Aggregators, lenders, compliance and commercial finance forums name presidents and deputies for the year ahead
The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) has announced the presidents and deputy presidents for its four national forums for the year, following nominations and elections.
The bodies — covering aggregators, lenders, compliance and regulation, and equipment and commercial finance — bring together senior industry figures to feed into the association’s policy, advocacy and member support work.
“The depth of expertise and commitment from forum members is instrumental in ensuring we continue to represent the interests of our members and the clients they serve,” said Anja Pannek (pictured top), chief executive of the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia.
The association said the National Compliance & Regulatory Forum has recently helped develop member resources, including Managing advice risks in client conversations, What to do if you have been scammed, and What to do when someone leaves your business.
It added that the National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum has reviewed the sharp rise in private lending and produced guidance for brokers on the opportunities and risks in the sector.
The MFAA also pointed to joint work between the National Lenders Forum and the National Aggregators Forum on the Aggregator Assurance Program, intended to allow lenders to run a single, coordinated audit of aggregators.
National Aggregators Forum
Anthony Waldron (pictured right) of Mortgage Choice was re-elected president. Brad Cramb of Lendi Group was elected deputy president.
“I look forward to continuing our collaboration with the MFAA and fellow aggregators to advocate for our industry and the brokers who do such incredible work helping tens of thousands of borrowers each year,” Waldron said.
“I look forward to working with the MFAA and fellow industry leaders to support brokers and ensure their voice continues to shape the future of our industry,” Cramb said.
The MFAA said the outgoing deputy president, Gerald Foley of nMB, has held the role since 2023 and will remain on the forum.
National Lenders Forum
Darren McLeod (pictured right) of Beyond Bank was re-elected president, with Barry Saoud of Pepper Money re-elected deputy president.
“It’s a great opportunity to continue working alongside passionate industry leaders to support brokers and drive positive outcomes across the lending sector,” McLeod said.
“After more than 20 years in lending, it’s a responsibility I take seriously,” Saoud said. “My focus is simple – back brokers, strengthen the industry and ensure Australians continue to have real choice when it comes to finance.”
National Equipment & Commercial Finance Forum
George Obeid (pictured right) of Judo Bank was re-elected president, while Mhairi MacLeod of Astute Ability Finance Group was re-elected deputy president.
“Our focus remains on strengthening collaboration, sharing knowledge, and supporting members through the challenges and opportunities ahead,” Obeid said.
“I look forward to collaborating with colleagues, tackling shared challenges, and finding new opportunities to strengthen and grow Australia’s finance sector together,” MacLeod said.
National Compliance & Regulatory Forum
Shirley Elliot (pictured right) of AFG was re-elected president, with Samantha Wills of Finsure re-elected deputy president.
“With ASIC's observations of its review of best interests duty expected in 2026, being part of this forum and the MFAA's broader advocacy work with regulators is critical,” Elliot said.
“This next term is an opportunity to build on the progress already underway as the regulatory and lending landscape continues to evolve,” Wills said.
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