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One of the founders of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Australia (which later became the MFAA) was honoured last night after being bestowed with MFAA life membership.
Commercial broking veteran John Macalyk was honoured for his contribution to the industry at the MFAA National Excellence Awards last night (27 July), being awarded MFAA life membership.
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Mr Macalyk was one of the 20 people who came together in 1980 to start an association for the mortgage and finance industry.
In 1982, the Mortgage Bankers Association of Australia was officially registered (before later changing its name to the Mortgage Industry Association and then the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), with Mr Macalyk becoming the fifth official member.
The Sydney-based commercial and asset finance broker has remained an active member of the industry, with his brokerage the AAA Financial Group expanding out to incorporate both commercial and residential loans and welcoming his daughter Melissa Ashcroft to the team.
MFAA chair Kerri Buurman commented: “Over the last four decades he has worked with his clients and finds the same great level of fulfilment in helping them achieve their goals as he did when he originally started his broking career.
“John is well-known in the industry for good reason. As one of our founding members, he’s been forward-thinking, making an impact on the industry, the Association and most importantly the countless brokers he has mentored, coached and inspired.”
The association said that it was “pleased to be able to recognise John’s remarkable achievements and contributions with this Life Membership”.
According to Mr Macalyk, he particularly enjoyed being part of the discussion of the broking industry, from its infancy to its maturation.
Accepting the lifetime membership, Mr Macalyk recognised the role his family played in supporting his journey; particularly his daughter, broker Ms Ashcroft.
He noted that he had been a part of numerous committees and forums that had helped drive the industry over the years, stating: “When you’re running a business, you need to keep motivated. One of the best ways I found to be motivated and learn more about my industry was to go to the MFAA conferences.
“Over a period of time, any business, any industry, has to handle unexpected difficulties that come up. Who could have forecast the [bankng] Royal Commission or the pandemic for example?
“A good association can help its members overcome difficulties and come through those times. That’s what the MFAA is good at, and has been doing so for over 40 years.”
When asked for his advice for new brokers, the veteran broker said: “Always have something to look forward to – a lunch, a trip, a conference, a get-together with your family. By always having something down the track, it will help look after your mental stability, your own inner self. It’s not all about work, it’s not all about money.”
2023 MFAA National Excellence Awards winners
The winners of 24 awards were also celebrated at the 2023 MFAA National Excellence Awards, held at Crown Melbourne last night.
The winners were:
- Aggregator Award: AFG
- Business Development Manager Award – Aggregator: Shelley Tetlaw, Loan Market
- Business Development Manager Award – Lender/Support Service Provider: Sally Hillman, St.George Bank
- Commercial & Equipment Finance Broker Award: Ryan Baddock, RB Finance
- Community Champion Award: TAG Finance Australia
- Customer Service Award – Business: UFinancial
- Customer Service Award – Individual: Lee Barron, Fox Financial Solutions
- Diversified Business Award: IQ Finance for IQ Capital Group
- Diversity and Inclusion Award: Mortgage Choice
- Finance Broker Business Award: Birdie Wealth
- Fintech Lender Award: ubank
- Loan Administrator Award: Tania Richardson, Loan Market Ellenbrook
- Major Lender Award: Macquarie Bank
- Mortgage Manager Award: Mortgage Ezy
- Mutual/Credit Union Lender Award: Heritage Bank
- Newcomer Award: James Brett, Truly Finance
- Non-Major Lender Award: Bankwest
- Professional Development Award: Broker Ideas Group
- Regional Finance Broker Award: Xavier Quenon, Go Mortgage
- Residential Finance Broker Award: Mark Davis, The Australian Lending & Investment Centre
- Specialty Lender Award: Pepper Money
- Support Service Provider Award – Large Company: ALI Group
- Support Service Provider Award – Small Company: Broker Ideas Group
- Young Professional Award: Ashleigh Pakis, Panache Financial and Morgan Owen, Penny Finance
MFAA chief executive Anja Pannek said the Excellence Awards recognised and celebrated members who have excelled in areas including customer service, professionalism, ethics, growth, and innovation.
“The MFAA Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on our members and the incredible work they do with their clients every day,” Ms Pannek continued.
“I congratulate all our winners, finalists and our newest Life Member for their achievements, it’s been wonderful to celebrate their success and watch them receive the attention they deserve.”
[Related: How Melissa Ashcroft became a leading commercial broker]
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