By Alastair Hoyne, CEO Finanze Group & Finanze Capital
Life has an extraordinary way of nudging us onto paths we never anticipated, often at precisely the moment we think we have everything figured out. My career journey is a prime example. In 2009, I left the UK for Hong Kong with a mixture of excitement and apprehension, ready to immerse myself in the high-stakes world of global markets at a leading investment bank. I started as a Senior Associate, hungry to learn, eager to prove myself and soon discovered that Asia’s fast-paced financial environment offered boundless opportunities. The region’s vibrant business culture, coupled with my drive to adapt, propelled me forward: within four years, I advanced to Director and onto Managing Director, taking on greater responsibilities and forging invaluable relationships across the Asia-Pacific region.
Yet, despite this momentum, life had another twist in store. In 2020, I returned to the UK for family reasons. I was armed with a decade of Asia-Pacific experience, a substantial leadership background and a proven track record in finance. Still, my re-entry into the British market was far from seamless. Prospective employers fixated on my international experience and not in a positive way. After 150 applications, it became clear that I needed to rethink my strategy. The roles I was seeking required an almost entirely new network and perhaps more importantly, a fresh perspective.
Swallowing my pride, I recalibrated my CV. I removed the lofty titles and downplayed my seniority in Asia. Eventually, I landed an Office Manager position at a mortgage brokerage, an unexpected pivot that many in my former circle might have considered a step down. But instead of feeling defeated, I chose to embrace this humbling opportunity. I fixed printers, handled administrative tasks and immersed myself in the detailed world of mortgage processing and client care. It was there that I saw a gap in the market: a need for a more transparent, solutions-driven and client-centric approach to mortgage services.
Inspired by this insight, I launched Finanze, my own brokerage. What began as a modest endeavour soon flourished into a multi-award-winning national firm, recognised for its innovation, customer service, and dedication to simplifying property finance. As the company grew, so did my ambitions. I expanded to include estate planning, consulting services, venture capital investments and lending solutions, aiming to offer clients a truly comprehensive suite of financial and business support under one umbrella.
My journey from a global banking role to humble Office Manager then onto founding an award-winning brokerage and group of companies has been equal parts challenging and exhilarating. And as the saying goes, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Embracing risk, leaning into uncertainty and recognising potential in the most unexpected places has shaped my path - and I wouldn’t change a thing.