Reflecting on 2025, A Year of Growth and What’s Ahead for 2026

A Year of Growth and Commitment at Lending Association

As 2025 draws to a close, the team at Lending Association take pride in reflecting on a year marked by significant milestones and unwavering dedication to our clients. Our mission to provide tailored financial solutions has been at the forefront of our efforts and this year has been no exception.

A Year of Growth, Milestones and Meaningful Impact

As 2025 draws to a close, Lending Association reflects on one of its most significant years to date, a year defined by growth, innovation, community, and unwavering commitment to clients across Australia.

With 8578 clients supported, national recognition through major industry awards and the seamless integration of SMS Finance into the LA family, this year has reinforced Lending Association’s position as one of Australia’s most trusted and forward-thinking finance groups.

At the same time, shifting economic conditions, stabilising rates and evolving lending policies have reshaped the financial landscape, creating both opportunities and challenges as we look ahead to 2026.

Helping 8,578 Clients Achieve Their Financial Goals

From first-time buyers to commercial developers, business owners, farmers, medicos and growing families, Lending Association has guided thousands through the complexities of borrowing in a changing market.

Clients leaned on LA for:

Jada and David finally moved out of a rental property and into their first home with a backyard for the kids!
Richard, who is a plumber purchased a new office site for their growing team with our Commercial lending team
Mitch and Chrissy refinanced a landbank property through LA AgFin and our rural lending team
We helped a medical practice upgrade their premises through our LA Doctors Only team
We helped a restaurant group that is expanding in QLD with their asset finance and business lending; upgrading their commercial kitchen and expand their dining area.
Many home, business and landlord insurance reviews were done through LA Insurance

The result? More Australians reached key financial milestones with confidence, clarity and tailored support.

"As we head into 2026, our commitment is simple: to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose and continue delivering outcomes that change lives.”

Bill Constantinidis

CEO and Founder, Lending Association

A Landmark Moment: The SMS Finance Merge

One of the most transformative milestones of the year was the official signage change and final integration of SMS Finance into Lending Association.

This merge brought:

A unified and strengthened national team
Expanded lending, operational and client support capabilities
A richer pool of expertise across residential, commercial, and agribusiness finance
A more streamlined experience for both long-term SMS clients and new LA clients

#BetterTogether
Stronger expertise, stronger service, stronger outcomes.

Celebrating Industry Excellence: Our 2025 Award Wins

This year, Lending Association proudly received recognition from Australia’s leading mortgage aggregator networks, celebrating both performance and client care.

🏆 LMG’s Residential Brokerage of the Year Award
🏆 Bankwest Awards for Office of the year (5+ loan writers), Broker of the Year: Harry Tsouskas and Dean Papas for entering the Hall of fame!
🏆 AFG Queensland & Northern NSW Broker Group of the Year
🏆 AFG Queensland named National Finalist in this year’s AFG Broker Awards

These awards reflect more than numbers, they highlight the expertise, dedication and people-first approach that shape every LA client relationship.

Community at the Heart: Giving Back Where It Matters Most

Beyond lending, the LA team proudly supported community events and charitable initiatives, including:

Supporting Cancer Council for all of our staff fundraisers for the year and contributing over $5000 through events like Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
Blood Donations from our staff across all states with Australian Red Cross Life Blood
Partnering with The Male Hug to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing
Supporting community events for Prostate and Ovarian Cancer
Continued Support for NPL Victoria Soccer Club and Port Melbourne with their 400+ Junior soccer players

Community is part of our DNA and these partnerships reflect our belief in meaningful, local impact.

“This year reminded us that our greatest strength is the relationships we build. Every client conversation, every challenge solved and every success shared has shaped who we are today. As we head into 2026, we are more focused than ever on delivering clarity, confidence and genuine support for every person we serve.”

Jo, Steve, Angelo, Charley, Peter and Tim

Lending Association Executive Team

Market Insights: What Borrowers Should Know Heading Into 2026

As we approach 2026, Australians are entering a financial landscape marked by:

1. Stabilising Interest Rates

While volatility defined the past two years, analysts expect a more balanced environment ahead. This provides opportunities for refinancing, restructuring, or accelerating investment plans.

2. Increased Lending Demand

With the chance of a rate reduction largely being taken off the the table and the economy continuing to grow. We are observing an increase in demand from both residential and commercial borrowers in the marketplace.

3. Rising Demand in Regional and Lifestyle Locations

Hybrid work patterns and affordability pressures continue to fuel strong interest in regional markets — a trend likely to continue into 2026.

4. Business Growth & Asset Finance Momentum

As the economy continues to grow small business owners are also seeing the growth – therefore the need for more equipment, machinery and other business assets is growing.

In this environment, expert guidance matters more than ever. Lending Association’s multi-discipline model ensures clients receive strategic, personalised advice to navigate these shifts successfully.

Looking Ahead: A Strong Path Into 2026

As we step into a new year, one thing remains constant: Lending Association’s commitment to helping Australians grow, plan and achieve with confidence.

In 2026, we look forward to:

Expanding our national reach

Enhancing digital client experience

Continuing to innovate our lending and insurance offerings

Strengthening our community partnerships

Delivering industry-leading client support across every LA division

With a strong team, a strong brand family, and the trust of thousands of clients, the year ahead is set to be one of our most exciting yet.

Partner With Us in 2026

Whether you are planning a new purchase, reviewing your lending strategy, restructuring for growth, or protecting the things that matter most. The team at Lending Association is here to help.

Your goals drive what we do. Your success is our success.

Holiday office closures:
December 25 & 26, 2025
January 1, 2026

Please note: Although our office is closed on these dates, our phones are still answered by our team, we are here for you whenever you need us.

Or book a time that suits you HERE