Profile
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
April Hastilow prides herself on demystifying the complexities of lending for her clients, ensuring they access the best structures, banks and interest rates to fuel their growth. With nearly a decade of experience as a financial adviser, she has successfully managed over $750 million in settlements and was named a Top Adviser in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Specialising in investor lending, Hastilow enjoys working with the talented team at Opes Partners to transform the financial futures of New Zealanders. A staunch believer of “same team,” she enjoys working with banks to shape policies and create opportunities for more Kiwis to enter the property market.
When she’s not delving into bank policies for fun, you can find Hastilow exploring the hills and forests with her cute but badly behaved dogs, riding motorbikes wherever her license takes her or enjoying quality time with friends and family over a cheese platter and dry rosé.
1/236 High Street
022 322 7745
april@opes.co.nz
linkedin.com/in/aprilhaywoodmarx
opesmortgages.co.nz
April Hastilow
Senior Mortgage Adviser
Opes Mortgages
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Bio
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Profile
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Bio
Milestones
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Special Report
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Bio
Milestones
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females”
Alice Phillips Topping
Ryan Specialty
2015–2017
2017–2018
2018–2022
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
2020–2022: Head of Lending at Become Wealth; Top Adviser
2018–
2022
Mortgage Advisor at Opes Mortgages since 2022
Present
Co-Founder and Creator at The Future of Education Summit since 2023
Deputy Principal at Canterbury College 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
• Gold award for Magazine or Newspaper Advertisement
• Silver award for Promotional Email
• Silver award for Most Out-of-the-Box Idea
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
“We keep evolving the brand as we grow and expand, which is equally rewarding and satisfying,” adds Phillips Topping.
“Marketing is a very busy space. The challenge is to keep it fresh and keep it new. There’s so much out there. You have to think about how to break through.”
Since joining the firm in 2015, Ryan Specialty has:
• completed 28 acquisitions
• launched 10 companies
“With each acquisition and de novo formation, a large branding component is involved,” says Phillips Topping.
Speaking on the importance of spotlighting marketing professionals, Phillips Topping says, “It’s imperative to shine a light on those who aren’t necessarily brokers or underwriters. There are so many different aspects of the industry. It’s nice to show all the great work that’s being done behind the scenes.”
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