CAFBA celebrates 2024 National Broker and Financier Award winners

The Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia (CAFBA) has announced the winners of its prestigious National Broker and Financier Awards for 2024.

The awards, which were held at The Ritz-Carlton in Melbourne last Thursday, celebrate exceptional performance, innovation, and dedication within the commercial and asset finance industry.

In a LinkedIn post, CAFBA – the professional association of commercial and asset finance brokers in Australia – thanked its platinum sponsor Commonwealth Bank along with its gold sponsors BOQ Finance, flexi-commercial Australia, Metro Finance, and Westpac.

Little did he know: Rising star humbled by nomination

With the event highly anticipated, Shubham Bhaskar (pictured above left) from Sheel Capital in Victoria was already elated with just being nominated for the Rising Star award.

“This recognition is a huge honour and a testament to the incredible work I’ve been able to do with Australian SMEs,” Bhaskar said before the event.

“Over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of assisting:

• My investor clients enter the commercial property market and explore opportunities that didn’t seem achievable earlier.
• Businesses with various working capital solutions to take the worry of finance away and focus on their core operations.
• Large clients with funding for motor vehicles and operational equipment ranging from $20k to $2.5m.”

Fortunately, his celebrations didn’t end there, with Bhaskar taking home the Rising Star - Commercial Finance Broker of the Year.

“My passion for business and my commitment to supporting the growth of Australian small businesses have been driving forces behind what we do at Sheel Capital,” he said.

Women in Finance Excellence Award winner celebrates 

Another industry leader honoured on the night was Sammi Haines (pictured above right) from Coastal Finance in Tasmania, who won the Women in Finance Excellence Award.

Although women make up only around 25% of brokers in Australia, Haines said she was proud to be part of this “growing community” and excited to see more women stepping into leadership roles.

“Your guidance has been invaluable, and I’m forever thankful for the wisdom and encouragement you’ve given me,” Haines said.

“With the help of the strong women in my team, I’ve been able to grow a company built on empathy, understanding, and integrity. Together with my team, we’re committed to making a difference in our industry and empowering more women in finance.”

See LinkedIn post here.

Aggregators and lenders recognised

It was also a big night for LMG, whose respective asset finance and commercial finance teams took out their categories among tough competition.

The aggregator’s asset finance division said the award was “a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team”.

“Watch this space, there’s a lot more to come from us in the Asset Finance world.”

Major lender NAB commented on the “fantastic night”, which allowed a platform to connect with broking and industry partners and “celebrate the value of the broking industry”.

“A special shout out to our very own Kerry Smith, who was awarded BDM of the Year (QLD) - Commercial Finance, and to the broader NAB Broker team for being named Credit and Settlements Team of the Year – Commercial Finance,” NAB Broker said.

With the National Broker and Financier Awards done and dusted, the celebrations are set to continue at the Australian Mortgage Awards in October – although tickets are selling fast.

Here is a full list of the winners:

Broker Category

Rising Star - Asset Finance Broker of the Year
Alex Downes - QPF

Rising Star - Commercial Finance Broker of the Year
Shubham Bhaskar - Sheel Capital

Commercial Finance Broker Firm of the Year - Less than 5 Business Writers
Invictus Finance

Asset Finance Broker Firm of the Year - Less than 5 Business Writers
Asa Finance Group

David Gandolfo Award - Broker of the Year (Commercial & Asset Finance Broker)
Jake Girke - Access Capital

Terry Moody Award - Broker Firm of the Year (Commercial & Asset Finance Firm)
Quantum Business Finance

Finance Category

Financier of the Year - Asset Finance
Westpac Group

Financier of the Year - Commercial Finance
Commonwealth Bank

Credit & Settlements Team of the Year - Asset Finance
Flexicommercial

Credit & Settlements Team of the Year - Commercial Finance
National Australia Bank

BDM of the Year - Asset Finance

QLD
Alan Comer - Westpac

NSW
Amanda Mowbray - Metro Finance

VIC
Kartina Thompson - BOQ

SA
Caleb Grigg - Westpac

WA
Jenny Whelan - Westpac

BDM of the Year - Commercial Finance

QLD
Kerry Smith - NAB

NSW
Andrew Barton - ANZ

VIC
David Finau - ANZ

SA
Mark Kerin - CBA

WA
Ryan Windell - Westpac

Additional Awards

Aggregator of the Year - Asset Finance
LMG Asset Finance

Aggregator of the Year - Commercial Finance
LMG Commercial

Women in Finance Excellence Award
Sammi Haines - Coastal Finance