MFAA partners with COSBOA for pilot to increase number of female mortgage and finance brokers

The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) is proud to partner with COSBOA’s
She Means Business pilot program – a Federal Government-funded initiative aimed at
increasing small business gender diversity and empowering female business leaders.

Developed by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), the pilot will
provide up to 10 MFAA member businesses across New South Wales, Victoria and
Queensland with business support and leadership development opportunities, including
tailored funding for specific initiatives.

Open exclusively to mortgage and finance broking businesses employing fewer than 20 staff,
She Means Business recognises the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the
sector. Successful applicants will receive customised training designed to accelerate growth,
build capability, and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive, innovative industry.

MFAA CEO Anja Pannek said the initiative aligns strongly with the Association’s focus on
building a more diverse and future-ready industry.

“The latest 2025 Value of Mortgage and Finance Broking report confirms that female
participation in the profession remains flat at 27% – unchanged since 2018,” Ms Pannek said.

“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.”

COSBOA’s Head of Programs Nicole Walsh echoed the importance of meaningful action.

“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.”

Following completion of the pilot, insights and learnings will contribute to national
recommendations for businesses across all industries. The pilot runs from June 2025 to March
2026.

Eligibility criteria:

• The business must employ fewer than 20 people
• Owners and/or business leaders who have a passion for improving gender diversity in
  the mortgage and finance broking industry
• Available for participation in the pilot between June 2025 and March 2026 – this will
  involve interviews, face-to-face mentoring, feedback loops and training
  
• Located in NSW, Victoria or Queensland
• Must be MFAA members

MFAA members interested in applying can click here. Please note applications will close on
6 June 2025, with successful applicants to be notified by 20 June.