Achieving the MFPA is not just about being the proud holder of the first professional mortgage broker designation in Australia. For brokers who have successfully completed the program, it signifies they’ve made the smart choice to invest in themselves, their career and their business.
This is one of the key insights shared by six MFAA brokers, who are the first MFAA members to receive the Mortgage Finance Professional Australia designation.
They are (pictured above) Jarrod Smith, director of Transact Finance in Perth; Kate Sadler, director of The Broker Society in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast; Varun Goyal, director of Melbourne brokerage Trusted Financial Choice; Matt McLean, director of Adelaide-based McLean Home Loans; Spiro Kolokithas, managing director of What If We Finance in Melbourne; and Haydn Marshall, principal of Lend Perspective in Sydney.
These experienced brokers have completed the Mortgage Finance Professional (MFP) Program, developed by the MFAA in partnership with RMIT Online. The MFP Program is the first university-level mortgage broker qualification to be offered in Australia.
It includes core modules on Personal Leadership, Customer Engagement and Business Management, plus the choice of one elective – either SMSF Lending or Financial Analysis for Mortgage Finance Professionals.
By completing the MFP Program, demonstrating excellence, and a commitment to professional standards in ethics, education, conduct and customer engagement, these brokers have been awarded the MFPA.
“Achieving the designation shows my clients that they are dealing with a finance broker with experience, and demonstrates to my teammates that I am always looking for ways to improve on my leadership skills,” said Jarrod Smith, the first broker in Australia to receive the designation.
Mr Smith said he found studying as an adult more challenging than when he was younger because he was juggling the conflicting priorities of client deadlines, team management and various family commitments.
“However, I am proud to have completed the course and achieved the designation, and I would recommend participation to anyone looking to either refresh their leadership skills, or to any aspiring leaders in the mortgage broking industry.”
Mr McLean described the MFPA as a valuable investment in yourself, your career, and your business.
“It builds your technical knowledge, broadens your perspective, and sharpens the way you approach client outcomes and ethical decision making,” he said.
“Importantly, it also shows a clear commitment to lifting professional standards across our industry, which benefits clients, businesses and mortgage brokers alike. I’d encourage any broker considering it to take the step.”
Mrs Sadler said the MFPA had challenged her to look at herself not just as a broker, but as a leader and mentor.
“I started thinking differently about how I guide my team, how I share knowledge, and how I set up structures that empower new entrants to succeed in our industry,” she said.
Mrs Sadler said that because the program involved self-paced learning, she could fit it around her busy schedule.
“Any broker who wants to invest in their personal growth and business growth should spend some time investing in the designation.”
Mr Marshall said now that brokers are the dominant channel in the industry, “competition, compliance and professionalism are key drivers in differentiating ourselves”.
“We do this through enhanced credibility, trust and being able to raise the bar on the future of industry standards,” Mr Marshall said. “Clients and lenders now expect even greater levels of knowledge, insight and skill as we transition into an age defined by the uptake of AI.”
The MFPA provided a framework to have clearer conversations with clients on topics such as AI and “solidify our role as a trusted adviser”.
“In an era where technical and administrative processes are being automated away, trust and reputation are paramount – the MFPA helps provide the credibility to deliver a strategic advantage for my clients, my team and ideally, the industry as a whole,” Mr Marshall said.
Mr Kolokithas said the MFPA showed how much our industry is maturing.
“Broking is moving away from just writing loans to being recognised as a profession built on trust, knowledge and service,” he said.
“The designation reflects a commitment to lifelong learning and a genuine thirst for knowledge. As technology and tools evolve, we as brokers need to keep evolving too, always focused on service and our role as trusted advisers.”
Mr Kolokithas said the MFPA stood out because of its strong focus on people.
“It’s not just about technical skill or loan volumes, it’s about being there for our clients and our teams at the key moments. This feels like the next evolution of where mortgage broking is heading,” Mr Kolokithas said.
Mr Goyal said the MFPA provided an evidence-based framework that lifted the bar on ethics and client focus.
“It pairs data with a human-centred approach – listen first, then deliver clear, transparent advice in the client’s best interest,” he said.
“The MFPA also reminded me to better utilise my soft skills and servant leadership, so I can coach my team to also lead with empathy and deliver consistent, value-aligned outcomes for our clients.”
MFAA CEO Anja Pannek congratulated the first group of MFAA members who have become MFPAs. “They have shown true leadership and commitment to professionalism in completing the MFP Program and receiving the MFPA.
“This is a defining moment for broking as a profession in Australia. The MFAA looks forward to many more experienced brokers investing in their career growth and becoming MFPAs.”
Brokers taking part in the MFPA are required to:
To find out more about the MFPA, go to mfaa.com.au/mfpa
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