WA broker recognised as fellow of the MFAA

The designation of fellow is one of the four categories the broker association has for esteemed members who have “attained a high level of professional standing within the mortgage and finance broking industry” and helped develop the industry in Australia.

Recognition as an MFAA fellow may be bestowed upon individuals who are a full member of the MFAA (or the nominated representative of an MFAA full member business), subject to those individuals satisfying the relevant criteria established by the board.

The other three esteemed member categories are associate, life member and honorary member.

The MFAA said that Ms De Rossi had been named a fellow “in recognition of her experience and significant contribution to the mortgage and finance broking industry”.

Having begun her career in finance in 1985, Ms De Rossi worked in several management and lending roles with a bank until 1999, when she became a finance broker with Choice Home Loans.

In 2009, Ms De Rossi created her finance company Diversifi Pty Ltd with her co-director and also a fellow of the MFAA, Tracey Lea Gilbert.

The Western Australia-based broker was elected to the MFAA board in 2017, serving as deputy chair from 2019–21, as chair from 2021–22, and has been the president of the MFAA Perth Forum since 2017.

Ms De Rossi said she was honoured to be recognised as a fellow of the MFAA.

She commented: “This achievement recognises the many years of promotion and support I have provided for the finance industry.

“I hope to be seen as a role model for those brokers looking to further their careers in this rewarding industry.”

Earlier this year, the MFAA honoured another esteemed member – John Macalyk – one of the founders of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Australia (which later became the MFAA) and a commercial broker.

Mr Macalyk was bestowed with MFAA life membership at the MFAA National Excellence Awards in July, in recognition of his contribution to the industry.

Mr Macalyk was one of the 20 people who came together in 1980 to start an association for the mortgage and finance industry.

In 1982, the Mortgage Bankers Association of Australia was officially registered (before later changing its name to the Mortgage Industry Association and then the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), with Mr Macalyk becoming the fifth official member.

The Sydney-based commercial and asset finance broker has remained an active member of the industry, with his brokerage the AAA Financial Group expanding out to incorporate both commercial and residential loans and welcoming his daughter Melissa Ashcroft to the team.

[Related: Founding MFAA member receives life membership]