The mortgage industry has been called to take stronger action on gender diversity following an international broking summit that warned the sector “cannot afford to leave talent on the sidelines.”
The International Mortgage Brokers Federation (IMBF) conference, held in Dublin in May 2025, culminated in a white paper urging greater inclusion and support for women in what remains a male-dominated profession.
Peter White (pictured left), IMBF chair and Finance Brokers Association of Australasia (FBAA) managing director, said the gender imbalance in mortgage broking remains one of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
“Men continue to dominate the broking profession,” White said. “But with more mentoring and sponsorship, we can attract and retain more women to mortgage broking, which stands to benefit from the skills and experience they bring to the profession.”
While technology and AI often dominate industry discussions, He said the lack of gender diversity continues to hinder innovation and representation. White added that some still perceive broking as “high-pressure, financially risky, and unsuitable for women seeking balance or re-entering the workforce.”
The IMBF’s inclusion call aligns with findings from the FBAA 2025 Broker Density Report, which shows that while men still make up the majority of brokers, female participation continues to climb.
The number of female brokers has risen to almost 6,500, bringing the gender split to 70/30, compared to 72/28 in 2024.
White noted that representation varied between countries but pointed out that women continue to achieve strongly in the field.
“It was pretty clear that while women might represent 30% of our industry, they also represent a much larger percentage of higher performing brokers,” the FBAA leader said.
The IMBF white paper, Inclusion: Increasing Female Participation – Unlocking the Power of Gender Diversity in Mortgage Broking, emphasised that formal mentorship and visible leadership are crucial to retaining women in the industry.
“There are plenty of women entering the field, but few stick with it. Mentoring is what helps you stay,” one conference participant said.
Financial advice leader Leigh Hodgetts (pictured right) added: “Inclusion starts with trust, visibility, and support, not just targets. By fostering the right environment, representation will naturally emerge.”
Delegates noted that while some countries have begun formal mentoring programs, many still rely on informal, often male-dominated networks that limit women’s access to opportunities.
From the IMBF roundtable, five key recommendations emerged to strengthen inclusion and gender balance across global mortgage markets:
The IMBF report concluded that inclusion is not merely a social goal—it’s a business imperative.
“Inclusion isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a strategic lever for industry growth, resilience, and innovation,” the report said. “By amplifying women’s voices, reducing barriers, and rethinking support, broking can become what it already aspires to be: a flexible, client-first, rewarding profession that reflects the diversity of the clients it serves.”
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