Profile
Paula Mercer is a highly accomplished finance professional with over 18 years of industry experience. As director of sales at LendInvest, she is integral to shaping the financial strategy and directly responsible for the strategic management and growth of the intermediary field team. Mercer provides leadership and coaching to maximise performance and deliver outstanding results.
She excels at collaborating with stakeholders to identify market challenges and opportunities, developing effective solutions that significantly contribute to LendInvest’s growth and success.
Before LendInvest, Mercer established a strong reputation for her analytical skills and ability to drive financial performance through various senior finance positions at leading organisations. With more than 25 years of management experience spanning retail, utilities and financial services, she brings deep expertise in prime/near-prime homeowner mortgages, commercial lending and specialist homeowner and buy-to-let lending.
Beyond her professional achievements, Mercer is a dedicated advocate for positive mental health and wellbeing. She holds a CMI Level 7 qualification in Strategic Approaches to Mental Health & Wellbeing and an NCHFE Level 2 in Understanding Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace.
4-8 Maple Street, London, W1T 5HD
07881304318
paula.mercer@lendinvest.com
linkedin.com/in/paula-mercer-7a584719b
lendinvest.com
Paula Mercer
Director of Sales LendInvest
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Bio
Milestones
Profile
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
Read on
Special Report
Home
Bio
Milestones
2008–2014
2015–2023
2023–Present
2016–2024
2024–Present
Business development manager at Lloyd’s Banking Group
2008–2014
Head of intermediary lending at Atom Bank (previously Regional BDM)
2015–2023
Sales director (previously head of sales) at LendInvest
2023–Present
Product lead and marketing communications lead at LendInvest
2016–2024
Product marketing lead, then head of product marketing at LendInvest
2024–Present
Milestones
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.