Satyan Mehra | Founder and Chief Advisor | iConsult
Satyan Mehra, Founder and Chief Advisor of iConsult, has carved a niche in New Zealand’s mortgage broking landscape with his expertise and unwavering commitment to helping clients achieve their financial goals. iConsult, established in 2017, has won multiple awards for its robust mortgage broking services, and under Satyan’s leadership, it has become a trusted name among clients and lenders alike. His journey from a young student in New Zealand to a prominent business leader reflects resilience, passion, and foresight. Satyan’s story began when he left India at the age of 18 and moved to New Zealand to pursue a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Finance. Managing both work and studies full-time, Satyan worked for the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) and began exploring entrepreneurship by investing in early childhood centers and quick-service restaurants. At EliteX, we are proud to have Satyan Mehra as part of the edition: Prominent Leaders in Mortgage Industry, 2024.
His entrepreneurial flair shone through as he expanded the revenue of four Pizza Hut franchises by 318%, all while qualifying as a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. His career continued to progress with roles as an investment analyst, senior auditor at BNZ, and business manager at ANZ. During his time in the banking sector, Satyan identified a gap in the market—many brokers offered rate comparisons rather than meaningful financial advice. This insight led him to establish iConsult to provide clients with expert mortgage guidance and long-term value. Satyan describes his leadership style as transformational and collaborative. His focus is on cultivating change within both his organization and his team. “I motivate my team to push beyond their comfort zone and aim for higher standards,” he explains. Satyan believes that excellence is central to the iConsult brand, and he ensures that his team reflects this ethos in every interaction with clients.
The mission of iConsult is simple yet powerful: to help New Zealanders achieve their long-term financial goals. Satyan envisions iConsult becoming the most respected mortgage advisory firm in New Zealand, built on the pillars of trust, knowledge, and exceptional client service. His team’s dedication to transparency and expertise ensures clients can make informed decisions with confidence. According to Satyan, 2024 has introduced several notable trends in the mortgage industry. Investors have begun returning to the market, but many remain cautious, opting for interest-only loans to manage cash flow. iConsult’s approach is tailored to the evolving needs of its clients. In cases where a loan restructuring does not generate revenue, iConsult charges a modest fee—payable only upon successful approval—allowing the firm to provide continued support even under challenging conditions.
Satyan acknowledges several challenges within the mortgage industry, particularly the rise of brokers offering free valuations and legal services to attract clients. He warns that this practice could compromise both the quality of advice and the long-term value offered by experienced brokers. Looking ahead, Satyan foresees that technology may automate routine tasks such as rate comparisons and loan applications, making in-depth financial knowledge the key differentiator for brokers.
“Technology will replace transactional services, but brokers with strong knowledge of credit policies and innovative loan structuring will continue to thrive,” Satyan says.
Customer satisfaction is central to iConsult’s success. Satyan summarizes his approach with three words: knowledge, communication, and empathy. His team offers clients a deep understanding of lending practices, financial markets, and property investment strategies. Clear, jargon-free communication ensures clients are well-informed at every step. Additionally, iConsult positions itself as a strong client advocate, consistently working in the best interests of borrowers. This client-first philosophy has yielded impressive results—40% of iConsult’s business comes from repeat clients, and more than 90% of new clients are referrals.
iConsult embraces technology to streamline its services and enhance the customer experience. The firm uses Adobe Acrobat Pro for secure document signing and Illion for seamless bank statement collection. Virtual meeting platforms allow Satyan and his team to connect with clients across New Zealand, while cloud-based tools such as Google, Dropbox, and Microsoft provide the same level of operational efficiency as larger firms.
“Technology has leveled the playing field,” Satyan notes. “Smaller firms like ours can now compete effectively with larger players.”
Satyan is a strong advocate for increased regulation in the mortgage industry, viewing it as an opportunity to raise service standards. “Regulation brings more scrutiny, which is a positive development,” he explains. He believes that the entry requirements for becoming a mortgage broker should be more stringent to ensure clients receive credible financial advice from professionals with deep knowledge of the market. Although iConsult does not have formal corporate social responsibility programs, Satyan’s personal commitment to community service is evident. He regularly volunteers at his local Indian temple, distributing food to those in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided food parcels to struggling families and restructured clients’ loan payments free of charge to support them through tough times. Satyan also served on the board of Roopa aur Aap, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to ending violence in the South Asian community, until 2023.
A strong believer in lifelong learning, Satyan starts his day with a one-hour walk, followed by a review of the latest policy updates, market news, and economic reports. “Upskilling myself every day is a key part of my success,” he says. His commitment to staying ahead of industry developments ensures that iConsult continues to offer clients the most up-to-date advice. Satyan offers valuable advice to those considering a career in the mortgage industry. “Don’t view this field as a quick way to make money,” he cautions. “It’s essential to gain business and financial experience and put clients’ needs first. Always put yourself in their shoes and understand that you’re helping them achieve their financial aspirations.” Looking ahead, Satyan predicts that compliance requirements will continue to increase, and AI will play a significant role in simplifying loan processes. “In the future, first-home buyers might be able to get pre-approvals in just 10 minutes online,” he says. However, this shift will also require brokers to evolve and find new ways to add value.
“Our knowledge will become our trading currency,” Satyan emphasizes. “It will be what sets us apart from automated services and remains our biggest strength.”
Satyan Mehra’s journey from a determined young student to a respected industry leader exemplifies perseverance, vision, and a commitment to excellence. Through iConsult, he is redefining mortgage broking in New Zealand by combining deep industry knowledge with exceptional customer service. As the industry evolves, Satyan’s foresight and innovative approach position iConsult to remain at the forefront, helping clients achieve their financial dreams.