Our Team
Check out the team at Blackfish Finance and get in touch with a qualified Mortgage Broker today.
Rated 5 from 349 Reviews
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Rated 5 from 349 Reviews
Director, Blackfish Finance & Blackfish Financial Planning
Leah Busby is the founder and Director of Blackfish Finance and Blackfish Financial Planning, operating from Glenelg in South Australia. With more than two decades of experience across the finance sector, she has established a strong reputation for delivering well-rounded financial services that focus on achieving meaningful outcomes for her clients.
Recognised as one of Adelaide’s leading mortgage brokers, Leah has earned multiple awards that highlight her depth of knowledge, dedication to high-quality service, and commitment to supporting clients through key financial decisions.
Under her guidance, Blackfish Finance has expanded steadily through positive word-of-mouth. The business is widely respected for its client-first approach, long-term relationship building, and support through major life stages—from buying a first home to planning future investments.
Leah is also known for championing diversity and inclusion within the finance community. A former State Councillor for the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) for five years, she continues to contribute through the MFAA Community Panel, helping shape initiatives that foster broader representation and better industry standards.
Leah and the Blackfish team have received state and national accolades for both industry performance and customer service every year since the business began.
Senior Credit Manager
Shaba holds a dual role at Blackfish, working closely with Leah in both roles. She is Senior Credit Manager working in our Credit team doing pre-assessment on our client files, researching lender options for clients; as well as working alongside Leah in an Ops Management role.
With over a decade of experience in mortgage broking, loan structuring, and financial operations, Shaba brings both strategic oversight and hands-on expertise to Blackfish Finance. In her dual role, she ensures the business runs seamlessly while guiding clients through the lending process with clarity and care.
As Service Operations Manager, Shaba leads process improvements and streamlines workflows, ensuring our clients receive a smooth and consistent experience from application to settlement. As a Mortgage Broker, she works closely with clients to understand their goals, structure tailored lending solutions, and deliver outcomes that support their long-term financial success.
Shaba holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Finance & Banking) and a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking. Known for her reliability and results-driven approach, she has been recognised with industry awards such as the HLE Customer Satisfaction Award. Her strong knowledge of compliance and systems ensures clients enjoy a stress-free finance journey backed by precision and professionalism.
Credit Manager
Sija is Credit Manager here at Blackfish working closely with Leah in the Credit team doing pre-assessment on our client files, researching lender options and criteria for clients.
With over six years of experience in the mortgage industry, Sija specialises in helping clients navigate complex lending scenarios with confidence and clarity. As a Credit Manager at Blackfish Finance, she assesses financial situations, structures tailored solutions, and develops strategic plans that align with each client’s unique goals.
Her expertise covers guarantor loans, bridging finance, and solutions for self-employed clients and SMSF lending, —areas where careful structuring makes all the difference. Known for her precision and client-first approach, Sija works with Leah to ensures every recommendation is backed by thorough analysis and a clear path to the best possible financial outcome.
Sija’s professionalism has been recognised through multiple industry awards, including the Leading the Way Award, the Emerging Leader Award, and the Customer Experience Award. She holds a Master of Professional Accounting, a Bachelor of Business Administration (Finance & Banking), and a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking.
Passionate about helping clients achieve lasting financial success, Sija combines technical expertise with genuine care, building long-term relationships founded on trust and results.
Loan Manager
Nickii is our Loan Manager, playing a key role in supporting clients throughout their lending journey from application through to settlement. With a strong focus on client care and attention to detail, she ensures every stage of the process runs smoothly, keeping clients informed and supported every step of the way.
Nickii joined Blackfish Finance as part of our growing client services team and quickly became a valued member of the business. Her organised approach, excellent communication skills, and commitment to delivering outstanding service help create a positive experience for both clients and lending partners.
In her role, Nickii becomes the primary point of contact once an application has been signed, coordinating with lenders, solicitors, and clients to ensure a seamless path to settlement. She also supports Leah, our Director, by managing her diary and helping maintain strong client relationships throughout the finance journey. Known for her reliability and client-first approach, Nickii takes pride in making the lending process as stress-free as possible and loves celebrating the exciting moment when clients receive the keys to their new home.
Credit Manager
Angela is our Credit Manager, playing a key role in supporting our brokers and clients throughout the loan application process. She assists with servicing calculations, income assessments, product comparisons, and lending strategies, helping ensure each loan solution is tailored to our clients' needs and goals.
