Team ZEP

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I Am A First Home Buyer

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I Am Buying Or Building A Home

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I Am An Investor

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I want to save money on my loan

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I am Buying a Car

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I Am a Business Owner

Zain Peart

Mortgage Broker – Director
After studying business and finance at uni, I thought I’d go into a job in finance. But with a love of property and going through the process of buying my own home, I knew then mortgage broking was for me. In 2009 I started broking and in 2010 I started my own business, which ZEP Finance has grown to today.

With a strong personal investment background - building my own property portfolio across Australia - and a deep understanding of real estate markets, I'm dedicated to helping clients structure loans and portfolios that align with their financial objectives. More than just a mortgage broker providing loans, I'm passionate about giving back to our community by sharing my financial knowledge. As a trusted expert, I am often requested to provide advice in media stories to provide valuable insights and education on a range of financial and mortgage-related topics.

I specialize in uncovering overlooked income to help self-employed clients and those with businesses or multiple income streams. Easy-going yet solution-focused, I aim to guide you toward achieving your dream lifestyle.

Book Here

Ely

Broker Support Officer
Growing up in the Northern Rivers and witnessing an ever-evolving local market, I have developed a deep passion for real estate and seeing people succeed in their property goals.

My career began in the fintech industry, where I sharpened my analytical skills and gained a deep understanding of financial products. This has enabled me to quickly assess client needs and tailor solutions to their specific financial goals. Driving my passion and satisfaction is being able to engage more directly with clients as part of the broker support team here at ZEP Finance.

I thrive on helping clients navigate the complexities of the mortgage process, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. You will likely hear from me at the beginning of the loan process, all the way through to providing you with post settlement support.

Kylie Harris

Mortgage Broker
With a career in mortgage broking spanning more than 25 years, I am a residential finance specialist and have a passion for helping clients fulfil their property and financial goals.

As a mortgage broker with ZEP Finance, I take pride in assisting clients with property purchases and refinancing and I have extensive experience with investment property loan structures.

As your mortgage broker, I work hard to find solutions that will work for you, no matter your situation. Speedy and efficient, I work with you to support you every step of the way from your first meeting with me through to post-settlement.

Book Here

Zain Peart

Mortgage Broker – Director
After studying business and finance at uni, I thought I’d go into a job in finance. But with a love of property and going through the process of buying my own home, I knew then mortgage broking was for me. In 2009 I started broking and in 2010 I started my own business, which ZEP Finance has grown to today.

With a strong personal investment background - building my own property portfolio across Australia - and a deep understanding of real estate markets, I'm dedicated to helping clients structure loans and portfolios that align with their financial objectives. More than just a mortgage broker providing loans, I'm passionate about giving back to our community by sharing my financial knowledge. As a trusted expert, I am often requested to provide advice in media stories to provide valuable insights and education on a range of financial and mortgage-related topics.

I specialize in uncovering overlooked income to help self-employed clients and those with businesses or multiple income streams. Easy-going yet solution-focused, I aim to guide you toward achieving your dream lifestyle.

Book Here

Ely

Broker Support Officer
Growing up in the Northern Rivers and witnessing an ever-evolving local market, I have developed a deep passion for real estate and seeing people succeed in their property goals.

My career began in the fintech industry, where I sharpened my analytical skills and gained a deep understanding of financial products. This has enabled me to quickly assess client needs and tailor solutions to their specific financial goals. Driving my passion and satisfaction is being able to engage more directly with clients as part of the broker support team here at ZEP Finance.

I thrive on helping clients navigate the complexities of the mortgage process, ensuring they feel supported every step of the way. You will likely hear from me at the beginning of the loan process, all the way through to providing you with post settlement support.

Zain Peart

Mortgage Broker – Director
After studying business and finance at uni, I thought I’d go into a job in finance. But with a love of property and going through the process of buying my own home, I knew then mortgage broking was for me. In 2009 I started broking and in 2010 I started my own business, which ZEP Finance has grown to today.

With a strong personal investment background - building my own property portfolio across Australia - and a deep understanding of real estate markets, I'm dedicated to helping clients structure loans and portfolios that align with their financial objectives. More than just a mortgage broker providing loans, I'm passionate about giving back to our community by sharing my financial knowledge. As a trusted expert, I am often requested to provide advice in media stories to provide valuable insights and education on a range of financial and mortgage-related topics.

I specialize in uncovering overlooked income to help self-employed clients and those with businesses or multiple income streams. Easy-going yet solution-focused, I aim to guide you toward achieving your dream lifestyle.

Book Here

Emma

Broker Support Officer
With a background in business management and marketing, I joined ZEP Finance in 2012 to support our growing mortgage broker office and clients.

While working part-time to balance family life and manage our investment portfolio with Zain, I have gained valuable experience and insight into the challenges and rewards of smart financial planning. I help our team provide exceptional service to our clients and provide assistance throughout the loan process.

You’ll hear from me at various stages of your loan application as well as providing post-settlement support.

Jasmine

Mortgage Broker
Born and raised in the Northern Rivers, I bring over a decade of customer service and banking experience to the ZEP team. I joined ZEP Finance in April 2021 as a Broker Support Officer and have since progressed into the role of Mortgage Broker, having completed my Certificate IV and Diploma in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management.

