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The Combined Industry Forum has announced who will replace Anthony Waldron and Mark Haron as leaders of the group following the completion of their terms.
As part of its agreement to rotate the industry chairs, the Combined Industry Forum (CIF) – which comprises more than 45 players from lenders, aggregators, associations and brokerages – has appointed two new representatives to lead the group.
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After two years of tenure, the inaugural chair Anthony Waldron (executive general manager, broker partnerships, and interim chief customer officer, consumer banking, at NAB) and inaugural deputy chair Mark Haron (executive director of Connective) completed their terms leading the CIF on Monday (14 April).
The CIF will now be co-chaired by two industry representatives after the group’s planning committee decided that this structure better reflects the reality of how the previous chairs have been operating, and the balance of the lender and aggregator/broker membership of the CIF more broadly.
As such, it is not believed that there is any intention for the CIF to appoint a deputy chair at this stage.
Simone Tilley, general manager, retail broker, at ANZ Bank, and Mark Hewitt, general manager, industry and partnership development, at AFG have now been appointed as the first co-chairs.
However, both Mr Waldron and Mr Haron will continue to be involved in the CIF and work to “ensure a smooth transition for the CIF’s leadership”.
‘Ensuring the industry has one voice’
First set up in 2017 to address the issues raised by the ASIC Review of mortgage broker remuneration, the cross-industry group later evolved its charter to provide a unified voice for the mortgage industry and address regulatory issues raised by the Productivity Commission’s review into competition in the Australian financial system and the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry and its associated legislation.
It has played an active role working with government and regulators to implement the findings of the royal commission.
Speaking after the announcement was made, the former chair of the CIF, Mr Waldron, commented: “I am proud that the broker industry has come together to act in the best interests of consumers.
“[The] CIF has played a leading role in ensuring the industry has one voice and ensuring a sustainable and competitive mortgage broking industry. There remains much to be done as we work through the current health and economic crisis. However, I am certain that we have put in place strong foundations for the future.”
Mr Waldron added: “I would like to thank members for their support and commitment to delivering meaningful change and wish Mark and Simone every success in continuing to deliver industry reform and promoting consumer choice.”
Likewise, the former CIF deputy chair, Mr Haron, stated: “A substantial amount of work and time has been dedicated across the membership to design and independently implement the proposed changes.
“Proactive reform is never easy, but the changes members have made provided a strong foundation which supported our industry tremendously during the royal commission.
“Collective industry commitment throughout the past three years has been a highlight. It has been a team effort, and one I have been pleased to be associated with.”
‘The CIF still has work to do’
The new co-chairs, Ms Tilley and Mr Hewitt, both thanked the outgoing chair and deputy chair for their leadership.
Ms Tilley said: “Firstly, I wanted to thank Anthony and Mark for their exceptional leadership of the CIF through an incredibly intense and formative period. We have had plenty of challenges, and they have risen to the occasion each time to put the mortgage broking industry front and centre.
“I’m delighted to take on the role and work alongside Mark and my colleagues from across the industry to continue the reform process so we can deliver the best outcomes for all participants and the broader Australian community.”
Mr Hewitt added: “Both Anthony and Mark leave a legacy of drive, enthusiasm and significant progress that Simone and I wish to continue.
“The CIF still has work to do as we continue to progress reform and work with government and regulators to ensure our industry is in a strong position for the future.
“I look forward to working with Simone to ensure the CIF can continue to play a leading role in addressing the challenges our industry faces,” he said.
Find out more about the work of the Combined Industry Forum in our recent webcast, The Adviser Live - Leadership series: Regulation and the Best Interests Duty, featuring former CIF deputy chair Mark Haron, NAB general manager of broker distribution Steve Kane, and broker and director of Mortgage Success Katrina Rowlands.
[Related: The Adviser Live - Leadership series: Regulation and the Best Interests Duty]
