Meet Christine Ong: Head of Credit and Lending at Specialist Broking
Christine Ong, Head of Credit and Lending at Specialist Broking.
Christine’s path into finance began in an unexpected place. She originally trained as an Occupational Therapist, which gives her a rare ability to understand how financial decisions affect a person’s day-to-day life. It is one of the reasons she connects so naturally with medical clients and brings such clarity to complex lending decisions.
Since joining Specialist Broking in mid 2025, Christine has strengthened the credit function with deep experience from Pepper Money UK, Resimac and more than a decade leading large onshore and offshore lending teams. Here is a closer look at her perspective as we head into 2026.
🌍 Market Experience and Lending Perspective
What do you see as the most underrated part of the loan processing journey?
One of the most underrated parts of the loan processing journey is the amount of coordination and problem solving that happens behind the scenes. People often think it is just ticking boxes, but there are so many nuances, especially when you are managing offshore teams across different time zones and dealing with lenders that all operate differently.
Whether it is chasing down missing documents, interpreting policy changes or keeping the pipeline moving, the middle part of the process is where deals are often made or lost. It is not flashy, but it is where outcomes are decided.
Kind words from our investor clients.
How do you see brokers adapting in 2026 given the pressures on affordability?
With affordability still tight and clients expecting more clarity and transparency, 2026 is pushing brokers to be more strategic. Many brokers are investing in admin support so they can spend more time guiding clients through decisions rather than doing paperwork.
Refinancing remains strong and there is a bigger focus on making lending less overwhelming. Technology is helping streamline the journey, but the human connection is still the difference. Clients want expertise with empathy, especially when conditions shift quickly.
💼 Joining the team
Kind words from our business owner clients.
What attracted you to Specialist Broking?
The strong alignment between Specialist Broking’s purpose and my own values is what drew me in. I have always believed finance should be inclusive. Specialist lending allows me to help people who do not fit the standard mould find real, workable solutions, whether they are self employed, credit impaired or dealing with complex property scenarios.
It is rewarding to work in a space where deep expertise and genuine care come together to make a meaningful difference.
What stood out in your first months with the team?
The culture. There is a shared commitment to high quality work and strong collaboration. I enjoyed stepping into a team where ideas are valued and everyone brings something different to the table. Being able to contribute from day one felt energising.
💡 Experience and Insight
Kind words from our first home buyers.
What do clients and brokers often underestimate about the back end of mortgage approvals?
Many people underestimate how much work happens after the application is submitted. When lenders ask for more documents, it can feel frustrating, but it usually means they are trying to find a way to make the deal work rather than decline it.
Behind the scenes, processors and assessors are navigating complex rules and building the strongest case to push the loan through. That back and forth is often what turns a borderline deal into a successful settlement.
🌐 Industry and Digital Shifts
How do digital tools change the broker’s role in 2026?
Digital tools and credit technology have reduced a lot of the manual work. That allows brokers to focus on what matters most, which is guiding clients through decisions and helping them understand their options. Technology supports the process, but it does not replace the human element. If anything, it creates more space for it.
✨ Flip the coin
If you were not working in finance and operations, what would you be doing?
I would probably be working as an Occupational Therapist for children with special needs, which is what I studied originally. Supporting kids to thrive in their daily lives has always been close to my heart. It is a career that blends compassion, creativity and purpose.
Start the year aligned, clear and ahead of the curve.
