Who can you turn to?
If you’re looking for a home mortgage or business loan, you’re faced
with a bewildering range of options. On the market today there are
an extraordinary number of products offering seemingly endless combinations
of interest rates, fees and conditions. When you’re faced with such
overwhelming choice, who can you turn to for expert advice? An MFAA member.
Who can you trust?
It’s fair to say that there are a few operators in the mortgage and
finance sector today who are not entirely ethical. When you’re making
a large financial commitment, who should you trust? An MFAA member.
MFAA – Professional and ethical
The Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) is the
peak industry body and now represents more than 12,000 professionals.
Formerly the MIAA (the Mortgage Industry Association of Australia),
the MFAA is actively working to promote and maintain the highest
standards of professional and ethical behaviour. When you choose
an MFAA member, you can be confident you’re working with someone
who has the knowledge and integrity to find the loan that’s appropriate
for your circumstances.
Why you should insist on an MFAA member?
The MFAA helps you borrow with confidence by insisting that all
members comply with and maintain a rigorous set of standards and
requirements. Here’s why you should insist on working with an MFAA member.
Experience
Many people claim to be a loan consultant. But to become a
member of the MFAA, an individual must have at least two years’
relevant industry experience or have met a minimum
standard of education.
Education
MFAA members must satisfy strict educational requirements, and
undertake ongoing professional training to keep up with the latest
industry developments. That’s why an MFAA member has the
knowledge to help guide you to the loan that is appropriate for
your particular situation.
Accreditation
You can find further proof of the expertise of your loan consultant
through the MFAA’s accreditation ratings. A mortgage loan writer
is called an Accredited Mortgage Consultant (AMC). With greater
experience and training, members can apply for accreditation as
a Certified Mortgage Consultant (CMC).
Integrity
Most importantly, MFAA members must adhere to an industry
Code of Practice that demands high professional standards, fair
business practices, ethical behaviour and compliance with both
the letter and spirit of relevant laws and regulations. MFAA’s
disciplinary rules and procedures help rid the industry of rogues
and make life safer for borrowers like you.
Dispute resolution
If you deal with a non-MFAA member, dispute resolution can be
difficult. However, every MFAA Member is required to be a member
of an External Dispute Resolution service (EDR). This means that
you can refer any disagreements to the EDR who can resolve the
issue at no cost to you.
Borrow with confidence
Buying a home or expanding your business can be a great move personally
and financially – but only if you choose the loan that’s appropriate
for you. To help you make the biggest financial decisions of your
life, you need guidance and someone you can trust – and that means
working with an MFAA member. Look for the MFAA logo, and borrow with
confidence.
Are they an MFAA member?
To see whether your loan facilitator is an MFAA member, you could ask to
see their current certification. But, you can also check their credentials
online at www.mfaa.com.au
MFAA member criteria
- Industry experience
- Education standards
- Ongoing education
- Professional development
- Probity checks
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Dispute resolution service
MFAA members include:
- Mortgage and finance brokers
- Mortgage originators
- Mortgage managers/Non bank lenders
- Banks
- Credit Unions
- Building Societies
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