminars, conferences and programs
MFAA can provide statistical information about the industry
MFAA partnership with Baycorp Advantages offers savings on credit checks
The Member Benefits program offers discounts on a wide variety of lifestyle and business services and products

Education Services

MFAA provides a professional accreditation path for individual mortgage loan writers
MFAA Education offers skills based courses online, face to face and in-house to enable you to expand your skills and business offering
MFAA Education offers entry level courses for mortgage brokers and introductory courses on the industry
The MFAA Conference and ExpoMart is the biggest event for industry professionals annually
A free legal and compliance course is offered to loan writers annually
The continuing professional development (CPD) program ensures loan writers maintain their professional standing
MFAA runs seminars around the country on topical issues

Marketing Services

The MFAA promotes the capabilities of the Australian mortgage and finance industry to government, regulators, media and consumer groups.
The MFAA consumer awareness campaign encourages the public to always use an MFAA member
MFAA members are listed on the ‘search for a member’ section of www.mfaa.com.au
MFAA membership logos can be used on communications and marketing collateral
The MFAA runs a bi-annual survey tracking consumer intentions to buy and attitudes toward brokers
MFAA Excellence Awards promote successful companies and individuals in the industry
MFAA responds quickly to criticisms of, or misconceptions about the industry
MFAA media releases can be used by members in their own public relations campaigns
MFAA email consumer newsletter can help you keep in contact with your clients quarterly
MFAA ‘use an MFAA member’ brochures are available to member to distribute to clients