The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has confirmed the leadership of its four national forums for 2026, positioning senior aggregator, lender, and compliance representatives to guide policy and advocacy efforts as the industry braces for heightened regulatory scrutiny.
The appointments come as the association focuses on practical support for mortgage brokers navigating evolving compliance obligations, borrowing capacity pressures, and emerging trends in private lending and commercial finance.
The National Compliance & Regulatory Forum, led by re-elected president Shirley Elliot from AFG and deputy president Samantha Wills from Finsure, will play a central role as ASIC prepares to release observations from its review of best interests duty compliance in 2026.
Elliot said the forum's collaboration with MFAA is critical in preparing the industry for what lies ahead.
"With ASIC's observations of its review of best interests duty expected in 2026, being part of this forum and the MFAA's broader advocacy work with regulators is critical," she said.
Wills described the next term as "an opportunity to build on the progress already underway as the regulatory and lending landscape continues to evolve."
The forum has already delivered practical guidance to members, including resources on managing advice risks, responding to scams, and handling staff departures.
MFAA CEO Anja Pannek (pictured) said the forums provide essential insights that inform the association's work on behalf of brokers and their clients, particularly as lending complexity increases.
"The depth of expertise and commitment from forum members is instrumental in ensuring we continue to represent the interests of our members and the clients they serve," Pannek said.
That expertise is in high demand as the increasingly complex lending environment has driven growing demand for broker expertise, with borrowers seeking professional guidance to navigate the broad array of lenders, products, and information now available in the market.
Anthony Waldron from Mortgage Choice and newly elected deputy president Brad Cramb from Lendi Group will lead the National Aggregators Forum, which has worked closely with lenders to streamline auditing processes through the Aggregator Assurance Program.
Cramb said it was a privilege to support brokers and "ensure their voice continues to shape the future of our industry."
Darren McLeod from Beyond Bank and Barry Saoud from Pepper Money were both re-elected to lead the National Lenders Forum.
Saoud said his focus remains clear: "back brokers, strengthen the industry, and ensure Australians continue to have real choice when it comes to finance."
The National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum, led by George Obeid from Judo Bank and Mhairi MacLeod from Astute Ability Finance Group, has examined rapid growth in private lending to help brokers understand opportunities and risks for property investors and business clients alike.
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