Profile
After more than 30 years in financial services, Andrew Smillie still measures success the same way he always has: a first home secured, an investment portfolio growing and a client whose financial position is stronger than it was.
“Seeing clients achieve their first home purchase, grow investment portfolios or improve their financial position is what I consider the most rewarding measure of success,” he says. It is this instinct, more than any sales target, that earned the Director and Mortgage Adviser at Personalised Mortgages a place among NZ Adviser’s Top Brokers.
The distinction matters because the Top Brokers rewards service to clients rather than revenue, and Andrew’s entire business is built on exactly that. “The majority of our business comes from referrals and repeat clients, which I believe is the strongest endorsement of the service we provide,” he says.
Andrew and his team stay connected long after settlement, through regular reviews, proactive communication and being available when clients need advice. Many return multiple times across their property journey. “We see ourselves as a trusted Adviser rather than simply arranging a loan,” he says.
Andrew’s outlook was shaped in banking, where he spent the early part of his career learning the mechanics of lending from the inside. Each role gave him valuable experience and deeper insight into lending and financial services.
“I recognised that I could provide greater value by working directly for clients rather than a single institution,” he explains. The realisation led him to establish Personalised Mortgages in 2014. His approach has not changed since: “Client-first. I believe great advice comes from understanding the person behind the application.”
The lending environment rarely sits still, with policies, regulations and market conditions in constant flux. Andrew stays ahead through strong lender relationships, continual self-education and clear communication. Consistency has been the key to his success across the ranking period, delivering strong outcomes regardless of conditions.
Andrew’s focus now is on doing more of what works: enhancing the client experience and deepening relationships with customers and referral partners. He wants to help more New Zealanders reach their property goals while holding to the personalised service at the heart of the business. After three decades, his motivation has not changed: “Being able to guide clients through that process, simplify complexity and help them achieve outcomes they may not have thought possible is what continues to motivate me.”
161D Marua Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland 1051
021 272 9994
andrew@personalisedmortgages.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/andrew-smillie-b6152853
personalisedmortgages.co.nz
Andrew Smillie
Advisor Personalised Mortgages
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Bio
Milestones
2011–2012
2012–2014
Present
2023–2024
Present
Commercial Manager at Westpac Bank
2011–2012
Area Manager at Westpac Bank
2012–2014
Advisor at Personalised Mortgages since 2014
Present
2023: Ranked second nationwide among Mortgage Advisers at NZHL
2024: Ranked ninth nationwide among Mortgage Advisers at NZHL
2023–2024
Mortgage Advisor at Guardian Smith since 2025
Present
Milestones
“At this stage in my career, I’m not trying to impress clients with technical language. I’m focused on helping them make better decisions”
William Chan,
Modern Vision Planning, Sterling Mutuals Inc.
“A message is only as strong as the receiver’s ability to understand it. Good intent isn’t enough if the client can’t clearly see the benefits and trade-offs”
William Chan,
Modern Vision Planning, Sterling Mutuals Inc.
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