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
In many cultures, money is more than currency. It is energy. For Zhiyang, that energy isn’t just transactional; it is transformational. A tool to build connection, unlock opportunity, and help others live with greater freedom and intention.
While people may approach him with questions about mortgages or financial strategy, the conversation often becomes something much bigger — how to retire earlier, build lasting wealth, and make meaningful choices with clarity and confidence.
Zhiyang is a senior adviser in a high-performing mortgage advisory firm, known for delivering guidance that is sharp, honest, and deeply strategic. He works with a diverse client base, from individuals seeking clarity on their next move to seasoned investors managing complex portfolios. Whatever the starting point, his focus remains the same: long-term clarity over short-term gain.
Zhiyang’s journey has been shaped as much by setbacks as by successes. He has made mistakes in investing and throughout his career and has never shied away from owning them. These experiences did not just teach lessons; they built lasting perspective. He has learned that the real edge lies not in perfection, but in reflection, resilience, and the ability to navigate complexity with clarity and courage.
Zhiyang’s development was profoundly shaped by his mentor, Blandon Leung, who passed on far more than technical mastery. He instilled a set of enduring principles that continue to guide Zhiyang’s approach: performance with purpose, honest communication, servant leadership, habit formation, and a relentless commitment to growth. These values are not just remembered. They are practiced daily in the way Zhiyang leads, advises, and brings others along on the journey.
Today, Zhiyang proudly carries that legacy forward by building and leading a team he deeply believes in. From advisers to senior support staff, he surrounds himself with people who are committed to excellence, growth, and shared success. Seeing that growth, not just professionally but personally, remains one of the most rewarding parts of his journey. He fosters a culture where integrity is non-negotiable, curiosity is encouraged, and shared ambition sets the pace.
Beyond mortgage advice, Zhiyang has long been involved in the broader property space, applying his experience to both personal development projects and collaborative ventures. These experiences give him a practical edge when helping clients think holistically about how to grow, protect, and sustain wealth with strategies rooted in real-world insight and shaped by a wider vision of what is possible.
More than anything, Zhiyang is driven by the relationships he builds along the way. Every client brings an opportunity to learn, from how they operate, invest, and lead to how they think about long-term success. These conversations are never just technical. They are spaces to exchange ideas, share experience, and grow together.
Whether interacting with a client, empowering his team, or exploring new ventures, Zhiyang leads with clarity, humility, and a long-term vision. His focus remains the same: to build people and outcomes that endure. He is always open to connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same values, whether it is a conversation about financial goals, property strategy, or simply exchanging ideas with purpose.
Promenade Building Unit C10/1 Ara-Tai Road, Half Moon Bay, Auckland 2012
021 046 3332
zhiyang@mhq.co.nz
nz.linkedin.com/in/zhiyang-cheng-01050629
mhq.co.nz
Zhiyang Cheng
Senior Financial Adviser
mortgagehq
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Bio
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Bio
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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
2017–2018
2020
2021
2023
2024
2017: Began career in financial services, motivated by a passion for wealth-building and helping others
2018: Joined mortgagehq, gaining valuable industry insights working with adviser Blandon Leung
2017–2018
Promoted to Junior Advisor and named among New Zealand’s Top 50 Advisers
2020
Settled $170 million in mortgages and ranked as the Top #4 Adviser in New Zealand.
2021
Retained Top #4 Adviser status, recognised for consistent excellence and client dedication
2023
Named the Top #2 Adviser in New Zealand by NZA, reflecting strong client trust and industry reputation
2024
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.