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
Matt Gardner is a dynamic and client-focused mortgage adviser and the co-founder and director of The Finance Team, one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading mortgage advisory firms. Known for his entrepreneurial mindset and deep community roots, he has helped transform the mortgage experience for hundreds of Kiwis with a fresh, personalised approach.
Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Psychology, Gardner blends strategic thinking with genuine empathy, ensuring clients feel supported, informed and empowered throughout their financial journey. He began his career at ASB Bank, where he quickly saw an opportunity to improve the home loan experience. Motivated to do things differently, he left traditional banking to launch his own firm – focused on transparency, education and tailored advice.
A former Hawke’s Bay Magpies rugby player, Gardner’s athletic career ended in 2015 due to injury. But the same resilience and drive that got him onto the field now powers his business success.
Under his leadership, The Finance Team has grown rapidly, earning the Napier City Business Award for Business Services in 2023. Whether you’re buying your first home, investing or refinancing, Gardner is dedicated to helping clients make confident, informed financial decisions – every step of the way.
74 Tennyson Street, Napier
027 3000 151
matt@thefinanceteam.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/matt-gardner-90727b1a7
theteam.co.nz
Matt Gardner
Mortgage Adviser and Director
The Finance Team
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Bio
Milestones
Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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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
2023
2018–2019
2019–2020
Present
2025
Napier City Business Award for Business Service
2023
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
Milestone
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.