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One of the industry's most prominent figures has been awarded the Order of Australia.
Yellow Brick Road executive chairman Mark Bouris was honoured "for significant service to the finance industry, particularly the home loan mortgage sector, to education, and to charitable organisations".
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Mr Bouris founded Wizard Home Loans in 1996 and Yellow Brick Road in 2007.
FBAA chief executive Peter White, who was Wizard's inaugural chief executive, said his former boss has been so successful due to his drive and his strategic mind.
Mr White also told The Adviser that Mr Bouris pushes his executives hard in pursuit of his goals.
"He's a tough guy. But it's all because he's on a mission and he can see it, taste it, smell it, and you're either on board or you're not," he said.
Mr White added that one of the reasons for Wizard's growth was that Mr Bouris took control of the group's marketing strategy from the beginning and worked hard to build his media profile.
He said that while it would be a stretch to say Mr Bouris had transformed the mortgage industry, he had definitely made it more competitive and prominent.
Mr Bouris also played a significant role in the introduction of comparison rates, in conjunction with Allan Fels, who was then chairman of the ACCC, Mr White said.
"He could see that there were a whole lot of different rates and what sounds cheap may not be cheap because it's full of fees and charges," he said.
Mr White also paid tribute to Mr Bouris' charity work, which pre-dated the launch of Wizard.
"He put himself out left, right and centre to help people. As much as he was a tough businessman, he was also compassionate," Mr White said.
MFAA chief executive Siobhan Hayden told The Adviser that Mr Bouris' membership of the Order of Australia reflected well on the industry.
"Mark comes across as professional, sophisticated, innovative and down to earth. He's a great business advocate for our industry and for him to be recognised is fantastic news," Ms Hayden said.
Mr Bouris was unavailable for comment
[Related: Yellow brick road aiming to become $1bn-a-month business]
