Company attributes success to gender diversity
Mortgage aggregator Connective has announced that it now holds a 37% market share of female brokers, attracting them at a faster rate than competitors over the past two years.
Despite broader trends showing fewer women entering the field, as evidenced by research from the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia, Connective said it would continue to strengthen its support for women and solidify its position as the aggregator of choice for female brokers.
A recent report from the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) found that women make up only 34.5% of the financial services workforce, underscoring challenges in attracting and retaining female professionals.
Andrea Roberts (pictured above), chief marketing officer at Connective, attributes the company’s success to its focus on creating a supportive environment.
“It’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the dedicated, driven, and passionate brokers we support and how we genuinely invest in their success,” Roberts said. “We’ve built a vibrant, welcoming community where women truly feel at home – connecting, sharing experiences, and lifting each other up. It’s a space where women are recognised, advocated for, and empowered to grow.
“As the WGEA report reveals, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to outperform those in the bottom quartile in terms of profitability, which underscores the importance of fostering strong female representation in our industry.”
Roberts said that diversity leads to better business outcomes, as female brokers offer unique perspectives that enhance client relationships and decision-making. She added that Connective is focused on breaking down barriers and providing more accessibility, flexibility, and support to help women succeed in the mortgage broking sector.
“Our brokers tell us they need connection and inclusive communities, tailored education and to hear more female stories – and we are proud to deliver on all fronts, creating opportunities that better serve women and business growth,” she said.
For lasting change, Roberts emphasised that industry-wide efforts are needed to address bias and implement inclusive practices.
“Achieving this requires businesses like ours to implement a defined strategy, encourage industry leaders to address the issue, use effective metrics, and maintain accountability throughout the process,” she said.
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