Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
For Dean Naylor, a finance specialist at Infinity Group Australia, success in the mortgage broking sector hasn’t happened because of a rigid career blueprint – it’s been the product of chance encounters, bold decisions and meaningful mentorships.
“I was hired in my first ever mortgage role and progressed internally from there,” he reflects. That spontaneous start eventually led him to his current position – the only role he applied for after his first – where he’s continued to grow and thrive, once again earning promotion. “I’ve been extremely fortunate to stumble into a series of great mentors and influences with both roles I’ve had.”
Naylor’s journey has been marked not just by professional advancement but personal growth. “Better time management and people skills have helped me handle stress, prioritise better and ultimately become more effective in every area of my role,” he explains. It’s this evolution that underpins the calm competence he brings to clients and the team.
At the core of his approach is a combination of empathy and strategic thinking. “I believe deeply in understanding both the human and business side of any decision,” he shares. That mindset allows him to build long-term trust with clients and to lead teams with clarity. But growth comes with its own challenges – chief among them is ensuring others feel seen and heard. “As you grow, people still default to you as the ‘face’ of the team,” he adds. “It’s a challenge to shift that focus and let clients know they have a great team behind them, not just one person.”
In a field where service quality can outweigh even revenue in importance, Naylor has distinguished himself by putting people before processes. “The best advice I got was ‘Do it for the client, not for you.’ That changed everything for me, from focusing on just getting the work done to making sure everyone feels heard.” That people-first mantra has paid off as his business thrives purely on referrals, a testament to the loyalty he earns through his personalised and transparent approach.
Listening forms the foundation of his client interactions. “Ninety percent of the first meeting is about understanding who the client is and what their goals are. Mortgage specifics rarely even come up at that stage,” he adds.
By aligning himself with their broader life ambitions, Naylor delivers not just tailored lending solutions but peace of mind. From managing expectations to consistent follow-ups, he sees the journey as more than a transaction; it’s a relationship.
Specialising in working with first home buyers and property investors, Naylor excels at loan structuring that reflects each client’s unique objectives. Whether it’s unlocking equity or navigating the emotional rollercoaster of buying a first home, he brings patience, clarity and foresight to every step of the process.
“My philosophy is simple,” he says. “Do the whole job. It’s intense, but it eliminates complaints and ensures clients walk away genuinely satisfied.”
96 Eugaree St, Southport, Qld 4215
0498 351 410
dean.naylor@infinity.com.au
linkedin.com/in/dean-naylor-a39624103
infinity.com.au
Dean Naylor
Finance Strategist
Infinity Group Australia
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
2020–2021
2021–2022
Present
Present
Present
Loan Processor at Jade Finance
2020–2021
Broker Support at Mortgage Choice Bundall/Springwood
2021–2022
Mortgage Broker at Mortgage Choice Bundall/Springwood
Awarded for the highest value of loans settled by a broker in their first 12 months at Mortgage Choice
2022–2023
Mortgage Broker at Infinity Group Australia since 2023
Maintained a reputation for excellence with over 70 5-star reviews on RateMyAgent
Nominated for the Rising Star AMA Award
Present
Principal at Plumpton High School since 2014
Present
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.