Anja Pannek elected to board of small business peak body

The peak body brings industry associations together to represent small business interests nationally.

Its member organisations can nominate representatives for voluntary board positions, with directors contributing to advocacy and strategic direction.

The MFAA said the board position would give brokers’ experiences an additional route into policy discussions affecting small businesses.

Shared business pressures

With most MFAA members running small businesses, Pannek said the role would complement the association’s work representing their interests as both business owners and brokers.

“Mortgage and finance brokers are small business owners, employers and active members of communities across Australia,” Pannek said.

She identified costs, compliance, productivity and recruitment as concerns shared with businesses across other industries.

“They face many of the same pressures as other small businesses, including rising operating costs, regulatory complexity, productivity challenges and finding and retaining great people.”

“Joining the COSBOA Board gives us another opportunity to bring those experiences into the national small business conversation and advocate for practical policy settings that help our members prosper and thrive.”

Building existing ties

The MFAA became a COSBOA member in 2024, formalising a relationship the association said had included longstanding cooperation and numerous initiatives supporting members.

Pannek characterised her election as a natural extension of that relationship, linking closer cooperation to the organisations’ shared objectives.

“Our relationship with COSBOA is built on a shared commitment to helping small businesses succeed. This further reinforces those ties and strengthens our ability to work together on the issues that matter to our members,” Pannek said.

She said building relationships throughout the small business community ultimately served the association’s membership.

“Our members are at the centre of everything we do, and stronger connections across the small business community ultimately strengthen our advocacy on their behalf,” she outlined.

Pannek took charge of the MFAA in September 2022 after leading aggregator PLAN Australia.

Her financial services career spans more than two decades, covering mortgage distribution, aggregation and banking, with senior positions at NAB, Loan Market Group, Advantedge Financial Services and Challenger Limited.

COSBOA chief executive Skye Cappuccio welcomed the election, citing Pannek’s combination of leadership experience and familiarity with business ownership challenges.

“Anja brings significant leadership and advocacy experience, as well as a strong understanding of the opportunities and pressures facing small business owners,” Cappuccio said.

“Mortgage and finance brokers are an important part of Australia’s small business community. They run businesses and employ people, while also helping consumers and other small businesses access the finance they need.”

[Related: MFAA challenges proposed 1,000% surge in brokers’ CSLR levy]