In her first year as a mortgage broker, Infinity Group Australia’s Ayaan Ismail settled more than $25 million in loans – and she’s only just getting started. Speaking with MPA TV, Ismail shares how she’s driven to give power back to borrowers by demystifying finance and helping clients see what’s possible. Her journey as a single mother fighting her way into the property market has also shaped her philosophy and approach to clients. Now, her standout debut year has earned Ismail a place on MPA’s Rising Stars 2026 list.
[00:00:00] Ayaan Ismail: It's changed my life and my opportunity. I'm a single mum and I started off with no home loan and now I have a home and two investment properties. So, you know, I'm guiding people, I'm showing them how to, you know, achieve these goals, but I'm doing it as well.
[00:00:19] Kylie Speer: Hello and welcome to MPA TV. I'm Kylie Spear and joining me today is Ayaan Ismail, finance strategist at Infinity Group Australia. Ayan has been recognised as one of MPA's Rising Stars 2026 Best Mortgage Brokers Under 35 in Australia. Welcome to you, Ayan. Huge congratulations and thank you so much for joining us today.
[00:00:45] Ayaan Ismail: Thank you, Kylie. Thank you so much for having me. I'm super excited.
[00:00:50] Kylie Speer: Well, first off, Ayan, what can you tell us about your significant first year settlement milestone phone and what it means to be named an MPA Rising Star.
[00:01:01] Ayaan Ismail: Yeah, pretty big year, especially it being my first year. So my milestone from a numbers perspective was settling over 25 mil. I think it was 25.6. So, yeah, I'm super grateful for my team who've helped me get there. But, yeah, it being my first year in the industry as well, with many hopefully more to come. But, yeah, big year.
[00:01:24] Kylie Speer: What motivates you to help clients to truly understand their financial options, especially when guiding them through the complex scenarios that you're known for?
[00:01:36] Ayaan Ismail: Finance isn't something that you're taught in school. So I think, you know, most people are guided by the banks, which can be very overwhelming, especially finance being a topic. It is terrifying for some people. So just breaking everything down, going through the simple stuff first and really giving back power to people so they know what's possible. Yeah, that's what does it for me.
[00:02:02] Kylie Speer: Ayaan, you've said you often slow the process down to make sure clients grasp every step. How do you tailor your approach to suit different client types from first home buyers to high net worth investors?
[00:02:18] Ayaan Ismail: I think when you start to get to know your client, you will very quickly learn their understanding of finances, the complexity from first home buyers. Obviously this is their first time. So just going through upfront the need to know stuff because too much information will become overwhelming. So just, I guess, going through the main points at the start of their journey and then keeping them informed throughout helps their nerves and understanding. Then you've got other clients who are, you know, sophisticated investors. They've done it many times before. You still want to understand what they do know, what they may not know. But yeah, just figuring out who your client is, their understanding, and then communicating best how they learn or understand, if that makes sense.
[00:03:08] Kylie Speer: Infinity provides a strong structural foundation, but does Infinity's environment allow you to bring your own thinking and strategies to the table?
[00:03:18] Ayaan Ismail: Yeah, 100%. Obviously, Infinity does things a little bit or a lot different to most banks. Not that we're a bank, but our clients are coming to us with the goal of being debt free. So the end goal is all the same. How we get there, similar formulas. However, it's going to be different based on the client's position. So everyone's different. First home, you know, maybe they've got their third, fourth investment property. So it's different every single time, but we're always working towards the same goal.
[00:03:48] Kylie Speer: And finally, Ayaan, how has being part of Infinity broadened your perspective on what's possible, both for helping your clients and your own personal career development.
[00:04:01] Ayaan Ismail: Before I joined here at Infinity, I actually had no residential lending experience. I've been here for five years, not in this role. I was a broker support, so I've had a lot of years learning, seeing different scenarios, different outcomes, and what people have the ability to do is insane and crazy and so seeing that being able to be a part of that for clients yeah is awesome for myself it's changed my life and my opportunity I'm a single mum and I started off with no home loan and now I have a home and two investment properties so you know I'm guiding people I'm showing them how to you know achieve these goals but I'm doing it as well. So, yeah.
[00:04:45] Kylie Speer: Well, that's so inspirational. Thank you so much for your time today and congratulations once again, Ayaan.
[00:04:53] Ayaan Ismail: Thank you so much.
[00:04:55] Kylie Speer: And thank you, of course, to our viewers for watching the latest episode of MPA TV. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
