A mortgage broker aggregator is an intermediary organisation that sits between individual mortgage brokers and lenders. Joining an aggregator gives a broker access to an accredited lender panel, a compliant software platform, BDM relationships with lenders, professional indemnity insurance arrangements, and ongoing compliance support.
How aggregators work. Brokers operate under the aggregator’s Australian Credit Licence (or their own ACL with the aggregator providing panel access). The aggregator negotiates commission rates with lenders on behalf of the broker group and distributes commissions to individual brokers, minus the aggregator’s fee (typically 10–20% of upfront and trail).
What to evaluate when choosing an aggregator:
Lender panel size. More lenders mean more solutions for clients. Major aggregators typically offer 30–70+ lenders.
Software and technology. The loan processing platform, CRM integration, and client portal capabilities vary significantly between aggregators. Technology quality directly affects a broker’s productivity.
Aggregator fee structure. The percentage split, monthly fee models, and any volume thresholds affecting the split are important for modelling your income.
BDM support. Access to responsive lender BDMs and aggregator-level support for complex or non-standard deals is critical for volume brokers.
Trail book ownership. Confirm that your trail book remains your asset and what the terms are if you leave the aggregator.
Compliance support. Particularly important for new brokers — the quality of compliance tools, audit support, and guidance on NCCP obligations varies between aggregators.
