Who Are The Top Broker Lenders?

Marci • March 28, 2017

There’s no doubt that you know the names of the major chartered banks in Canada, it’s hard to avoid them. There’s no need to even list them here, with the millions upon millions they spend in advertising dollars, you know who the are. But how many of the top ten broker channel lenders could you name? Probably not that many, and that’s okay.

You see, where the big banks spend a crazy amount of money building awareness for their brands (thus increasing the cost of their products), broker channel lenders rely on independent mortgage professionals to distribute their mortgage products. Products that are more flexible for the consumer, priced more favourably, and have no hidden clauses or malicious fine print. Instead of relying on brand loyalty to earn and keep your business, broker channel lenders rely on the merits of their products. This is a really good thing for you! 

One question that is often asked is, “Are broker channel lenders safe? I mean, I’ve never heard of this lender before”. Here is the simple answer. Yes. Mortgage lending in Canada is highly regulated, and any lender that is represented through the broker channel has been properly vetted, and is legally allowed to lend you money. You have nothing to worry about when it comes to security, besides, you have their money, they don’t have yours! 

So, in an effort to bring awareness to some of the broker channel’s top lenders, let’s have a look at Canadian Mortgage Trends, a publication of Mortgage Professionals Canada  and their release “Broker Lender Market Share Q4 2016” originally published on March 14th 2017, which goes through the top ten broker channel lenders, and how much business they write as a percentage of the overall industry.

Have a look through the list, how many of these lenders do you recognize? These are the real players providing Canadians with choice on the path to homeownership! 

If you would like to discuss your mortgage options, please contact me anytime! 

Broker Lender Market Share Q4 2016

Mortgage volumes in the broker channel continued to grow in the fourth quarter. D+H data reportedly confirms that brokers did 12% more business in Q4, versus the same period last year. 

Some of that business was an attempt by borrowers to beat the government’s mortgage rule changes. Those policies came into effect on October 17, 2016 (new high-ratio insurance restrictions), November 30, 2016 (new low-ratio insurance restrictions) and January 1, 2017 (new insurer capital requirements).

But these weren’t the only headlines last quarter.

The top 10 broker channel lenders now account for a whopping 87.1% of broker volume, as of Dec. 31, 2016. That’s the highest ratio we’ve ever seen since CMT began tracking this data in 2010.

And that trend may be here to stay. Large lenders have an edge that’s more vital than ever: more funding options. Smaller non-balance sheet lenders are now under the gun, given the Finance Department’s policy rampage against mortgage competition.

What everyone wants to know now is, how will Q1 play out? Anecdotally, most non-bank lenders and brokers we query have seen business drop roughly 15-20% year-over-year. There are exceptions, of course, banks being one of them. Most expect Scotiabank and TD to light it up in calendar Q1 as they’re among the most cost effective options now for uninsurable mortgages.

 

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What Older Canadians Should Know About Mortgage Financing

By Marci Deane • August 26, 2026
Retirement doesn’t always mean a mortgage-free life anymore. And that’s okay. Between higher home prices, rising living costs, and longer life expectancy, many Canadians are choosing to retire with a mortgage or refinance later in life to create more flexibility. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s having options that actually support the life you want to live. If you’re thinking about how a mortgage fits into your retirement years, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Why work with an independent mortgage professional? Because retirement financing is not one-size-fits-all. Unlike a single bank, an independent mortgage professional can look across multiple lenders and solutions to find what truly fits your income, equity, and long-term plans—not just what one institution offers. Mortgage options available in retirement Traditional Mortgage Solutions Many retirees still qualify for standard mortgages. Pension income, investment income, and other retirement sources can often be used to support an application. If you have good equity and solid credit, this is often the lowest-cost option. Reverse Mortgages For homeowners 55+, a reverse mortgage can unlock tax-free equity from your home with no monthly payments required. There’s no income verification or medical questions, making it a helpful option for those who want to improve cash flow while staying in their home. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A HELOC allows you to access your home equity as needed and only pay interest on what you use. Many retirees appreciate the flexibility and like consolidating income and expenses in one place. Private Financing Sometimes life throws a curveball. If timing, income, or credit create challenges, private financing can act as a short-term bridge. It’s not usually the first choice, but it can provide solutions when traditional lenders can’t. If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering how your mortgage fits into the picture, let’s talk. A clear plan can make retirement feel a lot more secure and a lot less stressful.

