The Presidents and Deputy Presidents of the MFAA’s National Forums have been announced for this year, following nominations and elections.
MFAA CEO Anja Pannek said the insights and observations shared by, and the feedback derived from, the MFAA’s National Forums is invaluable in informing the direction of the MFAA’s activities and advocacy efforts throughout the year.
“Our National Forums are integral in co-creating solutions for the benefit of our mortgage and finance broker members and to further the industry,” she explained.
“We are focused on a whole of industry approach – with our broker members at the core of our advocacy and education activities. Our National Forums play a critical role in ensuring we hear and understand perspectives from across the industry. This allows us to continue to shape and influence positive outcomes for our broker members.
“For example, in 2023 under the remit of the National Forums, two cross-forum working groups were established, on cybersecurity and broker accreditations. Both these areas are key issues for our broker members that require a whole of industry focus.”
Following a process of nomination and voting by each Forum, the Presidents and Deputy Presidents are:
National Aggregator Forum
The National Aggregators Forum provides a platform for aggregator members to review and discuss issues facing the industry as a whole and to assist the MFAA in formulating positions and considering potential solutions and their consequences.
President: Anthony Waldron, REA (re-elected)
Deputy President: Gerald Foley, nMB (re-elected)
Mr Waldron said it is an honour to again be elected as President of the National Aggregator Forum.
“I look forward to working with the MFAA and all of the other aggregators again this year as we continue to grow the broking industry.”
National Compliance & Regulation Forum
The National Compliance & Regulatory Forum was established for members to share experiences, knowledge and intelligence on compliance and regulatory matters for the mutual benefit of all members including determining industry best practice and consistent standards relating to legislative and regulatory compliance.
President: Shirley Elliot, AFG (re-elected)
Deputy President: Samantha Wills, Finsure (newly elected)
“I am pleased to be continuing in this role and work with the MFAA to ensure our industry is at the forefront of regulatory change,” said Ms Elliot.
“Being a part of this forum and the MFAA’s advocacy and engagement with regulators helps us ensure that brokers can protect their businesses and continue to provide good consumer outcomes.”
National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum.
The National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum consists of representatives from broking businesses, aggregators and lenders. They are actively involved in a number of relevant issues affecting the sector, including training and education for finance brokers and commercial lending environment and trends analysis.
President: George Obeid, Judo Bank (re-elected)
Deputy President: Mhairi MacLeod, Astute Ability Finance Group (re-elected)
“I'm delighted to be re-elected as President and am thrilled to continue to work with our amazing MFAA forum members, as we grow commercial and equipment finance within the broker industry,” Mr Obeid said.
National Lender Forum
The National Lenders Forum comprises lender members, including the major banks, smaller banks and non-bank lender members which distribute their products through mortgage and finance brokers.
President: Mark Middleton, Teachers Mutual (re-elected)
Deputy President: Darren McLeod, Beyond Bank (re-elected)
“I look forward to continuing to make a positive contribution to our industry as the re-appointed President of the National Lender Forum. It’s important we continue to represent lenders so that we ensure a stronger outcome for the broker industry,” Mr Middleton said.
National Mortgage Managers Forum
The National Mortgage Managers Forum provides a platform for mortgage managers to review and discuss issues facing the industry and to assist the MFAA in dealing with challenges, formulating positions and considering potential solutions and their consequences.
President: Doug Daniell, Mortgage Mart of Australia (re-elected)
Deputy President: Melissa Ashcroft, AAA Financial Group (newly elected)
This is Doug’s second term as President of the National Mortgage Managers Forum, he also previously served as Deputy President of the Forum.
