Our Thoughts from the Broker Innovation Summit
Last week, our co-founder Mel Pearce was invited to speak on a panel at the 2026 Broker Innovation Summit.
There were plenty of conversations about AI, technology and where the mortgage broking industry is heading, and we loved hearing so many different perspectives on what the future could look like.
But, here at The Money Collective, innovation isn’t about technology – it’s about people.
Uplifting financial wellbeing
As Mel said, we’ve never believed innovation is just about adopting the latest tech programs or offering more loans to more people.
For us, innovation is about asking: how can we help people build better financial wellbeing?
Mortgage broking is part of what we do, but it's not the main focus. Instead, we’re passionate about uplifting financial wellbeing by helping people understand their money, improve their capability and make confident financial decisions.
We do this through running our Financial Resilience Program in workplaces, providing people with live educational workshops, one-on-one coaching, and a self-paced online course to spark reflection and action, and help them build their own system for success.
Innovation that aligns with our values
When running a business, it can be tempting to follow trends or build your model around what looks successful or glamorous from the outside.
But for us, the main drive is offering a service not only that people need, but that also aligns with our own personal values.
We have always believed that our industry has a responsibility to do more for its customers. For us, that means putting people first, truly listening and understanding our clients, and having the conversations that really matter.
Doing it differently
Building a different kind of business hasn't been easy – there have been challenges, plenty of trial and error, and moments where things would've been much easier if we'd just followed the status quo.
But we wouldn't change any of it.
According to Mel, one of the best decisions she ever made was going into business with Darlene. She says having the right people around you – people who share your values, lift you up when things get tough and keep you focused on the bigger picture – makes all the difference.
Be the change
One of Mel's final reflections during the panel was that we all have the opportunity to shape our industry for the better.
If there's something you'd like to see done differently, don't wait for someone else to make it happen – instead, be the change you wish to see in the world.
That's the mindset that led to the creation of The Money Collective, and it's one we'll keep bringing to our clients, our workplace programs, and our industry.
P.S. Want to know more? We were honoured to be named Innovator of the Year: Brokerage at this year’s Broker Innovation Awards – read all about our win here.
Blog article by:
MEL PEARCE
Financial Wellbeing Consultant and Co-Founder
The Money Collective