Awards
AMBACelebrates is an awards program recognizing the individuals that are driving progress and setting new standards in Alberta’s mortgage industry.
50+ Years in the Mortgage Community
For more than 50 years, AMBA has championed professionalism and growth within Alberta’s mortgage community. The 2026 AMBACelebrates Awards continue this proud tradition, shining a spotlight on the achievements that inspire others and elevate our collective success.
Join us June 8 for an unforgettable evening as the mortgage industry comes together to celebrate excellence at the 2026 AMBACelebrates Awards Gala in Kananaskis – tickets on sale now!
The AMBACelebrates Awards Gala is more than an awards ceremony. It is a chance to connect with fellow professionals, honour the accomplishments of our community, and celebrate the people who continue to shape and advance the mortgage industry.
purchase your award gala ticketsAwards Categories
From mentorship and community engagement to lifetime achievements and rising talent, the 2026 AMBACelebrates Awards spotlight the diverse ways professionals are shaping Alberta’s mortgage industry.
Mentorship
Mentorship supports the advancement of the mortgage industry by ensuring the next generation of mortgage professionals carries on the high standard of professionalism.
Mentorship requires an ongoing commitment to building and enriching professional relationships based on open communication, transparency, and the willingness to act as an advisor, sharing wisdom and expertise.
Broker-Owner Mentorship Award
Awarded to the Broker-Owner who consistently demonstrates exemplary, sustained commitment to mentoring and inspires leadership in brokers within their brokerage.
Peer Mentorship Award
Awarded to a practicing Mortgage Broker who consistently demonstrates exemplary, sustained commitment to mentoring and inspires leadership in other brokers without expectation of compensation.
Industry Partner Mentorship Award
Awarded to the Industry Partner who consistently demonstrates exemplary, sustained commitment to mentoring and inspires leadership to mortgage industry Members without expectation of compensation.
Professionalism
Professionalism in the mortgage industry enhances the reputation of Mortgage Brokers and sustains the mortgage profession.
It requires an individual to operate with integrity, respect and accountability as they pursue excellence in their career.
Professional Development Award
Awarded to the Broker-Owner who consistently demonstrates exemplary, sustained commitment to mentoring and inspires leadership in brokers within their brokerage.
Association Supporter Award
Awarded to the AMBA Member who consistently demonstrates a commitment to the betterment of their professional association (AMBA) through volunteering, long-term Membership and engagement.
Support Staff Award
Awarded to Support Staff of an AMBA Member organization who consistently demonstrate excellence in providing organizational or administrative support to a Brokerage or Company.
Community Impact
Mortgage professionals care deeply about the communities in which they live and work, and they understand the difference that community service makes.
To make a positive impact, individuals go above and beyond their role to improve the community through volunteering and charitable work.
Community Impact Award
Awarded to the AMBA Member who demonstrates ongoing excellence in community impact activities.
New Professionals
New professionals are the future of our industry.
In an industry with a low barrier to entry but a high barrier to success, these individuals must embrace perseverance, creativity, knowledge, and approach challenges with unique and innovative solutions.
New Mortgage Broker Award
Awarded to a new Mortgage Broker and AMBA Member who consistently pursues excellence in their business in a professional and ethical manner.
Rising Stars
These awards recognize students who demonstrate exceptional potential, work ethic, and motivation. They are inspiring role models for current and future students because of their high standards of integrity and professionalism.
AMBA celebrates students who show dedication to shaping the future of the mortgage industry.
Recipients of each Rising Star Award will receive a full scholarship (retroactive) for the Mortgage Associates Program (MAP).
Academic Excellence Award
Awarded to a mortgage associates’ program (MAP) student who achieves the highest combined average grade on their pre-licensing exams (Fundamentals of Mortgage Brokerage and Practice of Mortgage Brokerage).
Industry Initiative Award
Awarded to a Mortgage Associates’ Program (MAP) student who achieves a minimum of 80% combined average grade on their pre-licensing exams (Fundamentals of Mortgage Brokerage and Practice of Mortgage Brokerage) and has demonstrated professional behaviour and leadership throughout their time in the program.
