Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Kerry Sainsbury has always wanted to help people who feel stuck or ignored, especially during times of financial stress. That focus has guided every step she has taken.
As CEO of Credit Success and one of MPA’s Elite Women for 2025, she puts people at the centre of everything she does. For Sainsbury, every client is a person she can support through a tough time.
She says her career has been shaped by both purpose and chance. She entered the credit repair industry by accident. Once she saw the difference it made in people’s lives, she knew she had found the right path.
“I realised I had found my calling. After that, I decided to grow Credit Success into a trusted brand known for honesty, compassion and real results,” she says.
That trust has been hard-won, and Sainsbury is proud of what Credit Success has achieved.
“Building Credit Success from the ground up and helping thousands of Australians get back on track financially has been my greatest achievement,” she says.
Sainsbury finds real reward in seeing clients go from declined to confident, knowing her team helped make it happen. But the work is not without its challenges. She says stigma and misinformation still follow credit repair, preventing people from reaching out and causing some brokers to hesitate in referring clients.
She meets that head-on by being upfront and honest. She ensures that brokers and clients know what to expect, keeps them informed, and focuses on building trust at every step.
“In the end, I remind myself why we do what we do,” she reflects. “It’s easier to ignore everything else as long as we’re helping people improve their lives.”
Known for a leadership style that’s direct and caring, she never sugarcoats anything. She describes herself as determined and honest, and believes people deserve the truth, even when it is hard to hear.
What sets Sainsbury apart is the way she combines honesty with empathy. She always keeps in mind that behind every file is a person dealing with stress and uncertainty.
“I will always fight hard for the best outcome, but I will do it with compassion, heart, and a lot of grit,” she says. “For me, this is more than just a job. Every day, I see the difference we make in people’s lives, and it motivates me to keep showing up, doing my best, and finding solutions, no matter how tough the situation.”
She takes the responsibility of being named an MPA Elite Woman seriously and views it as an opportunity to help others believe in themselves. Sainsbury remembers what it was like to start out without a roadmap. Now, she hopes to help other women feel capable and recognised.
“If I can encourage even one woman to have a bit more faith in herself, I know I’m doing something right,” she says.
Sainsbury wants people to feel comfortable talking about money. She works to give them the tools to handle their finances with confidence. Through her podcast, Credit Success, and her eBook, she shares what she has learned.
For her, the goal is to make credit and money less confusing. She hopes people remember her as someone who spoke up and helped wherever she could.
41 Glenwood Place, Hemmant, QLD 4174
+61 1800 956 694
kerry@creditsuccess.com.au
linkedin.com/in/kerry-sainsbury-63163b78
creditsuccess.com.au
Kerry Sainsbury
Director and Founder Credit Success
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Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2001
2023
2024–Present
2019
2023
Started her career in finance over 20 years ago, working with major lenders and financial institutions. Over time, she worked her way up to become a senior business development manager, gaining deep experience in credit, lending, and building strong client relationships. But more than anything, she developed a passion for helping people take control of their financial futures.
2001
Founded Credit Success, a business built on compassion, strategy, and the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. As director, she leads a team that supports everyday Australians through personalised credit repair and financial guidance.
Recognised as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in Finance Awards
2023
2024: Received a Gold Stevie® Award at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, her first international recognition
2024: Named a finalist for the Women in Finance Awards – Director of the Year
2024: Finalist in the Gender Equity Awards – Recalibrate, celebrating her work in driving inclusion and fairness in finance
2025: Host of the “Wealthy and Wise with Kerry Sainsbury” podcast, where she speaks with inspiring guests about money, mindset, and real-life success stories. She loves connecting with the finance community through events like workshop series and her monthly webinars to educate and support finance professionals for their clients – creating space for connection, learning and growth.
2024–Present
SFG Group Excellence Award
2019
ABA’s Independent Office of the Year award
2023
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.