Mike Felton, Donna Beazley bestowed MFAA memberships

Held at The Star in Sydney on Wednesday evening (27 July), the MFAA National Excellence Awards recognised the work of its members leading the way for the broking channel.

During the event, Donna Beazley – a former chair of the MFAA board – was recognised as a life member of the association while outgoing CEO Mike Felton was awarded honorary membership. 

Speaking of the recognition, current MFAA board chair Rose De Rossi, commented: “Both Donna and Mike have given outstanding service to the MFAA and the wider industry through their leadership, particularly through the scrutiny of the various regulatory reviews mortgage broking has been subject to over the past few years.”

Donna Beazley life membership

Ms De Rossi stated that the former chair, who retired from the MFAA board at the end of 2021 after serving for a total of seven years (four of which as chair), “always had the interests of brokers at the core of everything she did”.

“She was instrumental in guiding the association through a period of great uncertainty, disruption, and scrutiny for the industry,” she said, referencing Ms Beazley’s work during the banking royal commission and other reviews.

“This was a period where many tough decisions had to be made and Donna never avoided her responsibility as chair.”

The chair also noted her efforts as former councillor of the NSW/ACT State Council, which included two terms as vice-president. 

“We are indebted to her for her incredible dedication and leadership as the MFAA has continued to strengthen and defend the industry,” Ms De Rossi concluded.

Accepting her life membership, Ms Beazley said she was filled with immense pride. 

“My time on the MFAA board included many periods of great uncertainty and disruption, and I can safely say that I have felt great empathy with my fellow brokers during this time,” she said. 

“But what I love about this industry is that we navigated these periods together, and none of what we have achieved could have occurred without the support and great work of our members.” 

Mike Felton honorary membership

The outgoing CEO of the association, Mr Felton, was also honoured on the night.

He received an honorary membership to the MFAA.

Ms De Rossi noted that Mr Felton had joined the organisation in late 2016 with his tenure focused heavily on leading industry advocacy, starting with the ASIC review of mortgage broker remuneration in 2016, then covering the banking royal commission and — most recently — advocating for brokers as the planned 2022 review of broker remuneration (now shelved) was nearing closer.

“One of the only constants in this period was Mike’s steady hand and strong resolve,” Ms De Rossi said.

“He has consistently advocated on behalf of our industry, leaving no stone unturned in his defence of our members. 

“And what we are today is an industry that has put in the hard work, with Mike leading from the front.

“We are well and truly on our journey from an industry under pressure from all sides to a profession that has respect from government, regulators, and stakeholders, and loyalty from our customers.” 

Addressing the audience, Mr Felton thanked the MFAA board for “backing” him and the team through “some of the difficult decisions we’ve had to make over the years, through some extremely challenging times for our industry”.

He continued: “I am truly honoured to be recognised as an honorary member of this quality association that has led the way for our industry for more than 40 years with the highest professional standards and a number of incredible outcomes for our members and for the industry as a whole.”

Mr Felton – who will depart from the association in September – added: “I also want to thank all our members for their continued trust and tremendous hard work in implementing changes that have strengthened and grown our industry whilst ensuring its sustainability and that the value of each of your businesses is protected.”

At last night’s MFAA National Excellence Awards 2022, the association also crowned the winners of the 24 awards, who were as follows:

• Aggregator Award – AFG 
• Business Development Manager Award – Aggregator – Shelley Tetlaw, Loan Market
• Business Development Manager Award – Lender/Support Service Provider – Chris Tilley, Nodifi
• Commercial & Equipment Finance Broker Award – Ryan Baddock, RB Finance
• Community Champion Award – Nani Johnston, Rise High Financial Solutions 
• Customer Service Award – Business – Cornerstone Home Loans 
• Customer Service Award – Individual – Alycia Inglis, Stoneturn 
• Diversified Business Award – Stanford Financial 
• Diversity and Inclusion Award – Liberty Financial 
• Finance Broker Business Award – Stamford Capital Australia 
• Fintech Lender Award – ubank 
• Loan Administrator Award – Jenny Lam, Stoneturn 
• Major Lender Award – Macquarie Bank 
• Mortgage Manager Award – Rate Money 
• Mutual/Credit Union Lender Award – Heritage Bank 
• Newcomer Award – Logan Stanford, Stanford Financial
• Non-Major Lender Award – Bankwest 
• Professional Development Award – Connective 
• Regional Finance Broker Award – Jason Cuerel, Mortgage Innovations 
• Residential Finance Broker Award – Helen Avis, Specialist Mortgage 
• Specialty Lender Award – Pepper Money 
• Support Service Provider Award – Large Company – Allianz  
• Support Service Provider Award – Small Company – Nodifi  
• Young Professional Award – Melissa Wright, Zest Mortgage Solutions 

Mr Felton commented: “I am always impressed by the quality of our finalists and this year was no different. They represent the future of mortgage and finance broking, and I couldn’t be more proud of their achievements.

“I congratulate all our winners and finalists. It’s been a tremendous year for our industry and the standard of service our members deliver for their customers continues to be second-to-none.” 

The MFAA also thanked the supporters of the awards including Adelaide Bank, ANZ, Australian Broker, Bluestone, Commonwealth Bank, Genworth, Mortgage Choice, MPA Magazine, NAB, NextGen, OnDeck, Pepper Money, Prospa, QBE, Suncorp, Teachers Mutual Bank, and The Adviser.

[Related: MFAA chief to exit]