Award Categories

Friday 18 October 2024 | The Star Event Centre, Sydney

The 2024 Australian Mortgage Awards Categories and Criteria

Broker Awards

La Trobe Financial Broker of the Year – Commercial

This award recognises the best broker who specialises in commercial real estate, investment finance, SME/debtor finance, asset and leasing finance. Brokers may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also consider input from lenders and aggregators. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation and references for submission to the AMA judging panel.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

residential to commercial lending ratios
loan volumes
year over year growth
lead generation
client retention
quality of submissions
conversion rates
overall customer service

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Broker of the Year category.

FBAA Broker of the Year – Residential

This award recognises the best broker in an residential business. Brokers may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also consider input from aggregators and brokerages. Extra weight will be placed on nominations that come from those in a position to assess a broker’s performance objectively. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

loan volumes
year over year growth
lead generation
client retention
quality of submissions
conversion rates
overall customer service

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Broker of the Year category.

Pepper Money Broker of the Year – Specialist Lending

This award recognises the best broker that provides specialist lending as part of their overall offering. Brokers may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also consider input from specialist lenders. Considerable weight will be placed on nominations from those in a position to assess a broker’s performance objectively. Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

quality of submissions
conversion rates
lead generation
client retention
overall customer service
loan volumes (to a lesser extent)

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Broker of the Year category.

Equity-One Broker of the Year – Productivity

This award recognises the best broker based on productivity improvements through increased office efficiencies and quality submissions. Brokers may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also consider input from banks and brokerages. Extra weight will be placed on nominations that come from those in a position to assess a broker’s performance objectively. Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

percentage of applications submitted and proceeds without questions or delays
year over year growth
percentage of applications approved for funding and handled without escalations

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Broker of the Year category.

NAB Broker of the Year – Regional

This award recognises the best broker based in and deriving the majority of their income from a regional area (outside of major capital cities). Brokers may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also consider input from banks and brokerages. Extra weight will be placed on nominations that come from those in a position to assess a broker’s performance objectively. Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

loan volumes
year over year growth
lead generation
client retention
quality of submissions
conversion rates
overall customer service

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Broker of the Year category.

Bendigo Bank Broker Young Gun of the Year

This award recognises the best broker aged 35 or under (as at 1 June 2024) who has less than two years experience. To be eligible nominees must have been accredited as a broker on or after 1 June 2022. Brokers may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also review nominations from aggregators. Considerable weight will be placed on nominations that come directly from brokerage heads and aggregation groups. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

loan volumes
lead generation
quality of submissions
conversion rates
overall customer service

Brokerage Awards

PRPTY 360 Brokerage of the Year – Diversification

This award recognises the brokerage that has implemented the most effective diversification business model. Nominations are open to all independent and franchise brokerages, regardless of whether the business is a small operation providing a compact diversification offering or a larger business that has a range of specialists (financial planners, accountants, mortgage brokers) all operating under one brand. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from an overall business perspective:

products and services offered
year over year growth
how the diversification offering has impacted on business growth over the past 12 months
customer service proposition
the business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Brokerage of the Year category.

MFAA Brokerage of the Year (1-5 staff)

This award recognises the best brokerage operation with 1-5 staff (or full-time equivalents). The number of staff includes all loan writers and support staff across all company offices/branches. Nominees will be invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from the overall business perspective:

loan volumes
year over year growth
lead generation
client retention
quality of submissions
conversion rates
customer service proposition
the business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement
broker training and development

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Brokerage of the Year category.

Resimac Brokerage of the Year (6-20 staff)

This award recognises the best brokerage operation with 6-20 staff (or full-time equivalents). The number of staff includes all loan writers and support staff across all company offices/branches. Nominees will be invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from the overall business perspective:

loan volumes
year over year growth
lead generation
client retention
quality of submissions
conversion rates
customer service proposition
the business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement
broker training and development

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Brokerage of the Year category.

Commonwealth Bank Brokerage of the year (>20 staff)

This award recognises the best brokerage operation with over 20 staff (or full-time equivalents). The number of staff includes all loan writers and support staff across all company offices/branches. Nominees will be invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from the overall business perspective:

loan volumes
year over year growth
lead generation
client retention
quality of submissions
conversion rates
customer service proposition
the business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement
broker training and development

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Brokerage of the Year category.

ANZ Brokerage of the Year – Regional

This award recognises the best brokerage operation based in a regional area (outside of major capital cities). Nominees will be invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from the overall business perspective:

loan volumes
year over year growth
lead generation
client retention
quality of submissions
conversion rates
customer service proposition
the business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement
broker training and development

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Brokerage of the Year category.

Bankwest New Brokerage of the Year

This award recognises the best brokerage office or branch that has been in operation for less than two years. To be eligible a business must have started on or after 1 June 2022. Brokers may nominate their own businesses, and our researchers will also contact aggregator groups and major franchises to submit details of their standout performers. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide extra submissions for the AMA judging panel such as client feedback, community-based work or aggregator/lender testimonials.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered from the overall business perspective:

loan volumes
year over year growth
lead generation
quality of submissions
conversion rates
customer service proposition
the business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement

The winner of this category will become an excellence awardee in the Australian Brokerage of the Year category.

