Sydney was abuzz Friday evening, as mortgage broking professionals from around the country — including brokers, brokerages, aggregators, lenders and more — flocked to The Fullerton Sydney for the 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs).
"Everyone is here," David Smith, chief distribution officer at Liberty, told Australian Broker. "This is the event of the year."
The Bluestone Home Loans team at the 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards.
He wasn't wrong. Dressed to impress in their finest black-tie attire, nearly 900 mortgage and finance professionals packed out the sold-out celebration in Sydney's central business district, bringing together the industry's biggest names under one roof.
"Seeing everyone in the industry, coming together, having a good time, celebrating each others' success is the best part of the AMAs," said Lina Gray, Bluestone Home Loans' state manager for New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
Kate Ceberano performing at the 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards.
In addition to 28 awards spanning a range of categories, the evening featured a show-stopping performance from Australian singer and actress Kate Ceberano, with TV presenter and author Andrew Daddo steering the ship as MC. Add lots of bubbly, lively networking and a room full of familiar faces, and the result was a night to remember.
But when the awards wrapped, the celebration continued well into the night.
DJ Em set the vibes for the after party, which was sponsored by FINSTREET, as dancers clad in LED-studded bodysuits quite literally lit up the dance floor.
Australian Broker hit the floor to capture the who's who of Australia's broking industry.
Here's who came and what they had to say.
Katie Thomas, founder of Focus Finance.
"It's absolutely amazing," said Katie Thomas, founder and director at Newcastle-based Focus Finance. "It's absolutely amazing to see all the receipts of everything my team does all year, and we get to take out another award at the AMAs."
Thomas took home three awards that night, including the Equity-One Broker of the Year — Productivity award, the Brighten Broker of the Year — Regional award, and the Westpac Broker of the Year award.
"I have my whole team here with me," the broker said. "They're really the ones who did all the work for these results. Thank you so much to my team and you're the best team in the absolute world and I love working with you every single day."
Members of the Australian Finance Group (AFG) team at the 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards.
"This is the original awards event," said Christa Malkin, general manager of aggregation at AFG and far left. "The AMAs are like the Oscars of the mortgage industry. This is one [award] we really wanted to win. It means a lot.
"And it's Friday night," she added. "Everyone can let their hair down."
Members of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) team at the 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards.
Daniel Berti, founder of Berti Financial Group (left), and Anja Pannek, chief executive officer of the MFAA.
Daniel Berti, founder of Berti Financial Group, said winning the MFAA Brokerage of the Year (1-5 staff) award was "unbelievable."
"I've been a finalist a couple of times. So to actually get it this time is unreal," he said.
Anja Pannek, chief executive officer of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) and presenter of the award, added her congratulations to all finalists and winners.
"It's such a fantastic recognition for what you do with your clients every day," she said. "The AMAs brings all of our industry together and recognises outstanding contributions and just how much brokers give back and the trust that they create with their clients."
Steve Sampson, chief executive officer of Prime Capital (left), and Stephen Harris, general manager at Nectar Mortgages.
"I love winning," said Stephen Harris, general manager of Nectar Mortgages, after accepting the Prime Capital Boutique Aggregator of the Year award. "Winning is about the team. It isn't about me. It's about the team. So it's the greatest thing in the world. We try hard to look after our team every single day. And we have great competitors that push us."
Steve Sampson, chief executive officer of Prime Capital and presenter of the award, offered his warm congratulations.
"We love sponsoring the Boutique Aggregator of the Year award," he said. "We've done it for a few years now. And the guys who won it tonight, Nectar Mortgages, I remember when they started up. So to be able to present the trophy to them, as a boutique aggregator of the year was really delightful."
"The best part about the AMAs is the sense of community and celebration for an industry we all love," said Sarah Willsallen, head of broker distribution at Westpac Group.
"Congratulations to everyone for all their hard work," she added. "It's such an achievement for your business and to your entire team. To walk away with a trophy is wonderful."
FINSTREET at the 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards.
The Birdie Wealth team, including Nathan Smith, founder and director, second from left.
"It's really exciting," said Nathan Smith, founder and director of Sydney-based brokerage Birdie Wealth, after accepting the Bluestone Home Loan Best Customer Service from an Individual Office award. "I think this one's a hard one to win. The industry as a whole does a phenomenal job for their customers. So to be seen as a leader in that is really a privilege."
Barry Saoud, (left) chief executive, mortgages and commercial lending at Pepper Money, accepts the Rate Money Non-Bank of the Year award from Ryan Gair, co-founder and chief executive officer of Rate Money.
"We're excited," said Barry Saoud, chief executive, mortgages and commercial lending at Pepper Money, as he accepted the Rate Money Non-Bank of the Year award. "We want to say a big thank you to our brokers, our partners and, in particular, our team."
Ryan Gair, co-founder and chief executive officer at Rate Money, and presenter of the award, added a congratulations to "the whole entire time" at Pepper Money.
"Each year Pepper Money's business grows strength to strength," he said.
Manraj Kler, senior business development manager at AMP Bank.
"I'm on top of the world," said Manraj Kler, senior business development manager at AMP Bank, after winning the So Money Best Non-Major Bank BDM award. "I'm loving it. All the hard work has paid off. Thanks to the brokers. Thanks to the AMAs. And thanks to AMP Bank."
The MA Money team at the 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards.
DJ Em at the FINSTREET after party.
