With more than 20 years of experience in finance and property investment, Ash Churchill has built Mortgage Smart into one of NSW’s most client-focused mortgage broking businesses. His passion for helping Australians make smarter property and finance decisions has earned him two major industry honours this year — Customer Service of the Year at the Australian Broking Awards 2025 and Editor’s Choice (NSW) at the Better Business Awards.
How did you start down this career path?
My story started underground — literally — fixing lifts and elevators across Sydney. It was technical, high-pressure work, and I loved it. You had to think fast, stay calm, and solve the problem, because people were relying on you to get things moving again.
I was proud to be named Apprentice of the Year for New South Wales, but I knew I wanted to grow further. Around that time, I started buying and renovating properties on the side. I loved the challenge — spotting potential, improving it, and creating value.
When I needed finance, I hired a mortgage broker who, after a few deals, looked at me and said, “You don’t really need me — you know more about this than some of the people who work here.”
He offered me a job. That was twenty years ago — and I’ve been solving financial problems ever since.
Since those early days with eChoice, through The Mortgage Professionals, Vow Financial, and AFG, to now running Mortgage Smart under the Loan Market banner — the drive has never changed: help people make smarter property decisions and take control of their future.
What inspires you in your role?
I’ve always been obsessed with figuring things out — whether it’s a faulty circuit, a lift that won’t run, or a loan that doesn’t quite fit the bank’s box.
What keeps me inspired is seeing the transformation when a client realises what’s possible. I’ve seen first-home buyers who thought it was impossible finally get their keys, and homeowners use their equity to change their family’s future.
I’m still an investor myself, so I get it. Property isn’t just about bricks and land — it’s about freedom, security, and choices.
For me, mortgage broking isn’t about rates — it’s about strategy, education, and empowerment. That’s what gets me up every morning.
What’s your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?
Every client comes to me with a story — and usually a challenge. That’s where the problem solver in me switches on.
People call me “Ash 4 Cash” because I don’t give up when things get tough. If there’s a solution, I’ll find it. Whether that means restructuring a deal, finding a niche lender, or explaining a strategy in plain English, my goal is always to give clients clarity and confidence.
I’m often described as more of a property advisor than a broker, because I focus on the bigger picture. That’s what inspired our Property Education Sessions — where clients learn how to pay off their home faster, use equity wisely, and plan for the next opportunity.
Winning those customer service awards was validation that doing business the right way — with care, transparency, and tenacity — really does stand out.
How do you innovate and stay ahead of the curve?
The world of finance moves fast, and I’ve never been one to sit still.
At Mortgage Smart, we combine personal service with cutting-edge technology. We’re embracing AI and automation to handle the heavy lifting behind the scenes — freeing more time to focus on people, not paperwork.
Our Hello Pack gives clients an instant snapshot of their borrowing position, while our Equity-to-Investment Starter Pack teaches homeowners how to turn equity into opportunity.
Innovation isn’t about gadgets — it’s about solving problems faster and giving clients a smoother experience every step of the way.
What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced?
Since 2004, I’ve seen it all — and every challenge has been a lesson in resilience.
The Global Financial Crisis (2008) was brutal. I had a young family and was the only income earner. When lenders pulled out and commissions were cut, brokers had to fight hard to prove our worth.
Then came the Royal Commission (2018), and the industry was under the spotlight again. But thanks to strong leadership from Sam White at Loan Market and the MFAA and FBAA, we came out stronger and more united.
And then there was COVID-19 (2020) — probably the most human challenge of all. I spent weeks calling every client, just checking in. I didn’t talk about loans; I talked about life. Not one of my clients lost their home — and that’s something I’ll always be proud of.
Now, with AI reshaping our world again, I see the same opportunity: adapt, evolve, and keep solving.
What’s next for you and Mortgage Smart?
The next five years are all about education and accessibility.
With financial advice now costing thousands, many Australians can’t afford to speak with a planner. While we’re clear that we’re not financial advisers or accountants, we fill part of that gap — giving clients the knowledge they need to make smart, confident decisions.
We’ll keep growing our Property Education Sessions and digital tools to reach more Australians online. My mission is simple: make finance easier to understand, and give people the confidence to take control.
At the end of the day, I want clients to know if they need a solution, call “Ash 4 Cash.”
About Mortgage Smart
Founded by award-winning broker Ash Churchill, Mortgage Smart helps clients make confident, informed decisions about property and finance. With 119 five-star Google reviews, the business is known for honest advice, clear communication, and genuine care.
Mortgage Smart proudly won the Australian Broking Awards 2025 – Customer Service of the Year and the Better Business Awards NSW – Editor’s Choice.
> www.mortgagesmart.com.au
> Google Reviews