What Online Mortgage Calculators Can—and Can’t—Tell You

By Marci Deane • August 19, 2026
What Online Mortgage Calculators Can—and Can’t—Tell You Online mortgage calculators are everywhere—and on the surface, they seem like a no-brainer. You plug in some numbers, and out pops what you can “afford.” Simple, right? Not quite. While the math itself is correct, the story behind those numbers is often misleading. Mortgage qualification isn’t just about numbers—it’s about context, risk, and lender policy. And that’s where calculators fall short. The Numbers Are Accurate—but the Picture Isn’t An online calculator can show you what a payment might look like at a given interest rate, or how making extra payments could reduce your amortization. That’s useful information! But when it comes to mortgage qualification , calculators don’t account for the many variables that lenders consider, such as: Your credit history and score Employment type (salary, self-employed, contract) Outstanding debts and monthly obligations Assets, savings, and down payment source The property type and location you’re buying Lenders evaluate all these factors through their internal risk models. That means two people entering the exact same numbers into a calculator could receive very different results when they actually apply for a mortgage. Why Online Calculators Can Mislead You When you see a “How much can I afford?” or “Mortgage Qualification” calculator online, it’s easy to treat the result as fact. But these tools don’t know your financial story—they only crunch the data you enter. A calculator can’t predict how a lender views your risk, how new mortgage rules apply to your file, or how things like spousal support, car loans, or variable income will impact approval. In short: calculators estimate payments, not qualification . Use Calculators the Right Way Don’t get us wrong—online calculators still have value. Use them to explore different “what-if” scenarios: How do payments change with different down payment amounts? How would a rate increase affect affordability? What if you added $100 a month to your payments? These tools are great for helping you understand your comfort zone. Just remember: they’re a starting point, not a green light. The Real First Step: Get a Pre-Approval If you’re serious about buying a home, skip the guesswork and get a mortgage pre-approval . It’s quick, free, and gives you real-world clarity on what you can afford. A pre-approval looks at your full financial picture—income, credit, debts, assets—and provides a framework for your purchase price, payment range, and rate options. It’s the only way to get a reliable answer to the question, “What can I really afford?” Final Thoughts Online calculators are convenient, but they can’t replace expert advice. Think of them as a starting point, not a solution. A professional mortgage broker can interpret the numbers, navigate lender policies, and tailor your financing strategy to your actual situation. If you’d like help understanding your true buying power—or want to get pre-approved with confidence— reach out anytime . I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you make sense of the numbers.

Going Through a Divorce? Don’t Let Your Credit Take the Hit

By Marci Deane • August 12, 2026
Going Through a Divorce? Don’t Let Your Credit Take the Hit Divorce is stressful enough without adding financial fallout to the mix. Between lawyers, paperwork, and emotional strain, it’s easy to overlook how a separation can impact your credit. But your financial future depends on protecting it now—because long after the dust settles, a damaged credit score can linger. Here are a few smart steps to help keep your credit strong and your finances steady as you move forward. 1. Take Control of Joint Debts When it comes to joint debt, both parties are equally responsible—no matter what your divorce agreement says. If your ex misses a payment on an account with your name attached, your credit takes the hit too. Go through all joint credit cards, loans, and lines of credit. Wherever possible: Close joint accounts to stop future shared use. Transfer balances to the person responsible for repayment. Notify lenders in writing of any changes to account ownership. Once everything is updated, pull your credit report after three to six months to confirm all joint accounts have been closed and reporting correctly. Mistakes happen—stay proactive to prevent surprises later. 2. Open Your Own Bank Accounts Separation means financial independence, and that starts with your own banking. Open a new chequing account in your name only and redirect your pay deposits and bill payments there. At the same time, close any joint bank accounts and change passwords on existing online banking and credit profiles. Even in peaceful separations, shared access can cause confusion—or conflict. Protect yourself by ensuring your money and information are secure. 3. Start Building Credit in Your Name If most of your past credit was tied to your spouse’s name, now’s the time to establish your own. Apply for a small personal credit card or secured credit product . Use it sparingly and pay it off in full each month. This helps you build a solid individual credit history, setting the stage for future goals like buying a home, refinancing, or starting fresh financially. 4. Keep an Eye on Your Credit Monitor your credit report regularly for errors or unexpected changes. You can request free reports from both major credit bureaus in Canada— Equifax and TransUnion —once a year. Tracking your credit isn’t just about catching mistakes; it helps you see your progress as you rebuild your financial independence. Final Thoughts Divorce can be emotionally draining, but protecting your credit doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking a few careful steps now—closing joint accounts, building credit in your name, and monitoring your reports—you’ll safeguard your financial health and gain peace of mind as you start your next chapter. If you’d like personalized guidance on managing credit during or after a divorce, reach out anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through your options.