The Adviser has announced over 800 finalists for the 13th annual Better Business Awards, run in collaboration with principal partner NAB.
The Better Business Awards - run with the support of principal partner NAB - recognises the leading professionals and businesses in the mortgage and finance industry.
For over a decade, the awards program has celebrated the best of the best in mortgage and finance in each state and territory and is a coveted award for Australia’s brokers, networks, innovators, leaders, and aggregators.
Highlighting excellence customer service and recognising high-volume businesses, the state-based awards program showcases the remarkable achievements of top professionals and businesses in the mortgage and finance broking industry over FY25.
The finalist list for the five-state award program, which was announced on Thursday (26 February 2026), features over 800 high-achieving professionals from right across Australia competing for 20 submission-based categories.
Click here to view the finalists.
Announcing the finalists, the managing editor of The Adviser, Annie Kane, commented: “Over the past financial year, brokers have been at the centre of an exceptionally busy period for the market. As interest rates fell and incentive schemes were brought forward to meet strong borrower demand, brokers have worked tirelessly to help clients navigate a complex and fast-moving environment.
“From guiding first home buyers to access the right support and schemes, to helping borrowers refinance and escape ‘mortgage prison’, and assisting small business owners secure finance to grow with renewed confidence, brokers have been instrumental in supporting Australians’ financial goals.
“It’s no surprise that broker share continues to hit new highs, reflecting the trust and value borrowers place in their expertise. The finalists this year deserve recognition for their incredible dedication, resilience, and commitment to delivering the best outcomes for their clients.
“Congratulations to all the finalists who are driving the broking industry forward through hard work and professionalism.”
Adam Brown, the executive, broker distribution at NAB, welcomed the release of the finalist list, stating: “NAB is proud to be principal partner of The Adviser’s Better Business Summit, recognising the important role brokers play in supporting customers across Australia.
“As a long-term partner to the broker channel, NAB is committed to working along brokers at every stage of the customer journey, backed by a national network of experienced BDMs and relationship managers, and dedicated support across home and business lending.”
He added: “Recognising outstanding brokers isn’t just about rewarding success - it helps strengthen the industry by encouraging innovation, lifting standards and highlighting the impact brokers can have for customers.
“Congratulations to this year’s finalists.”
When will the winners be announced?
The 800 finalists will battle it out across 20 individual and group submission-based categories, which include Best Residential Broker, New Broker of the Year, Best Finance Broker, and Best Customer Service of the Year, alongside BDM awards, too.
Group categories include Best Regional Office, Best Franchise Office, Best Community Engagement Program, and Best New Office.
The winners will be announced at black-tie gala ceremonies in Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne over March and April 2026, where members of the broking industry can network with leaders and peers while celebrating the achievements of their colleagues.
The highest-scoring individual broker winner will also be crowned the coveted Broker of the Year award in each state - and a special award will be granted to one of the finalists for the Editor's Choice award, too.
The Better Business Awards 2025 will be held in the evening of the Better Business Summit in the following locations:
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Thursday, 12 March at Sofitel Brisbane, Brisbane.
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Thursday, 19 March at Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide.
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Thursday, 26 March at Crown Perth, Perth.
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Thursday, 9 April at Hyatt Regency Sydney, Sydney.
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Thursday, 16 April at Crown Towers Melbourne, Melbourne.
To view the full list of finalists, click here.
Click here to learn more about the event, including the Better Business Summit, held in the daytime on the same day, or listen to more here:
Click here to listen on your device
[Related: Why the Better Business Summit 2026 is a must-attend event]
