The changing of the guards is complete. Focus Finance's Managing Director and Property Portfolio Strategist Katie Thomas walked away with not one, but two of the most coveted awards during the 2025 Australian Mortgage Awards: the "NAB Broker of the Year – Regional" award, as well as the ultimate industry accolade, the "Westpac Australian Broker of the Year" award."
"It's really amazing to be a finalist, obviously. Because we didn't nominate; we were selected into it. So very grateful to be here," Thomas told Australian Broker during Friday night's sold-out celebration at the Fullerton Sydney. "It feels amazing; I'm really happy, very appreciative."
Katie Thomas, left, accepting the "NAB Broker of the Year – Regional" award from NAB's Adam Brown.
Decked out in a glittery black ball gown, the Newcastle-based broker was all smiles while accepting the awards, adding that her team helped support her during the year.
Katie Thomas, left, accepting the "NAB Broker of the Year — Regional" award from NAB's Adam Brown.
"I would love to shout out to everyone in my team; they all did their roles absolutely perfectly," Thomas said. " It feels great to win because I really appreciate my team and all the effort and everything they did for me throughout the year. I think what has made us really successful is the genuine care for our team, and our clients, and everyone who we work with consistently. And they all care very much for what we do."
Katie Thomas, second from right, with her team, during the 2025 Australian Mortgage Awards, after finding out she won.
Sara Willsallen, head of broker distribution at Westpac, who presented the "Westpac Australian Broker of the Year" award on behalf of the bank and picture above right, added: "Westpac is incredibly privileged to support the pinnacle of individual achievement in the entire broking industry, which is the AMA "Broker of the Year." And it's incredibly powerful to recognize someone like Katie Thomas from Focus Finance for all that her and her team have achieved. And in a field of incredible competition as well. And the AMAs are the pinnacle of excellence in what we do."
"It's great to come together, celebrate success, celebrate excellence," said Adam Brown, broker distribution executive at National Australia Bank (NAB). "Everyone works pretty hard in this industry. And it's great to recognize and give a little back." Brown presented the "NAB Broker of the Year – Regional" award on behalf of the lender.
Katie Thomas, center, with members of her team at Focus Finance.
In addition to Focus Finance, where Thomas has worked for more than five years, Thomas spent nearly a decade at Westpac. She has also worked at St. George Bank.
