Nominations for 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards still open

But vote now before ballots close on 3 July

Nominations for 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards still open

News

By Kellie Ell

Nominations for the 2026 Australian Mortgage Awards (AMAs) are still open. But hurry: ballots close 3 July. 

The AMAs — widely regarded as the Oscars of Australia's mortgage and finance industries — are where the industry's success stories take centre stage. The annual event brings together the biggest names in the industry under one roof, including brokers, aggregators, lenders, brokerages, BDMs, service providers and more, for a night of celebration and recognition.

The Key Media production — which is presented in partnership with both Australian Broker and Mortgage Professional Australia (MPA) — recognises those whose contributions over the last 12 months have helped shape the future of mortgage and finance in Australia. 

But before the trophies can be handed out, nominees must be named. For many, earning an AMA nomination can be a career-defining milestone, raising their profile, strengthening their credibility and opening doors to new opportunities. 

"It's important to vote, as it recognises the people in the industry who consistently deliver outstanding service, expertise and ethics, and most importantly results for their clients," Helen Avis, director of finance at Perth-based Specialist Mortgage and past judge, told Australian Broker. "It also showcases results that others can aspire to, which increases professionalism in the industry.

"The mortgage industry is constantly evolving through technology and regulation. Awards help recognise those leading positive change," she added. "Being nominated can enhance the individual's reputation, create new opportunities and recognise years of hard work and dedication."

Peter White, outgoing managing director and interim chief executive officer of the Finance Broker Association of Australia's (FBAA), also encouraged industry professionals to vote. 

"The awards are a way to recognise and celebrate those who have made significant contributions and excelled in our industry," said White, who has also served as a judge. "This recognition for award winners comes with many benefits, including helping to showcase expertise to clients and brand exposure.”

Frank Knez, chief marketing officer at non-bank lender Rate Money, and fellow judge, added: "Too often, individuals and businesses underestimate the impact they've had on their customers and teams. Award nominations provide an opportunity to celebrate those achievements, gain industry recognition, and build credibility that can elevate their profile and strengthen trust within their community.”

Ballots close on 3 July. 

Categories

Broker awards:

  • La Trobe Financial Broker of the Year – Commercial
  • FBAA Broker of the Year – Residential
  • Pepper Money Broker of the Year – Specialist Lending
  • Equity-One Broker of the Year – Productivity
  • Brighten Broker of the Year – Regional
  • Bendigo Bank Broker Young Gun of the Year

Brokerage awards: 

  • Liberty Brokerage of the Year – Diversification
  • MFAA Brokerage of the Year (1 to 5 staff)
  • Resimac Brokerage of the Year (6 to 20 staff)
  • Commonwealth Bank Brokerage of the Year (more than 20 staff)
  • AMP Bank Brokerage of the Year – Regional
  • Bankwest New Brokerage of the Year
  • Bluestone Home Loans Best Customer Service from an Individual Office

Industry awards:

  • Titan Capital Best Industry Marketing Campaign
  • NAB Best Industry Service
  • ANZ Woman of Distinction

Aggregator awards: 

BDM awards: 

  • Firstmac Best Aggregator BDM
  • Finsure Best Major Bank BDM
  • So Money Best Non-Major Bank BDM
  • Mortgage Choice Best Non-Bank BDM

Lender awards:

  • Infinity Capital Financial Group Bank of the Year
  • Rate Money Non-Bank of the Year
  • Brighten Fintech Lender of the Year
  • Keystone Capital Mortgage Manager of the Year

National awards:

  • Westpac Australian Broker of the Year
  • Liberty Australian Brokerage of the Year

The national awards are not open for nominations. Finalists are drawn from the winners of the individual broker and brokerage categories, with the national winners revealed on the night.

More details and dates to remember

Excellence Awardees (finalists) will be announced on 10 August. Winners will be revealed on the night of the event, Friday, 16 October, at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney's Grand Ballroom, 1 Martin Place, Sydney. Networking and drinks begin at 7 p.m. The awards program and three-course meal begins promptly at 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress in their sharpest black tie attire.

The 2026 event includes Australian singer and actress Kate Ceberano as the feature act, with Emalia Jane, aka DJ Em, supplying the tunes, and Australian TV presenter and author Andrew Daddo as MC. 

Judges past and present have included Avis, White and Knez, as well as Cory Bannister, senior vice president and chief lending officer at La Trobe Financial; Tim Brown, chief executive officer of Australian private equity firm Recludo; Anja Pannek, chief executive officer of the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA); Adam Brown, executive, broker distribution at National Australia Bank (NAB); Barry Saoud, general manager and commercial lending at Pepper Money; David Smith, chief distribution officer at Liberty Financial; Sarah Willsallen, head of broker distribution at Westpac Group; Baber Zaker, general manager, third-party banking at Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA); and more. 

Westpac is the official event partner. Premium award partners include Brighten and Liberty.

Follow hashtags #AusMortgageAwards on social media, or reach out to [email protected], for more information. 

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