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The broker association has snagged an AMP Bank BD manager to take on the South Australia/Northern Territory state manager role, succeeding long-serving MFAA state manager Wendy Robertson.
The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has announced the appointment of Laura Downer as its new state manager – business development for South Australia and the NT.
Scheduled to start in the role on 1 July 2025, Downer has extensive experience across the broking and finance industry, including as a broker, lender business development manager (BDM), and aggregator BDM, with roles at AMP Bank, ME Bank, and PLAN Australia.
She began her career at National Australia Bank (NAB) in 1986 and was most recently a BDM at AMP Bank.
Downer will replace Robertson, who is retiring after 21 years at the MFAA.
Having originally trained as an architect, Robertson joined the MFAA in February 2004, becoming its state manager for business development for South Australia/the NT.
Over the years, she has supported many brokers across the state and territory, with members having honoured her experience and legacy at the recent MFAA awards and member forums.
Robertson will leave her role at the MFAA on 20 June.
In a message to MFAA members in April regarding Robertson’s retirement, MFAA CEO Anja Pannek said: “Wendy has been a driving force behind the MFAA’s presence in South Australia and the Northern Territory, serving as a passionate advocate for members and a trusted representative of our community."
In comments to The Adviser, Robertson described her role as “a deeply rewarding journey, filled with passion, purpose and fulfilment”.
The MFAA said Downer had trained, coached, and mentored brokers through industry shifts, regulatory change, and market headwinds, while also advocating their needs and building stronger support networks.
Her experience would bring a “well-rounded perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing MFAA members today”, the association said.
Melanie Kafka, MFAA executive, member experience and partnerships, said Downer was well-positioned to contribute to the strength of the mortgage and finance broking profession.
“We are so excited to have Laura joining our state manager team. She brings not only industry experience and knowledge to our SA/NT members, but also enthusiasm and a genuine passion for working with members and growing the MFAA community,” Kafka said.
“We warmly welcome her to the MFAA community.”
Commenting on her new role, Downer said: “I love this industry and am here to focus on what matters – you.
“I want to help you adapt, grow and stay informed as our industry evolves, while continuing to uphold the standards and community spirit we share.
”I’m energised by the opportunity to work alongside MFAA members and contribute to the strength of our profession.”
[Related: Mortgage brokers writing record 76.8% of home loans]
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