It was not just a coincidence, but an intentional career path
While many mortgage professionals often attribute their entry into the industry to chance, Chris Sykes (pictured), a senior mortgage adviser at Private Finance, stands apart.
Unlike those who claim to have just stumbled into the mortgage industry, Sykes deliberately carved his path to becoming a mortgage broker right from the outset. His journey reflects a purposeful pursuit of a career, challenging the notion that many merely fall into this complex and dynamic field.
In this Mortgage Introducer feature, Sykes shares his experiences, motivations, and the future aspirations that are shaping his career.
Getting into the industry
“The path to becoming a mortgage broker was not just a coincidence for me; it was an intentional career path I pursued after my year in industry while at university where I had my first exposure to the mortgage market,” Sykes recounted.
Pursuing a degree in business and finance, Sykes got his first taste of the mortgage market during a year-long industry placement at KS Financial Services, facilitated by a family connection. That experience served as the catalyst, sparking his interest in a career that blends financial expertise with meaningful client impact.
“The diversity of the role and the ability to help individuals achieve a significant milestone in their lives resonated deeply with me,” he said. “It was here that I realised my true calling, prompting me to pursue the CeMAP qualification.
“Returning to university for my final year, I completed the CeMAP course and soon received an offer to join Private Finance’s Academy. This academy takes aspiring brokers under its wing, providing comprehensive training to excel them into successful brokers.
“With my prior experience and CeMAP in hand, it didn’t take long before I was advising my own clients. Since then, there has been no looking back.”
Motivations to continue as a broker
According to Sykes, being a mortgage broker is a rewarding and multifaceted role, offering something new and exciting every day.
“It involves collaborating with many lenders to assist clients, often in unique and specialised situations,” he pointed out. “My clients are a diverse mix, ranging from city traders to yacht brokers, wholesale meat distributors, loo roll manufacturers, art collectors, multi-generational developers, and landlords who have built up 100 properties from a dream and a credit card.”
Sykes takes pride in structuring deals that require expert knowledge, navigating complexities such as wealth-based loans and applicants with unconventional income sources. He finds fulfillment in assisting clients who have faced significant obstacles and prior rejections from other brokers or banks.
Beyond client interactions, Sykes enjoys a unique privilege in his role – collaborating with the Press. Sharing insights and opinions on industry topics, he believes he actively contributes to steering the direction of the mortgage market.
“My work with the Press adds an extra rewarding layer to my work as I can help steer the direction of the mortgage market and make a real impact,” he explained.
Looking to the future
Expressing the views at Private Finance, Sykes aspires to become a leading voice and commentator in the finance and mortgage industry, actively influencing its trajectory.
He also aims to delve into more complex and challenging cases, expanding into the development and commercial space as the mortgage market evolves. Sykes also envisions continuing his commitment to helping individuals achieve their property aspirations.
“Our founding values remain at the core of everything we do as a business – to provide exceptional mortgage advice to private clients,” he concluded.
Are you a mortgage broker who also has a story to tell? Leave a comment in the discussion box at the bottom of the page, and you might get your story featured here too.
