Velocity Financial

Office address: 38 Vivian Street, Te Aro, Wellington 6011 
Website: www.velocityfinancial.co.nz 
Year established: 2005  
Company type: financial services 
Employees: 15+ 
Expertise: mortgages, KiwiSaver, personal insurance, fire and general insurance, financial planning, investment, first home buyers, retirement planning, property investors 
Parent company: N/A 
Key people: Graham Goodisson (director), Brendon Ojala (director), Lance Shearman (financial adviser), Elizabeth Moloney (financial adviser), Tania Crocker (financial adviser), Rebecca Simms (office manager), Joshua Rhind (Caveo GM), Shona Mcgregor (communications)
Financing status: N/A 

Velocity Financial is a mortgage and financial advisory firm based in Wellington that offers a wide range of financial services. Specialising in personalised mortgage advice, the company has a network of nearly 30 lenders and a team of over 15 employees. The firm’s team aims to guide clients through financial complexities. 

History of Velocity Financial 

Velocity Financial was founded in 2005 by Graham Goodisson, one of the company’s directors. Initially focused on mortgage advice, the firm expanded its services over time to include insurance and investment guidance. Brendon Ojala, also one of the directors, later joined the firm, bringing extensive experience in financial advice.  

The company relocated to 38 Vivian Street, further cementing its presence in Wellington. Throughout its history, it has prioritised personalised customer service and community engagement. In recent years, the firm has also focused on educating other people about financial services, reaching out to audiences via workshops and social media. 

Products and Services of Velocity Financial 

Velocity Financial offers financial advice on mortgages, insurance, KiwiSaver, and business. These include: 

  • specialist: tailored financial solutions for unique client needs 

  • non-bank lending: access to alternative lending options beyond traditional banks 

  • property investment: guidance and financial products for property investors 

  • first home buyers: comprehensive support for first-time home buyers 

  • moving house: financial advice and services for clients relocating 

  • general and business insurance (Caveo): insurance solutions for personal and business needs 

  • KiwiSaver: advice and management of KiwiSaver accounts 

Culture at Velocity Financial 

Velocity Financial ensures clients' personal and business finances are managed with precision and clarity, helping them achieve their goals confidently. Their dynamic team of experts takes the time to understand each client's unique situation, simplifying complex financial systems. To uphold this dedication, the company takes care of its staff by providing them with: 

  • technology and tools: employees receive a mobile phone, calling and data plan, and a laptop 

  • career development: individual career progression plans are tailored to personal development goals 

  • team environment: a supportive, high-performing team with a wealth of experience for continuous learning and skill development 

  • work culture: a strong team culture with frequent staff trips and dinners, emphasising relationship building with clients 

  • ongoing support: regular weekly training and development opportunities, with career progression into commercial spaces 

The company is also committed to community support, exemplified by initiatives such as Dean's Ride Charity Event for the Wellington Free Ambulance. This was to support mental health awareness and their colleague Dean's recovery journey. The event featured mountain biking, a BBQ, and discussions on mental health. 

About Velocity Financial Directors Goodisson and Ojala and Key People 

Graham Goodisson serves as Velocity Financial’s director, founder, and owner. Before Velocity, he ran youth development programs for The Salvation Army and previously directed a large format digital print company, Graphica. He graduated from Victoria University of Wellington. 

Brendon Ojala, also a director and owner of the company, has been advising on mortgages and insurance at Velocity, for approximately 15 years. His background includes being a youth worker and team manager for a non-profit organisation. Ojala holds a commerce degree and a post graduate diploma in finance from the University of Otago. 

Supporting the directors are key individuals who play significant roles in the company: 

  • Lance Shearman, as a financial adviser, provides expert financial advice to clients 

  • Elizabeth Moloney, acting as a financial adviser, assists clients with their financial planning 

  • Tania Crocker, a financial adviser, offers personalised financial guidance 

  • Rebecca Simms, an office manager, ensures smooth operations at Velocity Financial 

  • Joshua Rhind, as a Caveo general manager, oversees the general and business insurance products and operations 

  • Shona Mcgregor, communications, manages the company's outreach and client relations 

The Future at Velocity Financial 

Velocity Financial is actively expanding its reach through social media and physical events that centre on education, networking, and more. In 2023, they launched a new TikTok channel, "Ask an Adviser," featuring one-minute videos addressing common financial queries about KiwiSaver, mortgages, and insurance. This initiative aims to provide valuable financial advice to a broader audience. 

In 2024, they offered educational workshops such as the "How-to" Investment Workshop for Women and the Business Owner's Series. These initiatives are designed to position the company as a key player in the industry, ensuring a promising future for the firm and its clients. 

Brendon Ojala: From youth worker to trusted adviser

His transition from social work to mortgage advisory highlights the importance of adaptability, integrity, and client-focused service