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Australia’s top female financial professionals have been celebrated in style, with the winners of the Women in Finance Awards 2025 officially revealed at a glittering black-tie gala in Sydney on Friday evening (14 November 2025).
Hosted by Momentum Media’s financial services brands, including Broker Daily, the national awards program brought together hundreds of industry leaders to recognise and honour the women driving change, innovation, and excellence across Australia’s financial landscape.
Now in its ninth year, the Women in Finance Awards has become a defining celebration of female achievement – spotlighting the trailblazers, mentors, and innovators who are shaping the future of the industry.
This year’s program saw 30 exceptional winners selected from a pool of 249 outstanding finalists spanning the full breadth of financial services – from broking and banking, accounting and financial advice, to superannuation and the fintech industry.
Among the big winners from the broking industry were: Stephanie Thomas of Loan Market Ignite, who took home the coveted Mortgage Broker of the Year award; Melissa Ashcroft of AAA Financial Group, who was named Commercial Finance Broker of the Year; Effie Nicol of Yellow Brick Road Earlwood, who was awarded Mentor of the Year; Caroline Jean-Baptiste of Mortgage Choice Fortitude Valley, Ashgrove, & Surrounds, who was crowned Thought Leader of the Year; and Astha Shrestha of Home Loan Experts, recognised as Young Leader of the Year.
Those working behind the scenes were also celebrated, with Rivka Louwen of Finsure taking out Executive/Personal Assistant of the Year, Jessica Mulholland of Lendi Group named Banking and Finance Lawyer of the Year, and ANZ’s Elyse Wohling awarded Business Development Professional of the Year.
The awards didn’t just recognise individual brilliance – they also celebrated businesses and initiatives empowering women to thrive. Group categories honoured standout employers, training and development programs, wellbeing initiatives, and women’s community programs, making an impact across the profession.
Companies from the mortgage and finance broking industry were also recognised for their commitment to empowering women, with Mortgage Choice taking home Training and Development Program of the Year.
With a room filled with over 500 professionals, the evening was both a celebration and a call to action – uniting Australia’s financial community in championing diversity, inclusion, and leadership.
For nearly a decade, the Women in Finance Awards has served as a powerful platform for recognition, helping winners elevate their profiles, inspire emerging talent, and drive meaningful change within the industry.
Click here to view the full list of 2025 winners.
To learn more about the awards program, click here.
[Related: Women in Finance Awards 2025 finalists revealed]