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
Jack Hou didn’t set out to become a mortgage adviser. His early career followed a structured path in corporate banking, advancing through ANZ’s international division and leadership development programs. But life had other plans.
“As the saying goes, ‘Plans are nothing; planning is everything.’ Life moves fast, and change is the only constant,” he reflects. “It was the unexpected turns – especially the leap from banker to entrepreneur – that made my journey truly meaningful.”
Founding Wealth One Financial Services in Auckland marked a turning point. It allowed Hou to bring something more personal to the table – advice that’s equal parts strategic and empathetic. Applying what he calls a “finance engineer” lens, he now helps clients tackle complex goals across mortgages, development funding, business finance and structured lending.
His approach is deliberate: resilient, client-centric and focused on outcomes that last. It’s a model that’s gained traction. Hou has been ranked among NZ Adviser’s Top 25 Brokers for two consecutive years, but for him, success isn’t about rankings – it’s about impact.
“When a client tells me they finally feel confident about their future – whether they’ve bought their first home, completed a development or expanded their business – that’s when I know I’ve added real value.”
His reputation is built on trust, perseverance and consistency. Many clients face challenging circumstances – cross-border income, non-standard entities or unique project structures. Hou doesn’t shy away from complexity. Instead, he thrives on it.
“I never give up on a client’s financial goal,” he says. “I explore every avenue, collaborate with lenders and find a solution that truly fits.”
It’s an approach powered by long-term thinking. Hou encourages each client to refer just one trusted friend or family member. That steady, organic growth has helped build a loyal client base. For him, retention comes from the small things: checking in before refixes, offering timely market context and always being available for a quick question – without waiting for a ‘big transaction’ to justify the effort.
Despite tighter lending rules and rising rates over the past year, Hou has guided clients steadily through uncertainty, helping them emerge stronger. And he’s already planning ahead.
His next goal is building a fully integrated “one-stop advisory” platform, offering holistic solutions across mortgages, insurance and investments, including KiwiSaver. It's part of his broader mission to empower first-generation wealth creators – migrants, entrepreneurs and new Kiwis – who often start unsure of what’s possible but leave with clarity and confidence.
Hou balances his professional drive with strong family values. With two young children and elderly parents, he’s grounded by purpose and guided by principles. Quoting Confucius, he shares: “Repaying the kindness of our parents and nurturing the next generation is the true essence of life.”
And in business, he leads with the same conviction.
“As Steve Jobs said, ‘The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.’ That mindset shapes every client meeting, every recommendation, every decision I make.”
Level 3, 256 Lambton Quay, Wellington 6011
0221 918 688
jack@wealthonefinancials.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/jack-h-93a7a6
wealthonefinancials.co.nz
Jack Hou
Founder and Principal Adviser
Wealth One Financial Services
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Bio
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Bio
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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
2004–2010
2010–2013
2013–2019
2019–2025
2025
Westpac Private Banking Manager;
Subway Global Franchise Multi-Store Owner;
National Bank Business Manager;
Dorchester Finance Investment Adviser
2004–2010
Regional Manager of International Business and Retail Banking;
Acting Regional Manager for Wellington North
2011: ANZ Group CEO Recognition Winner 2012: ANZ All Rounder & Overall Sales Awards 2013: ANZ High Achiever Leadership Award
2010–2013
Head of ANZ International Banking;
Board Member of ANZ Staff Foundation
2013–2019
Strategic Partner and Financial Adviser of EverBright Finance;
CEO Club Member of EMA CBC
2022: LFG Sapphire Quality Performance Award 2023: LFG Topaz Quality Performance Award 2024: LFG Sapphire Quality Performance Award
2019–2025
Founder and Principal Adviser of Wealth One Financial Services;
Associate Member of the Retirement Villages Association
2025
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.