Family-owned finance group, Loan Market has dominated the 2018 Australian Broker Awards, winning six titles including ‘Major Brokerage of the Year – Franchise’, more than double any other brand.

With over 21 finalists in 16 categories - almost three times any other business - Loan Market always looked like performing strongly at the luncheon event, held at The Star on Friday 29 June.

Upon accepting the award Sam White, the group’s executive chairman said the significance of the six wins are a testament to the group’s hard work and focus during a period of significant change and uncertainty.

“To win so many awards, including the biggest franchise award in our industry, it’s incredible,” he said the 500-strong crowd.

“It is wonderful recognition for our franchisees and the outstanding outcomes they have achieved for their clients in what has been a period of significant change and uncertainty.”

“I am overwhelmed with pride for our business and what they achieve every day.”

A striking number of Loan Market brokers were also selected as finalists for the ’Customer Service of the Year’ award, which the group took out in both regional and metropolitan categories.

The metro category award was collected by Loan Market’s Bernard Desmond, who also took out ‘Broker of the Year’, while Samuel Arthurs took out the regional ‘Customer Service of the Year’ award.

Other honours went to Josh Bartlett for ‘Residential Broker of the Year’ and Michael Vasilaras for ‘Newcomer of the Year – Metropolitan’.

“With all the issues exposed by the Royal Commission in our industry, these incredible results are proof that a family-owned business with family values can thrive in the financial services industry,” Mr White said.

He attributed some of the success to the $2 million Loan Market has invested in their training and development program since 2017.

Almost half of that has been into Springboard - Loan Market’s online learning and development platform.

“The core purpose of that investment has been to support our brokers and build stronger businesses across all stages of development,” Mr White said.

“It is wonderful to see that investment paying off.”

Loan Market’s awards:

• Bernard Desmond - Broker of the Year AND Customer Service of the Year - Individual (Metro)
• Josh Bartlett, Loan Market Bayside - Residential Broker of the Year
• Samuel Arthurs, Loan Market Warrnambool - Customer Service of the Year - Individual (Regional)
• Michael Vasilaras, Loan Market Bayside - Newcomer of the Year - Metropolitan
• Loan Market - Major Brokerage of the Year - Franchise

The Australian Broker Awards are hosted by mortgage and finance broker publication, The Adviser and are now in their eighth year running. The awards are judged by a panel of respected industry professionals and business leaders who assess each contestant over a rigorous five stage process.

The Australian Broker Awards are hosted by mortgage and finance broker publication, The Adviser and are now in their eighth year running.

The awards are judged by a panel of respected industry professionals and business leaders who assess each contestant over a rigorous five stage process.