State winners announced
Bankwest concluded its 2025 Broker of the Year Awards to a packed-out Sydney crowd at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Gardens, on Thursday.
The Lending Association swept up at the event, with Harry Tsouskas winning New South Wales Broker of the Year, while senior lending advisor Dean Papas was welcomed into the Bankwest Hall of Fame.
“Harry stood out across all categories this year – business, quality of submissions, and most importantly, customer experience. A fantastic testament to the incredible service he provides to his clients,” Bankwest NSW state manager Lisa Daff said of Tsouskas’ win.
Over the past two months, the bank has toured Australia to dish out 221 awards, 43 trophies and four Hall of Fame awards across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and NSW.
In Queensland, Stones Throw Finance director Oliver Grant snapped up Broker of the Year, while Loan Market Edge’s Phil Rogers (pictured above, second from right) secured a spot in the Hall of Fame.
“A huge congratulations to Oliver Grant on being named Bankwest Broker of the Year 2025 Queensland,” said Bankwest Queensland state manager Kerri Siedofsky. “This well-deserved recognition is a testament to his dedication, expertise, and the incredible service provided to clients. We truly appreciate your business and the great partnership we share.”
Entering Bankwest’s Hall of Fame was “a real highlight” for Rogers, who called it a recognition for the whole team as much as himself personally.
Growing from a one-man band to a team of 17, Rogers said the recognition was a “reminder of just how far we’ve come.” He thanked Bankwest for its dedication to the broker channel and the robust support provided by the bank’s business development managers.
More winners
MoneyQuest’s Shi Hi won Broker of the Year in Victoria, with Bankwest state manager Laura Leckie praising “her incredible dedication to her customers.”
In South Australia, Deven Patel of Synergy Loans (which is part of the Loan Market family) took home Broker of the Year while Mortgage Choice’s Fiona Manley (pictured, below) joined the Hall of Fame.
“A big congratulations to Deven Patel on being named South Australian Bankwest Broker of the Year,” Siedofsky said. “This is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of your hard work, expertise, and commitment to your clients, with a 100% customer satisfaction score.”
Mortgage Choice business owner Gary Liebregts won Broker of the Year in Western Australia, with MoneyQuest’s Brad Durtanovic entering the Hall of Fame.
“In a competitive category this year, what set Gary apart was the high quality of service his customers experienced,” said Adam Biffen, WA state manager for Bankwest. “His customer NPS was +100 and his first touch approval for deals lodged with Bankwest was a high 80%.
“Overall, this exceptional customer experience is why he won our Broker of the Year. Congratulations, Gary, and thank you for your ongoing trust and support.”
A moment of pride
Speaking at the Sydney event, Ian Rakhit (pictured above, far left), Bankwest’s general manager of third party, highlighted the critical role brokers play in Australia’s banking industry.
“Bankwest is proud to partner with so many brokers dedicated to providing outstanding customer service and expertise and we’re committed to that partnership and making Bankwest Australia’s best bank for brokers,” said Rakhit.
“We’re dedicated to strengthening our partnerships with brokers and we’re listening closely to them to develop uncomplicated and genuinely useful experiences for customers and fast, hassle-free experiences.”
Bankwest has heady ambitions “to be Australia’s favourite digital bank”, Rakhit said. “We also have an equally ambitious goal to be Australia's best bank for brokers, which includes a key focus on human-to-human support, through our unique case management model, devoted BDMs and our Australia-based contact centre.”
