How brokers are pushing the industry forward in 2026
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From AI-powered workflows and automated client communications to financial education platforms and proactive portfolio reviews, finalists are finding new ways to make lending more accessible, transparent, and client-focused.
Ahead of the awards, Broker Daily caught up with several finalists to discuss the innovations driving their businesses and the impact those initiatives are having on borrowers.
Renae Long, director of FAM Brokers (First Home Buyer Specialist finalist)
Renae Long has broadened the traditional broker–client relationship by combining lending advice with financial education and wellness initiatives. Through technology, workshops, and personalised support, she aims to make finance more accessible and easier to understand.
“I am most proud of transforming FAM Brokers from a traditional finance business into a client-focused financial wellness and education platform,” Long said.
“By integrating AI, financial education, podcasts, workshops, and personalised client support, we have created a more engaging and accessible experience that empowers clients to make informed financial decisions with every client having a structured review of their current finance situation.
“These innovations have streamlined our processes, improved communication, and reduced administrative workloads, allowing our team to focus on delivering personalised advice and support.”
Long added that the changes were driven by her own experiences, seeing people stressed or confused with the process.
“I recognised an opportunity to create a more holistic approach that combines finance, education, technology, and wellbeing. Every innovation has been designed to make finance easier to understand, more accessible, and less overwhelming for clients,” Long said.
