Industry VP on an eventful 12 months – and how brokers can find success in 2026
Recent years in Canada’s housing and mortgage markets haven’t exactly been tranquil, with an unprecedented homebuying boom during the COVID-19 pandemic followed by a sharp jump in interest rates as the Bank of Canada battled rampant inflation between 2022 and 2024.
But 2025 has been just as eventful as those years, marked by the sudden onset of a trade war with the US in February and huge uncertainty over its potential impact on the Canadian economy.
Against that backdrop, the national housing outlook has been a tale of many markets – with some regions struggling even as others eke out gains in sales and prices.
For mortgage professionals, that’s meant plenty of twists and turns as the year has progressed. “This year has been quite the rollercoaster in the market,” Natasha Duric, vice president of national sales, Canada, mortgage creditor insurance at Manulife, told Canadian Mortgage Professional.
“It’s continuously evolving and changing, which keeps everyone on their toes. One of the standout trends is just how competitive things have gotten across the board. Brokers are definitely feeling the pressure, especially with renewals, and affordability has become a significant concern.”
Lenders and other industry players have been keeping their ears to the ground amid that continuing turbulence, introducing innovative new solutions to help brokers and their clients navigate a tough market. Manulife, for instance, brought partial coverage options to market and emphasized the value of its Mortgage Protection Plan (MPP) for buyers and homeowners.
But even with affordability still stretched across many markets and homebuying activity sluggish, there are plenty of opportunities in the current market for brokers, Duric said.
“One thing I can’t stress enough is the treasure trove of data brokers are sitting on,” she said. “Their existing databases and CRM systems are gold mines, ripe with potential. I urge brokers to really dive into that data and work it to generate business from their existing clients.”
Royal LePage’s latest market survey casts 2026 as a reset year rather than a rebound, with national prices barely higher and some of Canada’s priciest markets still under pressure.https://t.co/koriyEDwh9
— Canadian Mortgage Professional Magazine (@CMPmagazine) December 9, 2025
Another big year for mortgage industry events
On the events front, it was a busy year for CMP, which brought its popular Mortgage Summit to Vancouver in March and welcomed hundreds of western-based mortgage professionals.
Meanwhile, the annual Canadian Mortgage Awards (CMAs) returned for their 19th year in May, with the Women in Mortgage Summit once again welcoming a sold-out crowd in June.
In September, a huge crowd of mortgage professionals gathered in Toronto for the Canadian Mortgage Summit, attended by brokers, lenders, and service providers alike – and it was also an eventful 2025 for industry recognition, with CMP unveiling a host of special reports and awards throughout the year.
Duric was among the mortgage professionals named in the Women of Influence list for 2025, recognizing the women of the mortgage industry who blazed a trail over the previous 12 months and set themselves apart for their outstanding performance and achievement.
“It was truly an honour to be recognized among so many accomplished women in the mortgage industry,” she said. “On a personal level, it’s incredibly rewarding to have my contributions and leadership acknowledged in this way. This award represents years of hard work, growth, and a deep passion for what I do.”
How mortgage professionals can get ahead in 2026
In the year ahead, the mortgage industry will see its usual influx of new faces eager to make a name for themselves and chart a path to a successful career as a mortgage professional.
For young women taking their first steps in the industry, Duric emphasized the importance of self-belief and confidence. “Believe in your values and trust your voice,” she said. “The mortgage industry can be fast-paced and competitive, but there’s always room for authenticity, integrity and innovation.
“Build strong relationships, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to speak up or take the lead. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and pay it forward when you have the chance. Remember, you don’t need to fit into a mold. You have the power to redefine what leadership looks like in this industry.”
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