Last updated: October 2026 · Reviewed by John Pierre Saliba, Director and Mortgage Broker, MFAA Accredited
How to Judge a Sydney Mortgage Broker
Choosing a mortgage broker in Sydney comes down to six verifiable checks: MFAA or FBAA accreditation, an Australian Credit Licence (or authorisation under one) you can look up on ASIC's register, the size and quality of the lender panel, a transparent fee and commission model, a verified review track record, and how the broker meets their Best Interests Duty obligations.
Hundreds of mortgage brokers operate in Sydney. Choosing the right one matters, the difference in loan outcome can be tens of thousands of dollars. This guide walks through each criterion in order, with the exact questions to ask, written by John Pierre Saliba of Lend & Loan (MFAA accredited, ACL 511092).
What separates a great broker from a good one isn't the sales pitch, it's depth of lender knowledge, genuine policy expertise and the ability to find solutions for complex situations. Anyone can lodge a clean PAYG application. The real skill shows when the situation is unusual. That's where experience matters most.
1. Lender Panel Size and Quality
A broker with 50+ lenders can find the right fit for almost any situation. A broker with 10–15 lenders is limited and may not deliver the best rate or policy match. Our panel of 50+ includes all major banks, second-tier lenders, non-banks, SMSF lenders and specialist alt-doc providers.
2. MFAA or FBAA Accreditation
Membership in the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) signals professional standards, ongoing education and compliance with the industry code. Our ACL (511092) is held under MFAA accreditation.
3. Verified Reviews and Track Record
Check Google Reviews, volume and recency both matter. A broker with 80+ five-star reviews across multiple years has a verifiable track record. We have 80+ five-star Google reviews and are happy to provide references from clients in similar situations to yours.
4. Specialisation in Complex Situations
Self-employed, SMSF, construction finance, bad credit, divorce, high-LVR, these require specialist knowledge. Ask directly: "Have you placed loans for people in exactly my situation?" We handle all of these regularly.
5. Direct Access, Not a Call Centre
A mortgage application involves time-sensitive decisions, particularly at auction. Your broker must be reachable. We provide direct access to John throughout the process, not a junior administrator or call centre.
6. Transparent Commission Disclosure
Under the Best Interests Duty, brokers must disclose commission and cannot let it drive recommendations. We explain commission structure upfront and can demonstrate why every recommendation is in your best interest.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Broker
- How many lenders are on your panel?
- Have you placed loans for people in exactly my situation?
- How long have you been broking?
- What is your MFAA membership number?
- Who will I deal with throughout, you or a team?
- What are your commission rates and how are you paid?
- Do you review my loan annually after settlement?
About Lend & Loan
John Pierre Saliba, 10+ years broking from Barangaroo, Sydney. 80 verified five-star Google reviews. MFAA accredited, ACL 511092. Bachelor of Business & Commerce, Diploma in Mortgage Broking, Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. Panel of 50+ lenders covering residential, investment, construction, SMSF, self-employed and specialist lending. Free service, paid by the lender at settlement.
