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The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) and the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) are partnering to empower and develop female leaders in the broking industry.
She Means Business will begin as a pilot program, funded by the federal government.
It will see up to 10 MFFA member businesses receive business support and leadership development opportunities.
The program is open to mortgage and finance broking businesses across the eastern states (NSW, Queensland, and Victoria) who employ less than 20 staff.
Businesses must also be members of the MFAA and have a “passion” for improving gender diversity within the industry.
Those who are chosen to participate will receive training via interviews, face-to-face mentoring, and feedback loops in a bid to create a more inclusive and innovative industry.
“The latest 2025 Value of Mortgage and Finance Broking report confirms that female participation in the profession remains flat at 27 per cent – unchanged since 2018,” said MFAA CEO Anja Pannek.
“Our industry is built on small businesses, and this pilot is an important further step toward shifting that statistic. By supporting brokerages with a passion for improving gender diversity, we’re helping to create a more inclusive profession and positioning mortgage and finance broking as a viable, rewarding career path for women.”
The pilot will run between June 2025 and March 2026. Upon completion of the pilot, the organisations will recommend wider adoption of the program in other industries.
Applicants can apply via the MFAA website, with submissions closing 6 June. Those who advance to the next stage will be notified by 20 June.
COSBOA head of programs Nicole Walsh is excited to partner with the MFAA and hopes to drive inclusion in an “underrepresented” industry.
“She Means Business is about more than visibility – it’s about investment. We’re proud to partner with the MFAA to deliver support that enables women to thrive in industries where they are underrepresented, and to collect insights that shape stronger, more inclusive policy.”
This initiative comes at an important time after recent reports that there has been an exodus of women leaving the industry.
Speaking on the issue, Connective’s chief marketing officer Andrea Roberts said diversity in the industry is crucial for driving innovation.
“Female brokers bring unique perspectives and insights that enrich client relationships and strengthen business practices. In broking, just like in any other industry, strong female representation is important for balanced decision-making and better business performance.”
[Related: Why are women leaving the broking industry?]
