Connection, community and change at MFAA Women in Finance Broking events

With capacity crowds across the country, this year’s MFAA Women in Finance Broking events showcased the strength and talent of women in the broking industry.

Members and partners came together throughout August and September to connect, learn, and celebrate female leadership.

Speaking on the importance of uplifting gender diversity, Anja Pannek, CEO of the MFAA commented:  “Broking is an incredibly rewarding career – that importantly has no gender pay inequality.  It offers flexibility, the ability to run a business, manage teams and importantly, empower clients.  We have seen significant inroads in greater gender diversity in the industry over the last few decades – however more needs to be done.”

Events in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane featured keynote speaker RedZed Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Natalie Irvine (pictured above with Ms Pannek), a strong advocate for diversity in finance, who provided compelling insights into how the future will be female-funded.

Ms Irvine spoke about the crucial role of women in Australia’s financial future, sharing data from RedZed’s 2025 white paper on the $3.2 trillion shift in wealth in the next 10 years, titled Women’s role in Australia’s financial future.

“The way Australians are making financial decisions is shifting and women are driving that change,” Ms Irvine said.

The data contained in RedZed’s research revealed:

• Over $3.2 trillion will shift to women through inheritance, divorce and business succession in the coming decade
• Women are expected to control 65% of Australia’s wealth by 2035
• 80% of household financial decisions are already made by women but “they’re still being sold to like it’s 1992”
• 70% of women change advisors after their partner dies
• 80% say the finance industry doesn’t understand them
• Many still feel ignored or overwhelmed when discussing debt/wealth

Ms Irvine challenged brokers to adapt their businesses now — or risk missing out on one of the most significant client shifts in a generation. 

At the Perth event, keynote speaker Professor Alan Duncan, Director of Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC), presented data on gender equity in broking and on the WA housing market.

Professor Duncan, pictured below with Ms Pannek, presented insights on the gender pay gap and called for accountability and positive workplace action to drive change.

This included a roadmap for workplace gender equality, with measures such as pay gap audits, reporting of gender equality outcomes to executive leaders and boards, and supportive workforce policies.

The Women in Finance Broking events also featured engaging fireside chats between Ms Anja Pannek and Bankwest State Managers and leaders, exploring a range of topics including women in leadership, financial literacy, team culture, client relationships, and practical realities of balancing career and family. 

A further key focus was on how the industry can increase the number of women in the mortgage and finance broking industry. 

Ms Pannek said she was inspired by the ongoing and wide industry support for the Women in Finance Broking events in 2025.

“There are so many women and men in our industry doing amazing things and this was a perfect opportunity to learn from and support each other,” Ms Pannek said.

Beyond the keynote presentations and data, the series created a genuine sense of connection and community.   Attendees and presenters shared personal experiences, challenges and successes. 

“Through sharing experiences, we are creating momentum towards meaningful and lasting change.   The MFAA remains committed to supporting and leading this change,” said Ms Pannek

Women in Finance Broking was supported by gold partner Bankwest and supporters ANZ, ALI Group, ME, Mortgage Choice, NAB and RedZed. You can read the RedZed white paper Women’s role in Australia’s financial future here.