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
Rachelle Kroon stands as a formidable leader in the Australian mortgage and finance sector, epitomising the essence of women in leadership through her entrepreneurial spirit, client advocacy and dedication to supporting and empowering the next generation of mortgage brokers. Kroon’s passion for the industry is as strong today as when she entered it over two decades ago.
From the inception of Sphere Home Loans in 2013, the business was rapidly positioned among Australia’s Top Mortgage Brokerages and has regularly featured members of its team in the MPA Top 100, AFG Top 5 Mortgage Broker Groups NSW, and Regional Broker of the Year. Sphere’s style is to give guidance and strategy to clients well before they enter the market and stay with them through all stages of their property journey.
With year-on-year growth and standout client advocacy, Kroon’s leadership of her team has been key to Sphere’s success as much as her innate ability to build and nurture relationships.
She actively contributes to the broader community by hosting events aimed at empowering property investors and has more recently become the host of the popular property investment podcast ‘This is Property’.
Describing her purpose in the profession, Kroons says, “Its empowering the next generation with education in finance and property as well an mentoring emerging mortgage brokers to do the same are two great passions of mine. My approach to leadership is with empathy and strength. I feel my superpower is seeing talent in others and helping them realise that talent and potential. I feel extremely lucky to be leading such a passionate and inclusive team.”
205/1 Bryant Drive, Tuggerah, NSW
0487 004 044
rachelle@spherehomeloans.com.au
linkedin.com/in/natalie-irvine-b5734239
spherehomeloans.com.au
Rachelle Kroon
Director/Founder at Sphere Home Loans
Host, ‘This Is Property’
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Bio
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
2004–2007
2007–2012
2012–2013
2013–Present
2024–Present
Business development manager at RAMS Home Loans
2004–2007
Business development manager at Westpac Group
2007–2012
Business development manager at Loan Market Group
2012–2013
2013–Present: Director and founder at Sphere Home Loans
2015: AMA’s Australian Young Gun of the Year
2016: MPA Top 100, ranked 19 (top female ranking in several years) 2025: Sphere Home Loans Customer Service of the year
Mentored 3 other MPA top 100 brokers
2013–Present
2024–Present: Chief sales and marketing officer at RedZed, overseeing RedZed’s sales and marketing functions, with a strong focus on initiatives that equip brokers to effectively support the unique needs of self-employed borrowers
2024: Honoured with the Global Female Private Banker of the Year at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards for the second consecutive year, becoming the first-ever back-to-back global winner in the category
2024–Present
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.
2004–2007
2007–2012
2012–2013
2013–Present
2024–Present
2024–Present: Chief sales and marketing officer at RedZed, overseeing RedZed’s sales and marketing functions, with a strong focus on initiatives that equip brokers to effectively support the unique needs of self-employed borrowers
2024: Honoured with the Global Female Private Banker of the Year at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards for the second consecutive year, becoming the first-ever back-to-back global winner in the category
2024–Present
2013–Present: Director and founder at Sphere Home Loans
2015: AMA’s Australian Young Gun of the Year
2016: MPA Top 100, ranked 19 (top female ranking in several years)
2013–Present
Business development manager at Loan Market Group
2012–2013
Business development manager at Westpac Group
2007–2012
Business development manager at RAMS Home Loans
2004–2007
Milestones
2004–2007
2007–2012
2012–2013
2013–Present
2024–Present
2024–Present: Chief sales and marketing officer at RedZed, overseeing RedZed’s sales and marketing functions, with a strong focus on initiatives that equip brokers to effectively support the unique needs of self-employed borrowers
2024: Honoured with the Global Female Private Banker of the Year at the Global Private Banking Innovation Awards for the second consecutive year, becoming the first-ever back-to-back global winner in the category
2024–Present
2013–Present: Director and founder at Sphere Home Loans
2015: AMA’s Australian Young Gun of the Year
2016: MPA Top 100, ranked 19 (top female ranking in several years)
2013–Present
Business development manager at Loan Market Group
2012–2013
Business development manager at Westpac Group
2007–2012
Business development manager at RAMS Home Loans
2004–2007
Milestones