I am usually the first point of contact when you reach out to ZEP. I guide clients through their initial enquiry, calculate borrowing capacity, and present tailored loan options so you can make informed decisions from our first chat through to settlement and beyond.

While I assist with all areas of residential lending and refinancing, I have a genuine passion for helping first home buyers enter the property market. I pride myself on being approachable, transparent, and going above and beyond to find the right solution for your situation.

Karina

Broker Support Officer
Growing up in the Northern Rivers and now living in Queensland, I have more than a decade of experience working in real estate. My extensive experience in the real estate industry drives my passion to help people achieve their own property goals.

As a remote-based Broker Support Officer, I’m dedicated to finding the best possible solutions for our clients and am known for my tenacity in negotiating with lenders to get you results. I’m here to assist you every step of the way, from initial application requirements through to post settlement support.

When I’m not working, I lead a busy family life supporting my three children in primary school.

Kelly

Broker Support Officer
Proudly growing up in the Northern Rivers and then travelling the world, I returned home in 2017 with my family. With more than 10 years experience working across property management, real estate sales and sales administration, I’ve honed my customer service skills with a keen eye for detail.

As a Broker Support Officer here at ZEP Finance, I’m dedicated to providing excellent customer service and loan support. From your initial enquiry through to settlement and beyond, I work with the entire ZEP Finance team to help guide you through the process and ensure a seamless experience. I look forward to working with you and seeing you achieve your financial and property goals!

Tara

Client Relationship Manager
With more than 15 years’ experience in the finance industry, I moved from the Central Coast, Sydney to the beautiful Northern Rivers and in 2019 I joined ZEP Finance.

With a passion for property and a keen interest in home design, I love seeing customers get the keys to their dream home or next project!

You will likely hear from me when you are starting the loan process all the way through to post settlement. I am here to assist in making the home buying experience as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Trudy

Office Manager
With a background in finance, I have worked my way up through the banking sector in New Zealand. I moved to Australia in 2011 and honed my skills as a lending specialist.

I made a sea change to the Northern Rivers in 2014 to take on a career in marketing and running an advertising company. During this time I got to know local business owners and property managers and gained a good understanding of the Northern Rivers region.

My love of the property market pulled me back to the sector and I’ve been part of the ZEP Finance team for over 3 years now. You’ll likely hear from me during the loan application process as well as providing post-settlement support. I love helping people realise their financial goals so they can get those keys to their dream home or car, or grow their investment portfolio.

Melissa

Settlement Officer

I spent most of my childhood in the Northern Rivers and decided to settle back here after some time spent living in Melbourne. Following 17 years working as a picture framer, I decided to pursue a new career in finance. This led to a position with NAB, where I worked as a Customer Advisor for 5 years at the Byron Bay and Ballina branches.

Since joining ZEP Finance, I’ve been working as a Settlement Officer, supporting clients from loan approval through to settlement. I’ll be on hand to help you sign loan contracts and liaise with conveyancers to finalise your property purchases. It’s my goal to ensure all timelines are met so settlements run nice and smoothly.

I pride myself on being customer-focused and friendly, so please feel free to reach out with any questions — I’ll always do my best to provide clear and simple answers.

Ryan

Commercial Lending Specialist
I have worked in lending and finance for over 20 years, with experience across home loans, small business lending, and commercial finance. Over the past 11 years, I have worked as a Business Banking Manager with major banks, supporting business owners across a wide range of industries.

My background includes commercial lending, business funding, equipment finance, development finance, self-employed home loans, and complex lending scenarios. I also have experience in credit assessment, which has strengthened my understanding of cash flow, business risk, and lending requirements.

At ZEP Finance, I assist self-employed clients, business owners, and commercial clients with tailored lending solutions. My goal is to understand each client's needs, why they need them, and help guide the lending process with clarity and confidence.

Francis

Broker Support Officer
I began working in the mortgage industry in 2019 as a Loan Processing Officer, managing end-to-end home loan applications across both broker and retail channels. In 2021, I transitioned into a Broker Support Officer role, where I handled the submission and settlement of both residential and commercial loans. I was later promoted to a Quality Assurance and Compliance Officer role for eight months before moving into a Senior Support Officer position, assisting senior brokers with a wide range of loan scenarios.

With over seven years of experience in finance and broking industry, I specialise in supporting clients behind the scenes and ensuring loan applications progress smoothly and efficiently.

I joined ZEP Finance in 2025. I take pride in working within a supportive, client-focused environment that prioritises accuracy, exceptional service, and well-prepared applications before submission to lenders. This role continues to support my professional growth and development within the industry.

Jocy

Broker Support Officer
I started in the mortgage industry in 2019 and quickly found a passion for helping people buy their dream homes. I have over five years of experience working with mortgage brokers as a Loan Processor, supporting clients behind the scenes and helping loan applications move smoothly.

I joined ZEP Finance in 2025. I enjoy working with a supportive team that focuses on great service and ensuring loan applications are accurate and ready before being submitted to lenders. This role has also helped me continue learning and growing within the industry.

Your Mortgage, Your Future