Female leaders redefining success, culture, and client-first advice
NZ Adviser has unveiled its 2026 Elite Women list, recognising 39 outstanding female leaders who are reshaping New Zealand’s mortgage industry and proving their success is built to last.
Drawn from brokerages, aggregators, lenders, and specialist advisory firms, this year’s Elite Women were selected following nationwide nominations and an editorial review of their results, leadership and impact over the past 12 months.
NZ Adviser said this year’s honourees are more than just top performers – they are setting the direction for the profession through their combination of growth, client advocacy, and long-term leadership.
Built for the long haul
Industry leaders say the 2026 Elite Women embody a broader, more durable definition of influence.
“She doesn’t just win personally; she creates pathways for others to succeed, too,” said Elyce Peters, founder and head mortgage adviser of The Mortgage Girls.
For Loan Market McCallum & Co senior mortgage adviser Becs McCallum, the standouts are builders, not just billers.
“It doesn't matter if you’re a solo operator, lead adviser, or business owner; it’s about being a business architect,” McCallum said. “It’s that shift from just doing the work to actually shaping the craft.”
The 2026 Elite Women list includes:
-
Simi Sethu, Kripa Financial Solutions
-
Jenny Campbell, Finsure NZ
-
Linda Eagleton, Eagle Home Loans t/a Loan Market
-
Poonam Kumar, iXCEL Financial Solutions
-
Rachael Alexander, Max Money Group
-
Amanda Gwetu, Squirrel Mortgages
-
Jacqui Hemi, Mike Pero Mortgages
-
Jen Qu, MortgageGPT
-
Jessie Parker and Jess Shaw, Vesta Finance & Advisory
-
Zebunisso Alimova, Mike Pero Mortgages
Together, the 2026 Elite Women underline that sustainable growth, client advocacy, and inclusive leadership are no longer side stories in New Zealand’s mortgage market – they are the blueprint for its future.
The full 2026 Elite Women report is now available on NZ Adviser.
Stay informed with the latest housing market trends and mortgage insights — subscribe to our free daily newsletter.
