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.

“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.”

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.

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

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

NSW

Amanda Mowbray – Metro Finance

VIC

Kartina Thompson – BOQ

WA

Jenny Whelan – Westpac

BDM of the Year – Commercial Finance

WA

Ryan Windell – Westpac

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