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The industry body has unveiled its National Forum presidents for 2025, with a few new faces among a string of re-elections.
The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has unveiled the presidents and deputy presidents who will serve at the upcoming MFAA National Forums for 2025.
MFAA’s forums help inform the direction of the broker association’s activities, with each president and deputy president elected through a process of nomination and voting from industry peers.
National Aggregator Forum
Anthony Waldron, the CEO of Mortgage Choice (part of the REA Group), was re-elected as president of the National Aggregators Forum, which provides a platform for aggregator members to review and discuss industry issues.
Speaking of his re-election, Waldron said: “The mortgage broking industry has never been stronger, and I’m looking forward to continuing to champion the many benefits brokers bring to Australian borrowers.”
Meanwhile, Gerald Foley, managing director at wholesale aggregator National Mortgage Brokers (nMB), was re-elected as deputy president.
“I’m pleased to play a role in the National Aggregators Forum again in 2025 and continue to support the good work being undertaken by the MFAA on behalf of our industry,” Foley said.
National Compliance & Regulation Forum
Shirley Elliot, head of compliance at ASX-listed aggregator Australian Finance Group (AFG), was re-elected as president of the MFAA’s National Compliance & Regulation Forum.
Elliot said she was “delighted” to continue as president and to keep the industry proactive in its response to regulatory change.
“Participating in this forum among industry peers and the MFAA’s advocacy efforts with regulators allows us to ensure brokers can safeguard their businesses while consistently delivering positive outcomes for consumers,” Elliot said.
Elliot will be joined by Samantha Wills, head of compliance & risk at aggregator Finsure, who was re-elected as deputy president.
“The forum provides us with a vital platform to address shared challenges and ensure that our brokers have a strong voice in shaping industry changes,” Wills said.
National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum
George Obeid, chief third-party officer at SME lender Judo Bank, was re-elected as president of the National Equipment and Commercial Finance Forum.
Obeid flagged plans to expand and prioritise awareness, mentorship, and upskilling opportunities for brokers who wish to diversify into commercial and equipment finance.
“I’m honoured to have been re-elected as President and look forward to continuing my collaboration with our dedicated MFAA forum members, who generously contribute their time and SME lending expertise for the advancement of the industry,” Obeid said.
“We will also build on the outstanding work already being done by the MFAA in training and developing brokers, further enhancing their experience in these critical areas.”
Asset finance broker Mhairi MacLeod, managing director of Astute Ability Finance Group, was re-elected as the forum’s deputy president.
“I am thrilled to continue to work with our amazing MFAA forum members, as we grow commercial and equipment finance within the broker industry,” she said.
National Lenders Forum
The MFAA’s National Lenders Forum saw a change of leadership with Darren McLeod, head of third party at Beyond Bank, elected as president. He previously served as deputy president.
McLeod said: “I am looking forward in continuing my involvement with the MFAA, which I have been doing for 15 years, and particularly in working with other lenders to assist in getting the best outcomes for our industry.”
Barry Saoud, general manager of mortgages and commercial at non-bank lender Pepper Money, will also be joining the forum as its new deputy president.
“It’s important to ensure we have a balanced voice that represents non-banks and the broader finance industry,” Saoud said.
“Together, we’ll work to advance the MFAA’s mission and create a more inclusive and dynamic financial landscape.”
National Mortgage Managers Forum
The MFAA also confirmed the re-election of Doug Daniell, director of Mortgage Mart of Australia, as president of the National Mortgage Managers Forum.
“I look forward to continuing working with the members of the forum and MFAA to support mortgage managers’ interests and how we as a group can contribute to the growth and success of the broader mortgage industry,” Daniell said.
Daniell will be supported by Melissa Ashcroft, general manager of AAA Financial Group, who was elected as deputy president.
“I look forward to working towards greater education for the mortgage industry on mortgage management and how it can assist brokers and their clients,” Ashcroft said.
Forums working on what matters most to brokers
Commenting following the appointments, Anja Pannek, MFAA CEO, said the forums ensure the body is working on the issues that matter most to brokers.
“This, in turn, helps to inform and strengthen our advocacy and policy development work throughout the year,” Pannek said.
“It means we firmly have our finger on the pulse of trends in the mortgage and finance broking sector.”
Pannek also said the groups provide an opportunity to glean different perspectives, contributing to the body’s “whole-of-industry” approach, noting that the input and support from members had been crucial to forming the association’s recent Value of Mortgage and Finance Broking 2025 report and the structure of the Industry Intelligence Service reports, as well as responses to big industry issues, such as its submission into the parliamentary inquiry into payroll tax.
[Related: MFAA announces National Forum presidents for 2024]
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