The woman behind the brand: Meet Claire McArthur
Your lending wingwoman, your biggest cheerleader – who is the Claire behind Claire McArthur Mortgages?
A better way to support people
After ten years in big bank business and commercial lending, Claire knew she loved the work but felt like there was a better way for her to work with clients. “Working closely with people to achieve their lifestyle and business goals was where I wanted to be,” says Claire. “First home buyers and small businesses often need more support than they are able to get from banks.”
She believed it was important people understood the process, knew what they were getting into, and the longer term implications of the choices they had to make. This approach resonated with people, and since 2018 Claire McArthur Mortgages has grown organically, with clients who readily recommend her services and continue working with her as their lives and businesses change.
A new adventure
Claire was content to focus on her business, her “first baby”, but was delighted when she found she would be adding Mum to her list of roles. With her partner Michael, she welcomed baby Cora in October 2025.
“She is so adored! Having a child is life changing, and while we’ve been finding our way and learning to balance everything, it’s given me a new perspective on my business and a new understanding of my clients.”
Claire with her husband Michael and daughter Cora.
Claire always valued family, but understanding what drove parents in their goals and financial decisions as a service provider was different to learning through her own experience. “Intellectually, I knew it was hard, but now I understand the pressures of juggling children and relationships, jobs and home and childcare, all while wanting to be good parents every day – with an eye on legacy and that responsibility for their financial future.”
Cora’s impending arrival also made her reconsider how she wanted to run her business.
Driven to best support her clients, she thought it made sense to merge with another provider to expand the services she could offer. Once Cora arrived however, and the changes in her own life brought a fresh perspective on how her time, focus and energy were spent, she realised the agility of operating independently as Claire McArthur Mortgages meant she could fully focus on meeting the needs of clients, while also having the flexibility she wanted for her family. It was also more in line with the type of employer she wanted to be.
“I think you can offer an exceptional, efficient service, and still be there for school assembly or daycare pick up. I’ve chosen to operate in a way that makes this possible not only for me, but Aliesha as well.”
The positive, collaborative relationships Claire has built throughout the industry mean her clients have access to a full suite of support, and she can refer them to the right provider for each step of their journey.
Where to next?
Claire has lost count of the successful home loans that have crossed her desk, and is grateful she still enjoys her work so much. “I love working with clients all over New Zealand, but there is something special about working with local people - when they tell you where they are looking at a home and you know the street, the school and the local cafe they will be able to walk to, there is this lovely sense of connection and community.”
With the support of Aliesha as an associate advisor, Claire is able to offer more business and commercial support to her clients, helping them explore non-bank lending options to finance asset or investment purchases. “Small businesses are often overlooked by the bigger lenders. It is a space I love working in and where I can make a real difference to people’s lives, businesses and financial outcomes.”
Accredited KiwiSaver advisors, Claire and Aliesha also help clients maximise their retirement or first home deposit savings, and find the service complements their long term approach to client relationships.