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
Joanna Zhou is a nationally recognized commercial mortgage broker specializing in CMHC-insured construction and term financing. With a background in finance and over a decade of international experience, she brings analytical strength and real-world insight to every transaction.
Since launching her mortgage career in 2018, Zhou has helped more than 100 clients transition from residential to commercial real estate. In 2024 alone, she closed $125 million in volume – 90% of which came from commercial deals – by providing hands-on guidance through the full lending process.
Known for her client-first approach, Zhou goes beyond financing by offering education, advocacy, and long-term support. She’s currently leading complex refinancing for multi-hundred-unit portfolios and helping developers pivot into purpose-built rentals.
As a proud member of TMG The Mortgage Group, Zhou continues to grow her team and serve as a trusted advisor to investors across Canada.
121 Harbord St., 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5S 1G9
647 705 4715
Joanna@you-mortgage.ca
linkedin.com/in/joannayajunzhou
you-mortgage.ca
Joanna Zhou
Mortgage Broker
TMG The Mortgage Group
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Bio
Milestones
Profile
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Special Report
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Bio
Milestones
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Special Report
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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
2018
2020
2021–2022
2023–2024
Present
Became a licensed mortgage broker in Canada
2018
Transitioned into commercial lending, focusing on CMHC-insured financing
2020
Built strong lender relationships and began to learn commercial underwriting
2021–
2022
2023: Closed multiple mid-sized commercial deals across Canada, expanding to national reach
2024: Reached $125 million in annual loan volume, 90% of which was commercial
2023–
2024
Winner, Broker of the Year – Commercial at the Canadian Mortgage Awards
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
• Gold award for Magazine or Newspaper Advertisement
• Silver award for Promotional Email
• Silver award for Most Out-of-the-Box Idea
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.
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