MFAA announces National Forum Presidents and Deputy Presidents for 2025

The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia is pleased to announce the Presidents and Deputy Presidents of the MFAA National Forums for 2025.

The roles have been confirmed following nominations and elections. There are five forums – the National Aggregators Forum, National Compliance & Regulatory Forum, National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum, National Lenders Forum and the National Mortgage Managers Forum.

“The National Forums ensure that we gain vital up-to-date feedback and insights from our broker members and partners on the industry issues that matter,” said MFAA CEO Anja Pannek.

“This in turn helps to inform and strengthen our advocacy and policy development work throughout the year. It means we firmly have our finger on the pulse of trends in the mortgage and finance broking sector.”

Ms Pannek said the forums were integral in contributing to solutions and initiatives for the benefit of members, providing perspectives from different sectors but all contributing together to the MFAA’s whole-of-industry approach.

“The expert input and support from forum members has been crucial in the formation of our landmark Value of Mortgage and Finance Broking 2025 report and our review of the structure of the Industry Intelligence Service reports,” said Ms Pannek.

“The forums have also supported the MFAA in seeking changes to the NSW Payroll Tax Act through our submission into the Parliamentary Inquiry into Payroll Tax.”

Following a process of nomination and voting by each Forum, the Presidents and Deputy Presidents for 2025 are:

National Aggregators 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, Mortgage Choice (REA Group) (re-elected)
Deputy President: Gerald Foley, nMB (re-elected)

Mr Waldron, the CEO of Mortgage Choice, said it was a privilege to continue in the role of President of the National Aggregators Forum, working alongside other aggregators and the MFAA to shape and progress our industry.

“The mortgage broking industry has never been stronger, and I’m looking forward to continuing to champion the many benefits brokers bring to Australian borrowers,” Mr Waldron said.

Mr Foley, the Managing Director of nMB, said: “I’m pleased to play a role in the National Aggregators Forum again in 2025 and continue to support the good work being undertaken by the MFAA on behalf of our industry.”

National Compliance & Regulation Forum
The National Compliance & Regulatory Forum was set up 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 (re-elected)

Ms Elliot is the Head of Compliance and Legal Counsel at AFG and was named Industry Thought Leader of the Year for the WA Better Business Awards 2025.

“I am delighted to continue as president and collaborate with the MFAA to keep the industry proactive in response to regulatory change,” Ms Elliot said.
“Participating in this forum amongst industry peers and the MFAA’s advocacy efforts with regulators allows us to ensure brokers can safeguard their businesses while consistently delivering positive outcomes for consumers.”

Ms Willis, Head of Compliance and Risk at Finsure, said she was incredibly grateful for the opportunity as Deputy President, which allows her to collaborate with esteemed industry leaders and leverage her expertise to drive meaningful change for our brokers.

“The forum provides us with a vital platform to address shared challenges and ensure that our brokers have a strong voice in shaping industry changes,” said Ms Willis.

National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum
The National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum is made up of representatives from broking businesses, aggregators and lenders. They are actively involved in important 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 honoured to have been re-elected as President and look forward to continuing my collaboration with our dedicated MFAA forum members, who generously contribute their time and SME lending expertise for the advancement of the industry,” said Mr Obeid, Judo Bank’s Chief Third Party Officer.

Mr Obeid said the National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum plans to focus on expanding and prioritising awareness, mentorship and upskilling opportunities for brokers seeking to diversify into commercial and equipment finance.

“We will also build on the outstanding work already being done by the MFAA in training and developing brokers, further enhancing their experience in these critical areas.”

Ms MacLeod, the Managing Director of Astute Ability Finance Group, said she was delighted to be re-elected Deputy President.

“I am thrilled to continue to work with our amazing MFAA forum members, as we grow commercial and equipment finance within the broker industry.”

National Lenders Forum
The National Lenders Forum consists of lender members, including the major banks, smaller banks and non-bank lender members which distribute their products through mortgage and finance brokers.

President: Darren McLeod, Beyond Bank (newly elected)
Deputy President: Barry Saoud, Pepper Money (newly elected)

Mr McLeod, the Head of Third Party at Beyond Bank, previously served the forum as deputy president.

“I am looking forward in continuing my involvement with the MFAA, which I have been doing for 15 years, and particularly in working with other lenders to assist in getting the best outcomes for our industry,” Mr McLeod said.

Mr Saoud, the General Manager of Mortgages and Commercial at Pepper Money, said he was honoured to be elected as Deputy President.

“It’s important to ensure we have a balanced voice that represents non-banks and the broader finance industry. Together, we’ll work to advance the MFAA’s mission and create a more inclusive and dynamic financial landscape.”

MFAA CEO Anja Pannek thanked outgoing President Mark Middleton, Head of Third Party Distribution at Teachers Mutual Bank Limited, for his years of service to the National Lenders Forum.

“Mark provided significant contribution to the forum in his time as President and we are privileged to have him continue to represent Teachers Mutual Bank Limited as a member of the forum,” Ms Pannek 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)

Mr Daniell, the Director of Mortgage Mart of Australia, said: “I look forward to continuing working with the members of the forum and MFAA to support mortgage managers’ interests and how we as a group can contribute to the growth and success of the broader mortgage industry.”

Ms Ashcroft, the General Manager of AAA Financial Group, said she was really pleased to remain as Deputy President of the forum.

“I look forward to working towards greater education for the mortgage industry on mortgage management and how it can assist brokers and their clients.”