Supporting a sustainable industry

Environmental responsibility

Aligned with our strategic pillar of a sustainable future, we recognise our role in protecting and preserving the environment. We are committed to implementing responsible environmental practices, such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and engaging in partnerships that promote environmental stewardship.

Our actions

• When travelling for work, staff are able to select the ‘Uber Green ride’ option (rides in more sustainable hybrid and electric vehicles) when it is available.
• We have installed energy efficient lighting in our Sydney office.
• We have altered the way we cater at events to reduce food waste.
• We take a digital first approach to our marketing collateral to reduce reliance on printed materials including adopting digital business cards for our staff.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment is central to our organisational values.

We believe that diverse perspectives enhance creativity, innovation, and performance.

Our policies reflect our determination to promote gender, racial, cultural, and all forms of diversity at all levels within our organisation.

Our actions

• We commit to ongoing research on DEI within our industry.
• We commit to a whole-of-industry approach to identify and promote DEI initiatives that are actionable and outcome focused.
• We have taken the panel pledge when it comes to DEI – panels we facilitate and promote will encompass diversity.
• The Diversity & Inclusion Program Award in the MFAA Excellence Awards recognises members who promote diversity and inclusion through awareness-raising, advocacy and training and development within our industry.
• We publish a regular ‘Champions of Diversity’ series which highlights initiatives our members are undertaking to support DEI in the industry.
• Our Inclusive community hub is a source of learning resources, research, videos, presentations and other information aimed at helping people at all levels contribute to a more diverse industry.

Reconciliation

We acknowledge and respect the unique cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. Our reconciliation efforts focus on building strong relationships, understanding, and mutual respect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our actions

• We've committed to beginning our own Reconciliation Action Plan journey in 2025.

Consumer protection

Our members play a critical role in intermediated lending, and we strive to ensure that consumers' interests are at the forefront of our practices. We promote fair lending, transparent disclosures, and robust privacy protections to enhance consumer trust and satisfaction.

Our actions

• We make submissions on issues that impact not only our members directly, but also their clients. For example, we advocated for Buy Now Pay Later products to be included to be regulated under the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (the Credit Act) to protect consumers.

Community engagement

Our commitment to community extends beyond our core business activities. We engage in community partnerships and efforts that align with our vision, values, and strategic pillars. Our community initiatives focus on education, financial literacy, and supporting local causes that make a positive impact on Australian society.

Our actions

• Our members have access to presentations they can use to educate school children about finances.
• The Community Champion Award at the MFAA Excellence Awards recognises our members who have made positive contributions to their community or the industry.
• Our Mental health and wellbeing hub provides our members with information and resources to support their physical and mental wellbeing of members, their team and their clients.

Ethical business practices

We are committed to conducting our business with the highest level of integrity, transparency, and accountability. We adhere to stringent ethical standards that guide our decision-making, ensuring that we do the right thing, think beyond the moment, and genuinely serve our members.

Our actions

• We have updated our procurement policy to consider ESG in our procurement of goods and services. This includes evaluating venues, and key suppliers based on their ESG policies, with an initial focus on key areas such as professional development events, conferences and other material activities.
• All our staff have completed the Cyber Wardens course through the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia.

Employee wellbeing

The wellbeing of our team is paramount to our success. We cultivate a supportive and inclusive workplace that prioritises health, work-life balance, professional growth, and personal development.

Our actions

• Our staff have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Staff can access the service for any reason – personal or professional.
• All our staff have access to flexible working arrangements.