The new financial year is underway and what a year it promises to be for brokers.

After six rate hikes in eight board meetings, the RBA has finally indicated that it will leave rates on hold at 4.5 per cent for the immediate period ahead.

The emotionally charged debate surrounding lenders’ minimum volume requirements has flared up once again.

With regulation now imminent, change is on the horizon.

As the implementation of legislation draws closer, many aggregators are yet to clarify their position on licensing.

There are welcome signs that 2010 could be a bumper year for brokers as activity in the property market heats up.

The withdrawal of RAMS from the third-party channel in February highlights one of the major challenges the broking industry faces in 2010: the availability of funding.

Brokers can look ahead to the coming year with a true sense that the outlook for the industry is on the up.

While Australia, along with the rest of the world, still faces a challenging funding environment, the outlook for the non-bank sector looks to be improving.