Association continues to grow membership base

Chief executive Peter White said the association is on track to record 37 per cent net growth in 2014/2015.

Mr White said the FBAA has approximately 3,800 members, but that figure rises to 11,400 if one includes the other industry staff who work with those members.

He said the growth in memberships was especially pleasing considering there is no mandatory requirement by any aggregator or lender to be an FBAA member.

“We are an association of choice, and our leadership structure has always been run by brokers with extensive industry experience and understanding,” he said.

“We’ve placed a big emphasis on prioritising the issues that our members really care about – issues that will help them grow their business.”

Mr White said the growth in membership was due to the association focusing on areas that have been traditionally difficult for the industry.

“We moved forward in the area of vendor finance this year, and we even entered into discussions with the Consumer Action Law Centre in order to build a stronger relationship,” he said.

“This is beneficial, as more open dialogue on industry matters helps us both understand the other’s position.”

He said the most significant role that the FBAA plays is its continued discussions and lobbying with the government, members of parliament, regulators and industry representatives.

“I believe the FBAA is the industry’s key point of contact with the government,” Mr White said.