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
Originally from India and now a proud New Zealand citizen, Sandeep Khanna has called Aotearoa home for over two decades. Like many immigrants, his journey began at the very bottom – mopping floors, working midnight shifts and taking on more “character-building” jobs than he can count – all in the spirit of embracing the Kiwi way of life.
A few years and many humble hustles later, Khanna joined BNZ, where he spent over three years helping clients navigate home loans, financial complexities and banking jargon. During his time there, he earned BNZ’s prestigious Chevron Award, recognising him as one of the bank’s top performers nationwide, a remarkable feat for someone who once stacked supermarket shelves and served flat whites.
In 2019, Khanna founded Sandeep Khanna Mortgages Ltd in Christchurch. Since then, he has successfully settled close to $600 million in home and business loans – from first homes to investment properties, dream cafés to trucks and warehouses.
Khanna is known for making mortgage advice simple, strategic and human. Together with his team, he works with clients across New Zealand, guiding them through property and business finance with clarity and care. He also mentors aspiring mortgage advisers, believing that good advice should be shared as generously as butter on hot toast.
A strong advocate for continuous learning, Khanna credits his success to the guidance of mentors and the valuable relationships he has built over the years. He places great emphasis on teamwork, collaborating with like-minded professionals to develop tailored solutions for each client’s unique goals.
Balancing work and family life is a cornerstone of Khanna’s approach. Through effective time management and clear priorities, he ensures that professional commitments never overshadow treasured moments with his wife and children. Their unwavering support – along with that of his peers and extended family – remains a driving force behind his ongoing achievements.
Unit 1, 54 Wordsworth Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8061
021 208 3152
sandeep@skfinance.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/claire-mcarthur-55713a24a
skfinance.co.nz
Sandeep Khanna
Mortgage Adviser
Sandeep Khanna Mortgages
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Bio
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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
2018
2019
2019–2021
2021–present
Present
Served as a banker with BNZ in Christchurch, gaining in-depth expertise in retail and mortgage banking
Developed strong client relationship skills and a thorough understanding of lending policies across different customer segments
2018
Founded his own mortgage advisory business in Christchurch
Brought a client-first approach, leveraging prior banking experience to offer tailored lending solutions
2019
Quickly built a loyal client base through personalised service and strategic mortgage structuring
Became known for “thinking outside the box” to secure approvals in challenging scenarios
2019–2021
Recognised as a Top Mortgage Adviser for three out of the last four years in the industry
Awards highlight consistent high performance, client satisfaction and industry impact
Actively mentors new advisers and shares insights at industry events
Continues to innovate in lending strategies, staying ahead of market changes to deliver maximum value for clients
2021–present
Director at Sandeep Khanna Mortgages since 2020
NZ Adviser’s Top Adviser
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.