The FBAA has hosted its national industry conference, the first in-person event it has held in two-and-a-half years.
The day-long event was held at SeaWorld on the Gold Coast on March 11 and was led by industry leaders, innovators, and sponsors, followed by a Heroes and Villains-themed gala dinner.
“The conference was an enormous success,” said FBAA managing director Peter White (pictured). “I began the conference by saying ‘how good is it to have the family back together’ and that was how the day ran.”
He said the conference started 45 minutes late because people were busy catching up after not seeing each other for so long.
“Everyone had a fantastic time, and the event went off famously well,” he said.
The national conference focused on working and innovating in the new digital world.
Psychologist Chelsea Pottenger, from EQ Minds, Bernard Salt and Simon Kuestenmacher, from the Demographics Group, and Australian financial journalist and commentator Michael Pascoe addressed the conference.
“Chelsea spoke in depth about the importance of mental health in the workplace. We also had an insight from Bernard, Simon, and Michael who each provided a well-rounded economic view of the world,” said White.
Laura Scarlett Martin from Matrix Mortgage Global in Canada attended as the conference’s international speaker.
“Laura was fantastic,” White said. “She spoke at length about her journey as a broker and she motivated our attendees on what they can achieve if they put their minds to it.
“All the speakers were very powerful and innovative. Our next conference will have a different flavour and style to it. It will be different from this event,” said White.
The association looked forward to returning to its normal November scheduling later this year.
Speaking to Australian Broker on Monday, White said the federal government’s decision to drop a review of broker remuneration had the support of the FBAA.
“The FBAA, of course, welcomes this move but we also commit to continue our dialogue to ensure that no future government revisits a review of this sort,” he said.
“While there has been no formal review process for some time, the industry has been scrutinised enough and has proven to the government that the current system of remuneration is the best for consumers and the industry.
“The reason this review is not proceeding is simply because the FBAA has already informed our government of these facts. As well, our industry has already implemented many initiatives that remove conflicted remuneration and ensure we act in the best interests of the borrowers.”
