“The sky’s the limit”
Becs McCallum and
Shayna King of Loan Market
Why they made the move to Loan Market and never looked back
For Becs McCallum (Loan Market McCallum & Co) and Shayna King (Loan Market South), a career in financial services was just the beginning - not the destination.
Becs came from banking, Shayna from insurance. Both had built solid careers. But once they stepped into the world of mortgage advice, something clicked - and neither has looked back since.
What drew them in? More impact. More flexibility. More control. And ultimately, more reward.
From sales to trusted adviser
For Shayna, the shift was immediate, and powerful.
“I spent a lot of my career in sales. But when you’re giving genuinely good advice, people recognise that quickly. They refer their friends and family - and before long, people are coming to you.”
Unlike traditional sales roles, where you're constantly chasing the next lead, mortgage advice flips the dynamic.
“It’s not about selling. People want your advice. They seek you out, and that’s a really good feeling. You know you’re making a difference.”
Becs echoes this, highlighting the deeper relationships advisers can build with clients over time - something that simply isn’t possible in more transactional roles.
Banker vs adviser: A world of difference
One of the biggest shifts? Choice.
“In the bank, you have one option - you have to fit clients into a box,” says Becs. “As an adviser, you’ve got access to 20+ lenders. You can tailor solutions and truly deliver the best outcome.”
For Shayna, it’s the creative problem-solving that stands out. “That’s the fun part. Figuring out how to make things work. The industry is always evolving, so you’re constantly learning and improving how you serve your clients.”
Starting out: What to expect
Both Becs and Shayna began in adviser support roles, building confidence and learning the ropes before stepping into advisory positions.
There’s also a financial transition to consider.
“It can take around 90 days to start generating income,” says Becs. “And up to a year to match your previous salary. But by year 2–3, you’re often doubling that.”
Her advice?
Build your referral network early
Have a clear business plan
Lean on mentors and support systems
If possible, create a financial buffer before making the move
“It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and not step back to plan. But having that clarity upfront makes a big difference.”
Shayna took a different route - buying into an existing business. “There was an upfront investment, but it gave me a platform to grow from.”
And the upside?
“The earning potential is significant. It really comes down to how you want to structure your business. You can build a team, scale up support, and focus more on client relationships. The sky’s the limit.”
Why Loan Market? Freedom to focus on clients
After a decade in financial services, Shayna knew exactly what she didn’t want. “I didn’t want to be bogged down with everything outside of working with clients.”
Loan Market offered a solution - handling the heavy lifting behind the scenes.
“They take care of compliance, marketing, websites… it frees you up to focus on what matters most. And being part of the largest adviser group in New Zealand gives you instant credibility with clients.”
For Becs, the appeal was the opportunity to grow her business within a Ray White office - leveraging strong referral networks and long-standing relationships. “Some of those relationships go back 11–12 years - they’re incredibly valuable.”
She describes Loan Market as “plug and play.” “The resources are all there. From a compliance and regulatory perspective, you feel supported and secure. But you also have the flexibility to shape your business your way.”
Building a business - and a life
Like any entrepreneurial path, the early days can be demanding.
Becs recalls long hours when she first started out as a solo adviser - especially before having a child. But over time, she’s built a team and created more balance.
“Growing the business and bringing in support has allowed me to spend more time with my family. That flexibility is huge.”
She’s also honest about the realities. “At the start, it all falls on you. It takes time to find that balance. But now, I’m in a position where I can support others coming into the industry, and help them achieve that balance sooner.”