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?
I began my career as an electrician and was fortunate to be recognised as Apprentice of the Year for New South Wales. After five years I moved into sales, managing key accounts and learning the importance of strong, long-term relationships.
At the same time, I started buying and renovating properties after hours, determined to build a portfolio. When arranging finance, I worked with a mortgage broker who eventually said, “You don’t really need me — you know more about this than some people who work here.” He offered me a job, which I declined — but the idea stuck.
A year later I called him back, and that was the start of my broking journey. I joined eChoice, one of the first online mortgage platforms, and that was twenty years ago. Since then, I’ve worked with The Mortgage Professionals, Vow Financial (later acquired by Yellow Brick Road), and AFG Aggregation. For the past seven years I’ve operated independently under my own brand, Mortgage Smart, within the Loan Market Group — combining my trade, sales, and property background to help others achieve their goals.
What inspires you in your role/industry? Why?
I’ve always been passionate about property and investing. I’m still an avid investor myself, and I’ve seen how the right finance structure can completely change someone’s financial path. It can mean the difference between simply paying off a home and using that same property to build long-term wealth.
What keeps me inspired is seeing clients move from uncertainty to confidence. Whether it’s helping a first-home buyer who thought ownership was out of reach or showing a homeowner how to use their equity to invest, I love seeing that shift when they realise what’s possible.
For me, mortgage broking is about education, strategy and empowerment. I take pride in turning complex ideas into clear, practical plans that make sense for everyday Australians.
What’s your approach to customer service that separates you from the rest?
True service isn’t about transactions — it’s about trust. Every client’s situation is unique, so I take the time to understand their goals before offering advice.
Clarity and education are at the heart of what we do. Many people find lending confusing, so I make sure every conversation is straightforward and jargon-free. My goal is for clients to leave feeling informed and confident.
That philosophy has evolved into an education-driven model. Through our Property Education Sessions, clients learn how to pay off their home faster, use equity strategically, and plan ahead.
I’m proud that this commitment was recognised with the Australian Broking Awards Customer Service of the Year and the Better Business Awards Editor’s Choice (NSW) — awards that reflect how much we care about long-term outcomes for our clients.
How do you innovate and stay ahead of industry trends?
The mortgage industry changes fast, so we focus on blending personal service with smart technology. Our aim is to keep the process simple and efficient while freeing more time to help clients achieve their financial goals.
We’re currently embracing AI and automation to streamline data collection, document management and communication tracking. These tools make us faster and more accurate, without losing the personal touch.
We also use digital resources to educate clients — from our Hello Pack, which helps them understand their borrowing position upfront, to our Equity-to-Investment Starter Pack, which explains how to use home equity strategically.
Innovation for us is about constantly learning and improving so we can deliver a more personalised, proactive experience.
What is the toughest challenge you’ve faced in your role? How did you overcome it?
Since starting in 2004, I’ve seen major upheavals — each shaping who I am as a broker.
The Global Financial Crisis (2008) was one of the hardest. With a young family and being the sole income earner, it was personally and professionally testing. Lenders cut commissions and some exited the market, forcing brokers to double down on service and prove our value.
A decade later, the Royal Commission into Banking (2018) again put our industry under pressure. Some banks engaged in “broker bashing”, but the MFAA, FBAA, aggregators and leaders like Sam White, CEO of Loan Market, stood strong. What could have ended the profession instead strengthened it.
Then came COVID-19 (2020), which was a human challenge above all else. I personally phoned every client — not to talk about loans, but to check they were physically, mentally, and financially okay. I’m proud to say not one of my clients lost their home.
Now AI is the next evolution, and I’m confident we’ll adapt once again. If the past two decades have taught me anything, it’s that change is constant — and success comes from evolving faster than the environment around you.
What are some of your goals for the next five years?
My focus is education — helping more Australians understand money and make confident decisions about property and debt.
With the rising cost of financial advice — often $6,000 or more — many people can’t afford to speak with a planner. While we’re clear that we’re not financial advisers or accountants, we aim to fill part of that gap by giving clients clear, easy-to-understand guidance about lending, cash flow, and property strategy.
When a client needs specialised advice, we connect them with trusted professionals, ensuring they’re fully supported. I’ll continue expanding our Property Education Sessions and digital resources to reach more clients online.
Ultimately, I want Mortgage Smart to be known not just as a brokerage, but as a place where clients gain clarity, confidence and direction for their financial future.
About Mortgage Smart
Founded by award-winning broker Ash Churchill, Mortgage Smart helps clients make informed, confident property and finance decisions. With more than 119 five-star Google reviews, the business is recognised for clear communication, honest advice 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.
Learn more: www.mortgagesmart.com.au
Read reviews: Google – Mortgage Smart Ash Churchill
