How I became a broker – Justin Moy's story

He's been drawn to the finance sector from the beginning

How I became a broker – Justin Moy's story

Justin Moy’s story, spanning over three decades and counting, offers a glimpse into the dedication and adaptability required to thrive in the mortgage advice industry. Now the managing director of Essex-based EHF Mortgages, Moy (pictured) provided Mortgage Introducer with insights into his experiences, sharing what drives him in his role, and the things that he is looking forward to as he continues his career as a mortgage broker.

Getting into the industry

Having had a quick glimpse into the world of banking while on work experience back in the late ‘80s, Moy found the finance sector particularly appealing. So, to kick off his career, he joined a high street bank in 1992 on an accelerated scheme, pushing him quickly from the back office to the front desks.

“Quite by chance, in 1994, an opportunity to work in Brentwood High Street as a mortgage adviser came along, as there had been some staff suspended and long-term sick,” Moy recalled. “Left with just a filing cabinet, a book, and my own desk, I started my 30-year journey into mortgages.

“Those were the days of 9.75% seven-year fixed mortgages, with compulsory endowments and life cover, when we approved the mortgages in-branch, via a regular chat with my line manager who was quite happy to help but always kept an eye on targets. Many we declined on a Friday but managed to approve the following Monday!”

His career trajectory took a notable turn as he transitioned to a financial adviser role, achieving both CeMAP and CeFA certifications by 1999. This period marked his ascent to regional mortgage manager, a role that placed him at the forefront of regulatory changes within the banking sector.

Eventually, he ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding a mortgage brokerage in 2007.

Motivations to continue as a broker

“Nothing takes away the warm feeling of help and support, building relationships over time both with clients and within the industry,” Moy said when asked about what motivates him. “We celebrate success with clients, and we share disappointment when cases don’t go the way they want.”

The changing landscape of the mortgage market, with its ever increasing complexities, also fuels Moy’s drive to innovate and excel.

“Over time, the challenges get harder, you become more motivated to tackle them and be a success,” he explained. “I’m not sure I could easily fit back into the employed world after 16 years of self-employment, so it is important to find the good in what we do, have a purpose, and keep being positive through the tough times.

“Having a great network of support around is really important to maintain that motivation too.

Looking to the future

Looking ahead, Moy outlined ambitious goals for both his career and EHF Mortgages.

“After a couple of false starts over COVID, growing my adviser team would be a great way to move forward in 2024,” he said. “This will allow us to spend more time talking to more clients about how we can help, as well as taking some pressure off me to do everything!”

This strategic direction is not solely driven by financial aspirations, but also by a desire to leverage his extensive experience for greater impact.

“It’s time to consider what does success look like - it’s not always financially motivated, but finding ways to use my 30 years in mortgages and financial services in better ways,” Moy said.

As he contemplates the future, Moy is aiming for a legacy that reflects a lifetime of dedication to the mortgage industry.

Are you a mortgage broker who also has a story to tell? Leave a comment in the discussion box at the bottom of the page, and you might get your story featured here too.