From banker to adviser: Trust that lasts generations
When Krish Krishna (pictured) launched Mortgage Suite in 2000, he brought with him nearly two decades of banking experience – and a clear goal: to combine deep financial knowledge with genuine, long-term client relationships.
“I always wanted to be self-employed,” Krishna says. “So, in 2000, after nearly two decades in senior banking roles, I decided to take a leap. I knew nothing other than banking and lending, therefore, becoming a mortgage adviser was a natural progression.”
That leap was more than a career change. It marked the beginning of a mission to help people make confident financial decisions – with the same care and precision that once guided his work in banking.
“It allowed me to realise my dream of self-employment, and use my experience to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Krishna says. “Backed by 18 years in senior roles within the banking industry, I gained deep insights into how banks operate, how lending decisions are made, and how to structure finance so that it works best for the client, not just the lender.”
From paperwork to portals: A digital transformation
When Krishna first entered the mortgage advice space, the process was anything but streamlined.
“When I first began mortgage advising, everything was manual,” he says. “It meant filling out physical forms, faxing documents, and waiting by the fax machines for approvals. It was slow, inefficient, and often frustrating for clients.”
Two decades later, Krishna’s witnessed firsthand how digital innovation has transformed the adviser’s toolkit.
“Digital application platforms, instant document uploads, secure client portals, and real-time communication with lenders have all transformed the way we work,” he says.
These advancements, Krishna explains, have dramatically improved both speed and accessibility: “Not only is it easier, but it also means faster turnaround times, fewer errors, and is especially handy for busy or remote clients.”
Yet despite these efficiencies, he is clear that technology’s true power lies in what it frees advisers to do: focus on people.
“Technology allows me to focus on what really matters – understanding the goals of my clients so I can tailor my advice and build a strong relationship, rather than getting bogged down in administration,” Krishna says.
Keeping the personal touch in a digital world
For Krishna, personal service remains the heart of great advice.
“Of course, personal service remains at the heart of what I do,” he says. “But embracing technology has made advising more efficient, accessible, and client-friendly than ever before.”
Krishna sees this balance as essential – especially as compliance and regulation, such as the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act (CCCFA), continue to evolve.
“In NZ, one of the biggest challenges is the increasing regulatory and compliance burden that the CCCFA is causing,” he says. “While designed to protect people and promote responsible lending, the rules have added complexity and slowed down the process.”
His solution? Smarter systems, not more paperwork.
“The industry needs smarter, more efficient compliance management,” Krishna says. “Technology plays a key role here, with digital tools that automate document collection, streamline verification, and reduce errors.
“The industry will always change but by embracing technology, the personal touch and efficiencies, we can continue to help New Zealanders achieve their property dreams.”
Relationships that span generations
While technology drives efficiency, Krishna says relationships drive success. Many of his clients have worked with him for decades – and now, their children and grandchildren do too.
“A client from my early banking days chose to follow me when I became a mortgage adviser,” he says. “Over the years, I’ve not only arranged finance for him on various occasions, but I’ve also helped his children and now even his grandchildren.”
Helping multiple generations achieve their property goals is, Krishna says, one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“The key lesson is to focus on building genuine, long-term relationships, not just completing transactions,” he says. “This creates trust that stands the test of time and where true value lies, for both client and adviser.”
Advice for the next generation of advisers
After more than two decades in the industry, Krishna’s advice for new advisers is simple – keep integrity and empathy at the centre of every client interaction.
“My advice is simple: always put the client first,” he says. “It can be tempting to focus on where the highest commission comes from. However, that approach is short-sighted as it goes against the interests of your valued clients.
“Acting in their best interests builds trust and loyalty. In my experience, if you nail these two things, the financial and professional rewards will follow.”
Relationships also extend beyond clients to lenders and peers.
“The mortgage industry is about relationships as much as numbers,” Krishna says. “When you understand how lenders operate, you’ll be better positioned to negotiate, resolve issues, and secure better outcomes for your clients.
“At the end of the day, people want to work with someone they trust, someone who listens and explains things simply, and someone who helps them make big financial decisions with clarity. That is what makes a great adviser.”
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