Top NSW/ACT brokers revealed at Better Business Awards 2024

Hundreds of members of the broking community in NSW and the ACT gathered at the black-tie gala ceremony to celebrate their achievements throughout 2023 and network with their peers and industry leaders.

The awards showcased the depth of talent evident in the nation’s leading professionals and businesses in the mortgage and finance industry, recognising brokers and brokerages, business development managers (BDM), loan administrators, industry thought leaders, mentors, as well as those who have provided exceptional customer service to their clients.

Australian comedian and satirist Mark Humphries assumed emcee duties and provided light and laughter throughout the evening.

Individual broking awards

The top prize and coveted Broker of the Year award was given to Yellow Brick Road Earlwood branch principal and mortgage broker Effie Nicol, after she collected the Best Customer Service (Individual) trophy earlier in the evening.

This year’s Best Residential Broker award winner was Shore Financial’s mortgage broker Christian Stevens (repeating his success from 2022 when he took home this trophy at the Better Business Awards 2022).

Nathan Hogan, principal of iFin Capital Group and commercial finance specialist, won the Editor’s Choice award, with managing editor of mortgages Annie Kane stating she was particularly impressed with his work in business advisory and helping businesses grow and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of asset finance brokers.

Zep Finance director and mortgage broker Zain Peart was named Best Regional Broker, while Yakka Finance managing director Scott Rumble took home the Best Finance Broker award.

Rounding out the broker awards was Auspak Home Loans’ lending specialist Reece Thorn, who was named New Broker of the Year.

Brokerages, offices in the spotlight

In unison with professionals, broking businesses were championed for their successes and efforts to propel the Australian mortgage and finance industry forward.

Azura Financial (helmed by directors Tom Hawley and Ben Hawley) was named Best Large Non-Franchise Office, while director and founder Jayden Brown’s Harrow & Co. received the Best New Office award.

Offices were also commended for serving in their clients’ best interests, with Loan Market Canberra (run by franchise owner Nitish Kumar) being conferred with the Best Customer Service (Office) award.

Mortgage Choice had two reasons to rejoice, with Mortgage Choice Chatswood taking home the Best Franchise Office award while Mortgage Choice Warners Bay was named Best Regional Office at this year’s ceremony.

Mortgage and finance brokerage Pristine Finance (steered by founder and finance broker Marinko Radomir) was named Best Boutique Non-Franchise Office.

Meanwhile, the Best Finance Brokerage (Office) award was given to Simplicity Loans, which is helmed by Jean-Pierre Gortan and Matthew Johnson.

BDMs, loan administrator win big

Loan administrators and BDMs were also rewarded for consistently supporting brokers with aplomb over the last year.

Haley Bellamy from Australian Finance Group (AFG) was named Best Aggregator BDM, while the Best Lender BDM (Bank) award was presented to NAB BDM Anjali Kumar. Brighten Home Loans BDM Kay Yang took home the Best Lender BDM (Non-Bank) trophy.

Loan Market lending analyst and team leader Julie Turner was named this year’s Best Loan Administrator.

Recognising those who give back

The Better Business Awards presents an opportunity to reward members who have given back to the industry and beyond – be it as mentors, advocates, or thought leaders in the industry.

This year, the Wellness Advocate of the Year award went to Truly Finance principal and mortgage and finance broker James Brett, while Nationwise Financial Solutions general manager, strategy and growth, Daniella Mancuso was named Industry Thought Leader of the Year.

The Mentor of the Year award was conferred upon professional mentoring company for mortgage brokers REFS Australia mentor and trainer Paul Palmer.

Home Loan Experts (headed by chief executive Alan Hemmings) was given this year’s Best Community Engagement Program award.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Click here to see the full list of winners.

Better Business Summit and Awards continue

The Better Business Summit and Awards roadshow continues over the next four weeks as it visits four capital cities.

Dates and locations

The Better Business Summit 2024 and Awards will be held in the following locations:

• Thursday, 22 February, at the Convention Centre, Adelaide
• Thursday, 29 February, at Hyatt Regency, Perth
• Thursday, 7 March, at Sofitel Brisbane
• Thursday, 14 March, at The Crown Melbourne

Click here to buy tickets to the summit and don’t miss out!

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For more information about the 2023 Better Business Summit, including speakers and agenda, click here.

[Related: Better Business Summit 2024 launches]