The first of MPA’s four-part series looks back on the hottest headlines from the start of the year
Evergreen issues and a little something new – 2025 proved to be a year when brokers and mortgage finance professionals were forced to reckon with brand new obstacles while navigating long-term challenges.
Ongoing matters like payroll tax, clawbacks, channel conflict, housing supply shortages and market competition were paired with a new wave of government intervention, heightened regulatory scrutiny, reinvigorated proprietary lending channels, an election, interest rate cuts and more.
It proved to be a year of surprises, as some of Australia’s biggest banks put the lid on company and trust lending; the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) pulled some dramatic decisions out of the hat; new homebuying initiatives came into force; and private credit saw a major regulatory crackdown.
But it was also a year of great success for the broking industry, with record high market share of home lending; increased prominence in the commercial finance market; and accolades aplenty for Australia’s best and brightest mortgage professionals.
MPA was there every step of the way, keeping readers up to date on the latest developments in the dynamic, diverse world of mortgage finance. In the four-part series, we look back on the biggest stories from each quarter that shaped the market.
Kicking things off in the first quarter, the three months to 31 March saw the broking industry compile its wishlist for the 2025 election, with stamp duty tax, capital gains, the instant asset write-off and help for small businesses at the forefront of the discussion.
The quarter saw the beginning of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)’s rate-cutting cycle and a federal budget that didn’t quite manage to set the broking world alight. Payroll tax issues also featured prominently in the quarter.
Australia's biggest customer-owned banks joined MPA for a roundtable, brokers had their say on the major banks, and the best rising stars in the broking industry were announced.
Top quarterly headlines
Loan Market boss warns on complacency as broker dominance nears 80%
RBA interest rate cut sets off avalanche of market reactions
Mortgage brokers ramp up calls for fairer clawback policies
MFAA boss warns of ‘devastating consequences’ of payroll tax
What do brokers want from Australia’s next Prime Minister?
Labor Budget fails to address housing supply issues
Industry heavyweights make voices heard in NSW Payroll Tax Inquiry
Special features from the quarter
Macquarie Bank: Four years and counting as broker bank of choice
Customer-owned banks roundtable: Close broker bonds essential in times of change
