FAQs

The awards are open to all individuals and businesses operating in the commercial and asset finance broking industry within Australia. This includes commercial brokers, loan administrators, aggregators, business development managers, service providers, and accounting professionals whose work intersects with commercial finance. Specific eligibility criteria apply to each category – please refer to the Categories page for detailed requirements.

Yes. Nominees may enter as many categories as they are eligible for. Each category requires a separate submission addressing that category's specific criteria. There is no limit on the number of categories you may enter.

Entry to the Commercial Finance Awards is free. There is no cost to submit a nomination. Finalists and winners are encouraged to attend the cocktail luncheon, for which tickets are available for purchase.

Yes – third-party nominations are welcomed. You may nominate a colleague, business partner, or industry peer. We recommend informing the nominee in advance so they can provide supporting documentation if required.

Submissions open on Tuesday, 14 July 2026 and close on Friday, 4 September 2026 at 11:59pm AEST. Late submissions will not be accepted. We strongly recommend submitting at least 48 hours before the deadline.

Written responses should be submitted as PDF documents. Supporting evidence (spreadsheets, certificates, testimonials) may be uploaded as PDF, DOCX, XLSX, JPG, or PNG files. Maximum individual file size is 25MB. Total upload limit per nomination is 50MB.

Yes. The online nomination portal allows you to save your progress and return to complete your submission at any time before the closing date. You will receive a unique link to resume your nomination.

You will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours. Your submission then enters the judging process. Finalists will be announced on Thursday, 8 October 2026, and winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony on Thursday, 26 November 2026.

The judging panel comprises senior industry figures, independent experts, and representatives from key industry bodies. Judges are selected for their expertise, impartiality, and standing in the commercial finance sector. The full judging methodology is available on the Methodology page.

Each submission is scored against the category-specific criteria using a standardised rubric. Judges assess factors including business performance, innovation, client outcomes, industry contribution, and adherence to ethical standards. Scores are aggregated, and the highest-scoring submissions determine finalists and winners.

Finalists will be publicly announced on Thursday, 8 October 2026 via The Adviser website and direct email to all nominees. Being named a finalist is a significant achievement and carries substantial industry recognition.

The Commercial Finance Awards 2026 cocktail luncheon will be held on Thursday, 26 November 2026 in Sydney, Australia. The venue will be announced closer to the event date.

Attendance is not mandatory to receive an award, but it is strongly encouraged. The cocktail luncheon is the premier networking event in the commercial finance calendar, bringing together industry leaders, finalists, and partners for an afternoon of celebration and connection.

Tickets will be available for purchase following the finalist announcement on Thursday, 8 October 2026. Finalists receive priority access to ticketing. Register your interest to be notified when tickets go on sale.

The dress code is business/cocktail attire. The event is a daytime luncheon format, so formal evening wear is not expected.

Partnership opportunities are available at Principal, Platinum, and Supporting levels. Visit the Partners page for details on partnership benefits and to submit an expression of interest. You may also contact [email protected] directly.

Partners receive brand exposure across The Adviser's digital and print platforms, recognition at the awards ceremony, logo placement on all event materials, complimentary tickets to the cocktail luncheon, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. Specific benefits vary by partnership tier.