Broker in Focus: Chris van Rijswijk, Northern Beaches Wealth Home Loans

Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.

This week, MPA is featuring Chris van Rijswijk (pictured top), mortgage broker at Northern Beaches Wealth Home Loans, who has drawn on a background in funds management to build a highly considered, strategy-driven approach to mortgage broking.

Since entering the industry in 2016, the Brookvale-based adviser has focused on mastering lender policies one by one, combining detailed product knowledge with a strong grasp of structure and risk to deliver practical, technically sound solutions for clients.

• Full name: Chris van Rijswijk
• Job title: Mortgage Broker
• Company: Northern Beaches Wealth Home Loans
• Number of years in the industry: 9
• Location: Brookvale, NSW

How and when did you become a mortgage broker?

I became a mortgage broker in 2016 after a career in funds management. I was looking for more autonomy and a way to use my finance experience to deliver practical outcomes for clients.

I began with a mentor and built knowledge of lenders one at a time, learning policies and products in detail. That step-by-step grounding, plus my markets background, lets me focus on structure, risk and strategy so clients get advice that’s both technically sound and genuinely useful.

In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?

Digitisation is the standout: secure data sharing, digital ID checking, e-signing and other aggregator tools have reduced the touchpoints and sped up the approval process. With clearer policy visibility and better data, brokers can focus on structure and advice rather than chasing down paperwork. At the same time, lenders have become more transparent with policy and pricing. The result is stronger compliance, faster turnaround and more tailored solutions, particularly for complex and self-employed clients.

What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?

The current economic conditions pose a challenge with higher rates, tighter credit and affordability pressures. These factors contract overall lending volumes, particularly for younger borrowers. At the same time, policy complexity remains a challenge. A more standardised approach to income would help streamline approvals, but it could also reduce niche lender products (and possibly the need for more experienced brokers).

The solution lies in better technology and transparent policy guidance. Aggregator platforms that integrate real-time policy updates, automated compliance checks and digital fact-find tools can reduce errors and free brokers to focus on strategy. Industry-wide collaboration on standardised documentation requirements would also help. Ultimately, we need to balance strong consumer protections with processes that are practical and efficient for both brokers and clients.

Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?

I always enjoy working with purchasers because it feels like going on the journey with them. One memorable challenge was helping first-home buyers during a period of market volatility when a valuation came in short while other properties they were looking at were selling above expectations. They missed out on a couple of properties, which was tough for them emotionally.

The lesson for me was the importance of setting clear expectations early around budgets, timelines and lender policies, and maintaining constant communication. It reinforced that broking isn’t just about numbers; it’s about guiding clients through uncertainty with empathy and practical solutions so they stay confident and prepared for the next opportunity.

Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?

Start by building base knowledge across several lenders so you can match solutions to different client types: first-time buyers, investors, self-employed clients, and so on. Understanding policy nuances early will save time and stress later. If you have the chance to work at a large brokerage or with an experienced broker, take it, as exposure to top-level processes and client management skills is essential in this role.

Equally important is to develop strong relationships with lender BDMs. A responsive and supportive BDM can make all the difference when you need flexibility or a quick turnaround. Broking is as much about relationships as it is about rates, so I’d invest time in both.

Broker in Focus is a weekly MPA feature spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse firms and locations across Australia. Among those recently featured are Ajay Krishnan of Home Loans Fast, Fae Kett of Tembo Money, Tanya Seth of Simpl Home Loans, Steve Tikellis of Excellence Home Loans, Rory Sercombe of Own Money, Brodie Brown of BH Brown Mortgage Brokers, Jason Brown of Home Loans Australia, Chris Bowers of Complete Home Loans, Jayden Pinto of Aussie Home Loans Geraldton, and Larissa Barton of Mortgage Choice Coolum Beach and Noosaville.

Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.