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.

 

Share

Smart Strategies to Save for Your Down Payment

By Marci Deane • March 25, 2026
How to Start Saving for a Down Payment (Without Overhauling Your Life) Let’s face it—saving money isn’t always easy. Life is expensive, and setting aside extra cash takes discipline and a clear plan. Whether your goal is to buy your first home or make a move to something new, building up a down payment is one of the biggest financial hurdles. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone—and it might be simpler than you think. Step 1: Know Your Numbers Before you can start saving, you need to know where you stand. That means getting clear on two things: how much money you bring in and how much of it is going out. Figure out your monthly income. Use your net (after-tax) income, not your gross. If you’re self-employed or your income fluctuates, take an average over the last few months. Don’t forget to include occasional income like tax returns, bonuses, or government benefits. Track your spending. Go through your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements. List out your regular bills (rent, phone, groceries), then your extras (dining out, subscriptions, impulse buys). You might be surprised where your money’s going. This part isn’t always fun—but it’s empowering. You can’t change what you don’t see. Step 2: Create a Plan That Works for You Once you have the full picture, it’s time to make a plan. The basic formula for saving is simple: Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. But in real life, it’s more about small adjustments than major sacrifices. Cut what doesn’t matter. Cancel unused subscriptions or set a dining-out limit. Automate your savings. Set up a separate “down payment” account and auto-transfer money on payday—even if it’s just $50. Find ways to boost your income. Can you pick up a side job, sell unused stuff, or ask for a raise? Consistency matters more than big chunks. Start small and build momentum. Step 3: Think Bigger Than Just Saving A lot of people assume saving for a down payment is the first—and only—step toward buying a home. But there’s more to it. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at: Your income Your debt Your credit score Your down payment That means even while you’re saving, you can (and should) be doing things like: Building your credit score Paying down high-interest debt Gathering documents for pre-approval That’s where we come in. Step 4: Get Advice Early Saving up for a home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. In fact, talking to a mortgage professional early in the process can help you avoid missteps and reach your goal faster. We can: Help you calculate how much you actually need to save Offer tips to strengthen your application while you save Explore alternate down payment options (like gifts or programs for first-time buyers) Build a step-by-step plan to get you mortgage-ready Ready to get serious about buying a home? We’d love to help you build a plan that fits your life—and your goals. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure conversation.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — March 18, 2026

By Marci Deane • March 18, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. For anyone watching the mortgage market — whether you're renewing, purchasing, or simply keeping an eye on borrowing costs — here's a breakdown of what was announced and what it may mean for you.

Is Now the Right Time to Buy? A Look at Canada's 2026 Housing Market

By Marci Deane • March 17, 2026
For many Canadians, the dream of homeownership has felt like a moving target. After years of market volatility, shifting interest rates, and economic uncertainty, you might be wondering: is 2026 finally the year to make a move?