Research
Opportunities for Women

Why was the initiative needed?

With the support of the major aggregators, the MFAA produces data that maps the industry trends and changes - the Industry Intelligence Service (IIS) report. Trends in the report initially showed increases in the number of female brokers and a growing percentage of female new brokers. But data in recent reports showed female participation in the industry take a sharp turn, and begin to decline.

Our response

We brought together a panel of brokers and experts and agreed that as the peak industry body we should support the development of a strategy to help all parts of the industry understand the challenges, research the gaps, and work together to create a plan to encourage greater female participation in the industry.

To date we have:

  • Delivered a planning workshop and mapped the challenges
  • Created and actioned an industry-wide research program to draw real-life feedback
  • Developed a findings report and agenda for the next stage.

Read the reports

Opportunities for Women Report 5 - 2022 - LATEST

This report details the results of our annual diversity and inclusion survey including the perspectives of mortgage and finance brokers on the barriers women encounter in the industry. We also highlight activities the MFAA has undertaken to keep this issue in focus and provide tools and resources to assist our members and the industry to take steps to increase diversity in their own businesses.

Pleasingly, the results of our diversity and inclusion survey, show that there have been positive shifts in perceptions and attitudes. The survey also showed that industry leaders are increasingly seen to be prioritising diversity and inclusion.

Download the report

Opportunities for Women Report 4 - 2021

In previous reports, the Opportunities for Women initiative identified a perception gap between how women see themselves represented in the industry compared to men. This report identifies a noticeable gap – and while this year’s report shows a shift in opinion, we still have a lot of work to do.

Download the report

Opportunities for Women Report 3 - 2020

In previous reports, the Opportunities for Women initiative identified a perception gap between how women see themselves represented in the industry compared to men. To put it simply, there is a noticeable gap – and while this year’s report shows a shift in opinion, we still have a lot of work to do.

Download the report

Opportunities for Women Report 2 - 2019

To inform this year’s Opportunities for Women report, the MFAA took a qualitative and quantitative research approach by analysing data trends and listening to industry feedback to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence female participation in the industry in order to encourage greater inclusion within the wider-broking community.

Download the report

Opportunities for Women Report 1 - 2018

The first report was a forerunner to guide more detailed and investigative research in the second stage which commenced in 2019.

Download the report

Read about our Champions of Diversity

28.06.2023 Champions of Diversity

Champions of Diversity: Morgan Owen, Penny Finance

Penny Finance Founder and winner of the 2023 Young Professional State Excellence Award for VIC/TAS, Morgan Owen is living proof of the value that dive...

30.05.2023 Champions of Diversity, Article

Champions of Diversity: Kaine Adamson, General Manager Broker, P&N Group

Kaine Adamson, P&N Group General Manager Broker believes it’s time for leaders in the mortgage and finance industry to treat the issue of female broke...

25.04.2023 Champions of Diversity, News

Champions of Diversity: Ash Pakis, Panache Financial

Rather than dwelling on her past, Ash Pakis uses her early life experiences to be an empathetic broker who embraces diversity and sees opportunities w...