Kat McInnes

Mortgage Adviser | FSP No. 744431
Squirrel Mortgages Ltd | FAP Licence No. 136364

Proudly recognised as one of New Zealand’s Top Mortgage Advisers 2025 by NZ Adviser (NZA).

With 20+ years in banking (Kiwibank, Westpac, and pretty much every role from teller to mobile mortgage manager), Kat knows residential lending inside out. She’s also a member of the FMA’s Financial Advice Regulatory Panel, and brings a bonus arts degree in Russian Political History — because why not? 

Kat loves good food but hates cooking. Her forever comfort combo? Sashimi… ideally with a glass of wine. Outside the office, she’s all about family time with her husband, daughter, and chaotic Labrador. Weekends usually mean caravan life at the beach, a good book, and learning to roller skate. She’s also quietly brilliant at cryptic crosswords and currently teaching herself piano. 

Kat specialises in first home buyers, construction lending and property investing.

Qualifications

NZ Certification in Financial Services.

How Kat is paid

Kat is a salaried adviser and is paid the same no matter which lender you choose, so there's no pressure or bias toward any particular option. At a company level, Squirrel is paid either upfront or through a combination of upfront and trail commissions by its lenders and insurance providers.

In most cases, her services are completely free, however there may be some occasions where she might need to charge a fee. For more information, please head to our mortgage advice disclosure page.

Kat's commitment to you

As a licensed financial adviser, Kat follows the rules set out by the Financial Markets Conduct Act and the Code of Professional Conduct. This means she must put your interests first, act with care, skill and diligence, be competent and ethical and treat you fairly. Kat has no relevant convictions, bankruptcies or disciplinary actions to disclose.

Squirrel Mortgages Limited holds a Financial Advice Provider Licence issued by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).

If you’re unhappy with the advice or service you receive and want to make a complaint, you can view our complaints process here.

Kat's profile was last updated: September 2025