Broker in Focus: Katherine Stagg, of Stagg Mortgage Services, moved from banking into advice to help people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives
Broker in Focus is a dedicated series that highlights the unique journeys of mortgage brokers, providing them with a platform to share their experiences, insights, and expertise. Through compelling personal stories and professional reflections, each featured broker recounts the key moments that have shaped their careers, delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today, and shares the valuable wisdom they have gained along the way.
In this week's edition, Mortgage Introducer is featuring Katherine Stagg (pictured top), founder and managing director at Stagg Mortgage Services, who has spent more than two decades building a career defined by empathy, technical expertise, and a firm belief that broking is as much about human connection as it is about numbers.
Based in Sheffield, Stagg established her values-driven brokerage after beginning in banking, drawn to roles where she could guide clients through major life decisions. In the interview below, she reflects on the professionalisation of the industry, the challenges posed by rate volatility and Consumer Duty, and the enduring lesson that real-world underwriting requires brokers to present the human context behind every case.
Full name: Katherine Stagg
Job title: Founder and managing director
Company: Stagg Mortgage Services
Number of years in the industry: 25
Location: Sheffield
How and when did you become a mortgage broker?
I moved into mortgage advice just over 20 years ago, after beginning my career in financial services within the banking sector. I'd always gravitated towards roles where I could support people through major life decisions, and broking offered the perfect blend of technical expertise and human connection.
Over time, that passion led me to establish Stagg Mortgage Services, a values-driven brokerage built on clarity, care, and long-term client support. It's been an incredibly rewarding journey, and one I'm proud to continue shaping.
In your opinion, what has been the most positive development in broking?
The biggest positive shift has been the professionalisation of the industry, through stronger regulatory frameworks, better training pathways, and more emphasis on quality advice.
Technology has also transformed the landscape. Smarter affordability tools, improved case tracking systems, and better communication platforms have freed advisers to spend more time advising and less time on admin.
I'd also highlight the rise of wellbeing and mental health awareness within the industry. Seeing brokers support each other, share best practice, and prioritise sustainable working cultures has been a hugely welcome development.
What challenges do you see currently facing the industry, and what solutions would you propose?
Key challenges include affordability pressures driven by rate volatility and cost-of-living strain, increasingly complex client circumstances with more people needing specialist solutions, regulatory expectations around Consumer Duty, vulnerability and long-term resilience, and inconsistent technology adoption across lenders.
On solutions, there is a need for greater transparency and alignment in affordability models, continued investment in specialist lending to reflect real-world client needs, and collaborative work between brokers, lenders, and regulators to ensure Consumer Duty is applied proportionately. Smarter use of AI and automation could reduce admin while keeping human judgement central, alongside an industry-wide focus on wellbeing and sustainable workloads.
Can you share a memorable or challenging experience from your career as a broker and the lessons you gained from it?
One memorable case involved a young client who was repeatedly declined due to thin credit and non-traditional income. It required patience, education, and careful packaging, but we eventually secured a mortgage with a lender willing to understand the full story.
The lesson was simple: real-world underwriting matters, and brokers play a vital role in presenting the human context behind the numbers. It reinforced the importance of empathy, persistence, and clear communication — principles I now embed across my team.
Could you share any valuable advice for individuals aspiring to become brokers or those new to broking?
Mastering the fundamentals — criteria, affordability, protection, and compliance — is essential. Staying curious is equally important, as the industry evolves quickly. Building strong relationships also pays dividends, as your network becomes one of your greatest assets.
Leading with empathy matters too, since clients remember how you make them feel. Finally, prioritising wellbeing and developing sustainable habits are essential in a demanding profession.
Broker in Focus is a weekly Mortgage Introducer feature, spotlighting mortgage brokers from diverse backgrounds and locations across the UK. Among those recently featured are Jeni Browne of Mortgage Finance Brokers, Emily Franks of Emily's Mortgage Services, Max Harris of Bright Box Financial Services, Matthew Jackson of Mint FS, Helen May Allman of Home Me Mortgages, Kane Powell of Heron Financial, Marcus Robinson of Mortgage Style, Natalie Hines of Premier One Mortgages, Joe Stallard of House and Holiday Home Mortgages, and Sam Ewen of Rosehill Financial Services.
Are you a mortgage broker interested in being featured? Email the author with your details.
