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
Jacob Teleiai followed opportunities, made bold decisions and trusted his instincts along his career path. Through it all, he leaned on four core values he calls the four Ds: dedication, determination, discipline and desire. These principles have shaped his approach at Auckland-based brokerage Vega and continue influencing how he supports clients.
In 2025, he earned a place on NZ Adviser’s Top 25 Brokers list. The award focuses on client service rather than volume, which is exactly how Teleiai prefers it. For him, the measure of success is how people feel throughout the process. “This award, ultimately, is for service, and it’s the centre of everything I do,” he says.
He sees communication as the foundation of good advice. When clients reach out, they’re often unsure or overwhelmed. His job is to help them make sense of it all. “You can’t communicate too much,” he adds. “It’s not about saying ‘no’. It’s about saying, ‘Not yet, and here’s what we need to do to get you there’.”
That kind of support has helped him build long-term relationships with a broad mix of clients. He credits his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his willingness to listen as key to building trust. Client satisfaction, he says, comes from easy-to-understand advice and reassurance throughout the process.
That mindset has been helpful in an environment where lending rules and bank time frames change constantly. Teleiai can’t control the market, but he can control expectations. He focuses on clear timelines, regular updates and reducing surprises.
For him, that means offering honest guidance, simplifying the steps and being available when people need him. That consistency, he believes, is what led to the recognition this year.
In the past 12 months, Teleiai has made it a point to communicate more clearly and often. That includes offering upfront coaching and helping clients understand their financial position even before they qualify for a loan. It’s the kind of advice that’s not always urgent but often valuable.
“I try to make it simple and achievable,” he reflects. “It’s about being responsive and explaining things in a way that makes sense. That trust builds over time, and I think that’s what’s really made the difference.”
He’s now looking at ways to expand that reach. Social media and newsletters are on the radar. He wants clients to stay informed about what’s changing and what they can do to stay ahead. For Teleiai, it’s still about providing value in more ways.
152 Fanshawe Street, Auckland 1010
0212 034 126
jacob@vegalend.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/jacob-teleiai
vegalend.co.nz
Jacob Teleiai
Mortgage Adviser
Vega Mortgages
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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
2015–2020
2018–2019
2019–2020
Present
2025
SME Business Adviser at Bank of New Zealand
2015–2020
SME Business Manager at Bank of New Zealand
2018–2019
Senior Associate – Commercial at Bank of New Zealand
2019–2020
Mortgage Adviser at Vega since 2020
Present
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.