Bluestone Home Loans Best Customer Service from an Individual Office

Customer service is an incredibly important measure of any brokerage operation’s long-term sustainability and success. This award recognises the brokerage office or branch that has displayed excellence in maintaining consistent and sustainable customer service standards. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

product knowledge
product offering
client retention
customer service proposition
the business’ value proposition and strategy around stakeholder engagement

Industry Awards

SPRNT (LBH) Best Industry Marketing Campaign

This award recognises the best below the line (B2B) marketing and advertising campaign conducted by an organisation marketing to mortgage brokers. The winner of this category will be able to demonstrate the greatest impact on the industry over the last 12 months. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

the overall campaign strategy and objectives
marketing mix applied
evidence of success including quantitative and qualitative results where available

NAB Best Industry Service

Industry services play an extremely important role within the mortgage industry. This award recognises the service provider that adds the most value to its customers’ businesses. Eligible service providers include but are not limited to software and technology, legal, compliance, training and education. Lenders and aggregators are not eligible to enter this category. Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

service provider’s value proposition
industry’s need for the service
how the service has added value
overall commitment of the organisation to its customers

Aggregator Awards

MyState Bank Boutique Aggregator of The Year

Open to sub-aggregators with offices in Australia. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.
Aggregators are the most important link between mortgage brokers and lenders. This award recognises the best sub-aggregator.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

accuracy and timeliness in commission payment
quality of lending panel, IT and CRM support
broker communication
BDM support
compliance support, training and education
lead generation

MSA National Aggregator of The Year

Open to aggregators of all sizes with offices in Australia (excludes sub-aggregators). Judged on performance over the past 12 months
Aggregators are the most important link between mortgage brokers and lenders. This award recognises the best aggregator. The results of the 2024 MPA Brokers on Aggregators survey is a contributing factor.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

accuracy and timeliness in commission payment
quality of lending panel, IT and CRM support
broker communication
BDM support
compliance support, training and education
lead generation

BDM Awards

Firstmac Best Aggregator BDM

BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender/broker relationship. This award recognises the best aggregator BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also review nominations from aggregation groups. Considerable weight will be placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

nominee’s accessibility and communication
demonstrated understanding of their brokers’ businesses
nominee’s product knowledge
how the BDM adds value to the brand he/she represents and the broker channel

Mortgage Street Best Major Bank BDM

BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender/broker relationship. This award recognises the best major bank BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also review nominations from lenders. Considerable weight will be placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

nominee’s accessibility and communication
demonstrated understanding of their brokers’ businesses
nominee’s product knowledge
how the BDM adds value to the brand he/she represents and the broker channel

So Money Best Non-Major Bank BDM

BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender/broker relationship. This award recognises the best non-major bank BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also review nominations from lenders. Considerable weight will be placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

nominee’s accessibility and communication
demonstrated understanding of their brokers’ businesses
nominee’s product knowledge
how the BDM adds value to the brand he/she represents and the broker channel

Mortgage Choice Best Non-Bank BDM

BDMs are an essential ingredient in the lender/broker relationship. This award recognises the best non-bank BDM. BDMs may nominate themselves and the AMA team will also review nominations from lenders. Considerable weight will be placed on nominations that come directly from the broking community. Judged on performance over the past 12 months.

Nominees will be invited to provide supporting documentation for submission to the AMA judging panel.

When judging this category, the following criteria will be considered:

nominee’s accessibility and communication
demonstrated understanding of their brokers’ businesses
nominee’s product knowledge
how the BDM adds value to the brand he/she represents and the broker channel

Lender Awards

Infinity Capital Financial Group Bank of the Year

This award recognises the best bank in the mortgage industry. Lenders will be invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nomination and will be judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

business achievements in the third party distribution channel including but not limited to service levels,
turnaround times, product ranges e.g. residential, commercial, and pricing
year over year growth and market share in the third party distribution channel
service innovations including but not limited to technology, broker communications, training and development
overall support of and contribution to the third party distribution channel
demonstration of positive impact on the wider community

Rate Money Non-Bank of the Year

This award recognises the best non-bank lender in the mortgage industry. Lenders will be invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nomination and will be judged on performance over the past 12 months.

When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

business achievements in the third party distribution channel including but not limited to service levels,
turnaround times, product ranges e.g. residential, commercial, and pricing
year over year growth and market share in the third party distribution channel
service innovations including but not limited to technology, broker communications, training and development
overall support of and contribution to the third party distribution channel
demonstration of positive impact on the wider community

RedZed Fintech Lender of the Year

This award recognises the best technology-based (fintech) lender in the mortgage industry. Lenders will be invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nomination and will be judged on performance over the past 12 months. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

how the business implements technology to offer a new or improved service to customers
year over year growth and market share in the mortgage sector
service innovations such as online loan applications, new finance modelling, use of data and an improved user experience

Please note businesses that classify as banks or non-bank lenders are not eligible to enter this category.

Keystone Capital Mortgage Manager of the Year

This award recognises the best Mortgage Manager in the industry. Mortgage Managers will be invited to provide both quantitative and qualitative evidence to support their nomination and will be judged on performance over the past 12 months. When judging this category the following criteria will be considered:

business achievements in the third party distribution channel, including but not limited to service levels,
turnaround times, and product ranges, e.g. residential, commercial, and pricing
year over year growth
service innovations including but not limited to technology, broker communications, training and development
overall support of and contribution to the third party distribution channel
demonstration of positive impact in the broader community

National Awards

Westpac Australian Broker of the Year

This award recognises the most outstanding mortgage broker in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category comprise the winners of the individual broker categories.

Broker of the Year – Commercial
Broker of the Year – Residential
Broker of the Year – Productivity
Broker of the Year – Regional
Broker of the Year – Specialist Lending

This category is not open for nominations. Excellence awardees will be announced on the night.

Liberty Australian Brokerage of the Year

This award recognises the most outstanding brokerage operation in Australia. The excellence awardees in this category comprise the winners of the brokerage categories:

Brokerage of the Year (1-5 staff)
Brokerage of the Year (6-20 staff)
Brokerage of the Year (Over 20 staff)
Brokerage of the Year – Diversification
Brokerage of the Year – Regional
New Brokerage of the Year

This category is not open for nominations. Excellence awardees will be announced on the night.