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
Saneel Kumar recognised that there were strong opportunities to make meaningful impact by delivering structured financial advice that empowers New Zealanders to improve their financial wellbeing.
During his years in banking, he noticed that many clients had the motivation to build a better financial future but not the right and suitable advice to get there. The financial literacy gap and the confusion around borrowing left too many financially constrained.
“This journey has highlighted the opportunity to enhance financial literacy, offer support in property ownership, restructure debt efficiently and ensure people have the right protections in place,” Kumar explains. “By bridging this gap, my goal is to help New Zealanders with practical solutions, so they can make confident and informed decisions about their financial future."
That decision to become a mortgage adviser has led to meaningful results, including a place on NZ Adviser’s Top 25 Brokers for 2025 list, an accolade based on outstanding client service. “Our clients have spoken on the level of satisfaction,” he says. “This recognition supports the solutions we’ve delivered.”
Kumar now leads Auckland-based SK Financial Group. His clients include individuals, families and small to medium businesses who need guidance on buying property, managing debt or making long-term financial decisions. Every relationship starts with a complimentary coaching session. The goal is to demystify the loan process and help people feel prepared.
Communication plays a central role in his approach. Clients hear from him regularly at key points in the journey by phone, text or email, and the firm’s system ensures regular follow-up is built into the process. He leverages from structured processes to ensure consistency and uses his experience and knowledge to provide a tailored and personal approach. “We are known for our attention to detail and delivering error-free outcomes because we take our time to explain, understand and relay information in simple terms,” he says.
That strategy continues to bring results. Clients working with SK Financial Group have purchased first homes with low deposits, refinances, expanded property portfolios and financed business growth. According to Kumar, the support doesn’t end at approval, the commitment continues with ongoing support service and guidance to ensure clients are on track to their broader and long-term financial goals. “We measure our success on based on client confidence and feedback, alongside receiving client reviews,” he notes. One of Kumar’s key responsibilities is staying ahead of regulatory changes and turning them into suitable advice for clients. He remains well-informed and ensures updates are communicated in a way that is easy for clients to understand and apply.
This approach helps to maintain strong client relationships. A structured communication system also helps keep clients engaged and builds long-term trust. “No matter how complex the situation is, we are open to discussion and will find the best solution,” he says.
Kumar plans to build more financial literacy in the community, especially for first home buyers. That includes webinars, podcasts and in-house property workshops with input from other industry professionals, such as conveyancers and business advisers.
The goal is to make it easier for New Zealanders to ask questions and feel confident. He is also focused on strengthening long-term relationships and improving the firm’s systems to grow its market presence.
3024a Great North Road, New Lynn, Auckland 0600
021 074 9825
saneel@skfg.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/saneel-kumar-6185b133/
skfg.co.nz
Saneel Kumar
Director/Founder/Financial Adviser
SK Financial Group
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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
2017
2018
2020
2022
Present
Senior Personal Banker at ANZ
2017
Business Banking Manager at ANZ
2018
Business Lending Specialist – Adviser at ANZ
2020
Commercial Account Manager at ASB Bank
2022
Director/Founder/Financial Adviser at SK Financial Group since 2023
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.