Industry Choice
There’s no greater honour than being recognized by your peers! These awards celebrate a Mortgage Broker and an Industry Partner who consistently foster meaningful connections and elevate collaboration within the industry.
Chosen by fellow members, the recipients of this award are known for their integrity, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening the mortgage community.
Mortgage Broker of the Year
Awarded to the Mortgage Broker who is selected by their peers to be a living example of AMBA’s values.
Industry Partner of the Year
Awarded to the Industry Partner who is selected by their peers to be a living example of AMBA’s values.
Lifetime Achievement
These lifetime achievement awards are AMBA’s most coveted. They shine a spotlight on the career contributions of mortgage professionals who have demonstrated a long-term commitment to improving the mortgage industry.
They are awarded only to Members who have shown outstanding dedication and professionalism throughout their careers.
Due to their prestige, Lifetime Achievement Awards are only considered when there’s a nominee who meets the criteria.
Ryan Spence Volunteer Service Award
Awarded to a dedicated AMBA Member who has shown outstanding commitment to our industry through their time, energy, and volunteer contributions.
Ryan Spence is a respected leader in Alberta’s mortgage industry, known for his transformative contributions and unwavering commitment to professional development. As Filogix’s broker channel lead and a long-time AMBA volunteer, including service as Board Chair and Governance Chair, Ryan has shaped the association’s growth and mentored countless professionals. His dedication to education, active involvement in industry events, and passion for supporting new brokers underscore his lasting impact. Recognized with multiple national awards, including the inaugural Ryan Spence Volunteer Service Award, Ryan exemplifies the values and excellence that define our industry.
Bill Patton Lifetime Achievement Award
Awarded to a dedicated AMBA Member who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the betterment of the mortgage industry.
Bill Patton was a dedicated leader in Alberta’s mortgage industry, serving eight years on AMBA’s Board of Directors and earning the association’s first Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. Inducted into the CAAMP Hall of Fame and honored with the Rotary Club Integrity Award, Bill also taught the Mortgage Associates Program at Mount Royal College for 12 years. Beyond his professional contributions, he gave back to his community through decades of coaching hockey and founding the Eagles Learn to Skate program, which inspired a scholarship in his name. A true professional with a passion for people, Bill’s legacy continues to influence both the mortgage industry and his community.
Nominations
The AMBACelebrates Awards are an excellent opportunity to honour and celebrate Members of our association who embody AMBA’s values and demonstrate excellence in the industry.
Nominations for the 2026 AMBACelebrates Awards are now closed. Join us on June 8 at the Awards Gala as we reveal this year’s outstanding recipients—secure your tickets today!
Check back soon to explore this year’s nominees and cast your vote for the 2026 Mortgage Broker of the Year and Industry Partner of the Year!
purchase your Awards Gala ticketsJudging Process
Integrity and fairness are at the heart of the AMBACelebrates Awards. Our adjudication process is designed to ensure objectivity from start to finish:
Blind Review
All identifying details, such as names, company names, and other personal information, are removed from submissions before evaluation.
Conflict of Interest Policy
Judges cannot score or provide input in any category in which a nominee from their own brokerage is involved.
Merit-Based Assessment
Every nomination is evaluated solely on its merits, recognizing true leadership and impact within Alberta’s mortgage industry.
These safeguards ensure that each award reflects excellence and professionalism, honouring those who make a meaningful difference in our community.
Event Details
Tickets are now on sale!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration and connection at the AMBA Celebrates Awards Gala, taking place on June 8, 2026, set against the stunning backdrop of Kananaskis, Alberta.
This elegant evening honours the individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Alberta’s mortgage community. Through a series of prestigious awards, AMBA recognizes professionals who demonstrate leadership, professionalism, mentorship, community impact, and a lasting commitment to advancing the industry.
get your tickets today!