To the test of your business in 2025
For brokers, finding time to work on their business is often one of the most difficult tasks. However, with an increasingly complex and highly regulated loan environment, commercial development is an area that brokers cannot afford to ignore.
The brokers who prosper in 2025 and beyond are those who take the time to develop their commercial skills, follow market quarters and develop in new areas of loan. According to Wright, the assessment of your current strengths and weaknesses is an excellent starting point.
“If you are very competent in residential loans, plan to explore adjacent markets such as equipment financing, commercial loans or SMSF loans”, “ she said. “Likewise, if you mainly focused on PayG customers, extending it to independent borrowers could open new opportunities.
“Then integrate apprenticeship in your business plan. Whether it is industry -related books, listening to podcasts, attending workshops or participating in formal training, make education a non -negotiable part of your routine.”
Regarding diversification and expansion, Thomas says that the opportunities are enormous. Nab Market Megatendnds 2025: Navigate in the future The report has identified six key themes shaping the brokerage environment of Australia. These include accessibility to housing, the transfer of intergenerational wealth, companies investing for growth and decarbonization, as well as for real estate investments, technological progress and an increasing need for cybersecurity.
“Each of these areas present to commercial brokers with opportunities to work with commercial customers”, “ Said Thomas. “For example, commercial brokers working with developers can help unlock access to financing which supports an increase in housing supply.”
Thomas adds that opportunities will also present themselves more and more for brokers to help customers navigate in the transfer of wealth between generations.
“Over the next 20 years, around 5.4 billions of dollars will change hands, which will have a significant impact on 2.7 million small businesses in Australia as well as in real estate markets”, “ he explains. “Brokers are well placed to work with other financial professionals to help commercial customers navigate in the wealth transfer process.”
In the end, the broker's market share increases – and according to James, investing in your business is crucial to maintain this trend. The borrowers came to expect a simplicity motivated by technology, and if the brokers cannot provide this, they will turn directly to the lenders.
James notes that diversification will also be essential for brokers this year, in particular those who have focused exclusively on residential loans.
“Commercial knowledge – in particular marketing, lead generation, HR management and best business practices – are essential to function successfully”, “ James says.
“As the percentage of mortgages written via brokers increases, there is a clear opportunity for brokers to diversify in commercial and assets. This is why (FBAA A) developed our way of commercial education, which offers a targeted approach to meet the needs of brokers when they seek to invest in themselves and their businesses. ”
Key advice for the coming year
Since the economic climate remains uncertain, the brokers will seek to maintain a solid pipeline of tracks. In this environment, it is easy to let learning and development take a rear seat. However, the message of industry leaders is clear – take control of your apprenticeship; Do not wait for the change to force your hand.
Walsh notes that 2025 should be a dynamic year, especially with more potential rate drops at the corner of the street.
“Education is the way to remain competitive”, “ he said. “In 2025, (the MFAA) organized 60 events across Australia, including members, roadshows, online courses and webinaries. Members can also read relevant articles, get involved in mentorship, offer workshops and study to win CPD points. We encourage brokers to take advantage of these opportunities. ”
“Keep informed of changing trends – this is essential to the capacity of the brokerage industry to self -regulate.”
Walsh adds that in an uncertain economic environment, customers must know who they can trust – and be a broker accredited by the MFAA will go a long way, thanks to the high education standards of the association, including an annual refreshment of annual compliance of the industry.
“While the world becomes more digitized and personalized, the role of trusted advisor is more important than ever”, “ Said Walsh. “Brokers must understand their commercial objectives, then the activities necessary to achieve these objectives.:
“Then, identify knowledge of knowledge or skills that you must fill to carry out your commercial activities effectively. Look at resources, courses, events and online webinaries of the MFAA, or chat with a state director for more advice. ”
Hockey says that his best advice is to remain curious and open to change. Since most customers choose their broker based on confidence and level of comfort, the development of skills such as emotional intelligence, active listening and the establishment of relationships cannot be overlooked. Hockey encourages brokers to balance technical increase with investment in general skills.
“Focus on the areas that correspond both on industry trends and personal career objectives, such as mastery of AI, to remain informed of regulatory updates and to improve sales and social strategies”, “ he said.
“And do not underestimate the power of mentoring or peer networks. These are invaluable to share knowledge and best practices, especially around emerging technologies such as AI. ”
Regarding the CPD, SFG has planned a huge year, with more than 60 events scheduled in a wide range of formats. Buchanan advises to set annual objectives and targets, and notes that compliance should be a “big ticket object” in 2025.
“In simple terms, brokers must invest in themselves”, Said Buchanan. “The old adage of the remaining adaptable is most relevant for our model, and it is an absolute necessity that you are aware of the relevant information for our roles.”
For Nab, this year focuses on support for technical skills, especially in commercial space. Its commercial loan workshops aim to improve the skills in financial risk of brokers and in terms of credit assessment. Brokers cover subjects such as examining business treasury flows, assessment of the reimbursement capacity and the presentation of financial analysis comments to support credit bids.
Thomas notes that brokers need a solid base of knowledge in several industries to succeed in commercial loans, as well as the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances.
“Trade brokers must be able to understand their customers' companies in a holistic way, regardless of industry, so that they can provide strategic advice adapted to the needs of their customers”, “ Explains Thomas.
“Brokers must also be kept informed of the changes to products and policies so that solutions can be adapted to these needs.”
“Commercial customers are generally looking for news or variations in their funding about three times a year, reflecting how circumstances can change considerably quickly.
To get the most out of learning, James advises brokers to choose a method that suits them best. This means taking into account professional development objectives, commercial needs, time and learning preferences.
For FBAA, this has resulted in a range of flexible content designed to help brokers to invest in their skills, especially in key areas such as businesses and technology.
“In addition to the 25 -hour standard that we have established, we see our role as a content of content different from what is usually available”, “ James says.
“This year, we will continue to offer immersive style learning sessions, such as our introduction to the newly published CFB program, or short sessions directly from our new diploma with a key accent on the broker's commercial skills.”
Finally, Wright highlights the importance of constantly pursuing the development of current skills, whether you are a new broker or someone in the industry for many years.
“In the end, remaining relevant in 2025 and beyond obliges brokers to adopt a continuous education, to strategically extend their skills set and to maintain a state of mind first customer”, “ She concludes.
“This proactive approach to learning and development positions brokers as trusted experts and industry leaders.”
Article originally published on MPA on February 18, 2025

At Learnopoly, Finn has championed a mission to deliver unbiased, in-depth reviews of online courses that empower learners to make well-informed decisions. With over a decade of experience in financial services, he has honed his expertise in strategic partnerships and business development, cultivating both a sharp analytical perspective and a collaborative spirit. A lifelong learner, Finn’s commitment to creating a trusted guide for online education was ignited by a frustrating encounter with biased course reviews.