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
April Hastilow is a Christchurch-based mortgage adviser and the founder of Factor Financial. With over 10 years in the industry, she’s built a reputation for making complex lending feel simple and achievable. April has featured on multiple Top Adviser lists and was most recently named KAN Metro Adviser of the Year 2025.
She works with a diverse range of clients—first-home buyers breaking into the market, self-employed borrowers, returning and offshore Kiwis, and experienced investors growing their portfolios.
What truly sets April apart is her ability to combine straightforward advice with genuine care. She’s helped hundreds of clients structure lending that works today while setting them up for long-term success. As a property investor herself, April brings a practical perspective to every scenario and acts as a trusted connector between the professionals involved to ensure the best possible outcomes. She also works closely with banks to drive meaningful policy changes and improve lending processes wherever she can.
April built Factor Financial on the values of clarity, honesty, and a focus on outcomes. While she’s proud of her industry recognition, what matters most to her is helping everyday people feel confident, informed, and in control of their financial future.
49 Holmwood Road
022 322 7745
april@factorfinancial.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/aprilhaywoodmarx
factorfinancial.co.nz
April Hastilow
Director and Financial Adviser
Factor Financial Services
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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
2015–2017
2017–2018
2018–2025
Present
Present
Mobile Mortgage Manager at ANZ
2015–2017
Mortgage Advisor at Become Wealth
2017–2018
2018–2021: Senior Mortgage Advisor at Become Wealth
2020: Young Gun; Top Adviser
2021–2022: Head of Lending at Become Wealth; Top Adviser
2022–2025: Mortgage Adviser at Opes Mortgages
2018–2025
Director and Financial Adviser at Factor Financial Services
Present
Financial Adviser at Vega since 2020
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.