Angela joined Blackfish Finance in 2025, bringing extensive experience in loan support and application management. Her strong understanding of lending processes, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence have made her a valuable member of our credit team. She is passionate about delivering high-quality support and helping clients achieve a smooth lending experience.
In her role, Angela prepares and manages loan applications from start to finish, ensuring every stage is completed accurately and efficiently. Known for her reliability, professional communication, and thorough approach, she works closely with our brokers and lenders to keep applications progressing smoothly and deliver the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Credit Assistant
Haron is our Credit Assistant, playing a key role in helping clients through
the loan application process. He works closely with our clients to collect and manage all required documentation, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and up to date. His attention to detail helps ensure every loan application is prepared correctly and submitted with precision, giving clients the best possible experience from start to finish.
Haron joined Blackfish Finance in 2024 after building a strong background in broker customer service. His experience and dedication to client support make him an invaluable part of our team. By working closely with clients and our credit team, he helps keep applications on track and ensures nothing is overlooked throughout the process.
Known for his organised approach and commitment to excellence, Haron takes the stress out of document collection and application management. His focus on accuracy and clear communication helps create a smooth, efficient lending journey for our clients, allowing the Blackfish Finance team to deliver outstanding results every time.
Credit Assistant
Johannah is our Credit Assistant, dedicated to making the loan application process as smooth and comfortable as possible for our clients. She works closely with clients to collect and manage the documentation required for their application, ensuring everything is accurate, up to date, and ready for assessment. With a client-first approach, Johannah focuses on reducing stress and providing support every step of the way.
Johannah joined Blackfish Finance in 2026 and has quickly become a valued member of the team. She brings a strong growth mindset to her role, always looking for ways to learn, improve processes, and enhance the client experience. Passionate about delivering exceptional service, she works closely with clients and our credit team to ensure applications progress efficiently and accurately.
Known for her friendly nature, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence, Johannah takes pride in building positive relationships with clients. Her focus on client comfort, clear communication, and continuous development helps create a seamless lending experience, ensuring every client feels informed, supported, and confident throughout their journey with Blackfish Finance.
Customer Service Specialist
Hannah is our Customer Service Specialist, working closely with clients post-settlement to ensure their new loan is set up correctly and everything is in place for a smooth transition. She also supports Leah, our Director, with annual loan reviews, helping clients stay informed about their loan options, interest rates, and opportunities to improve their lending outcomes.
Hannah joined Blackfish Finance in 2026, bringing a strong background in administration, customer service, and financial record management. While new to the mortgage and finance industry, she has quickly become a valued member of the team thanks to her ability to learn fast, adapt to new challenges, and deliver exceptional support to clients. Her experience managing sensitive information, maintaining accurate records, and providing outstanding customer service enables her to deliver a seamless and professional experience.
Known for her swift approach, attention to detail, and genuine commitment to client care, Hannah ensures every client feels comfortable, informed, and supported throughout their journey. She takes pride in building strong relationships and making complex processes feel simple and stress-free. Her dedication to continuous growth and delivering exceptional service makes her an important part of the Blackfish Finance team.
Client Services :: Loan review
Marve is our Loan Review Specialist, managing loan reviews for clients across the entire Blackfish Finance team. Working closely with Leah, she helps ensure clients stay informed about their current interest rates, lending options, and opportunities to improve their financial position.
Marve joined Blackfish Finance in October 2023, bringing a strong background in customer service and a keen attention to detail. Originally trained and licensed as a teacher, she later pursued a career in client services, where she developed a passion for building relationships and delivering exceptional support.
As our Client Services :: Loan Review Specialist, Marve plays a vital role in delivering the ongoing service Blackfish Finance is known for. She is dedicated to ensuring every client feels supported throughout their financial journey, not just at settlement. Through regular reviews, proactive communication, and a commitment to exceptional client care, Marve helps clients stay on track with their goals while ensuring their lending remains competitive and aligned with their changing needs. Her work is central to the long-term relationships and proactive service that set Blackfish Finance apart.
Director & Financial Planner
Matthew Illana has over 20 years’ experience in financial services, beginning in business banking before moving into financial planning in 2006. He progressed through client services and para-planning roles before becoming a financial adviser in 2008. After working with both major banks and boutique firms, Matt founded his own brand MJI Wealth in 2017 joined Leah in Blackfish Financial Planning in 2019 as Co-Director and Senior Financial Planner.
Our practice operates within a network of professionals offering integrated services across financial planning, tax, accounting, mortgage broking, and estate planning.
Matt advises clients on all aspects of financial planning, including risk protection, wealth creation, superannuation, SMSFs, retirement planning, Centrelink, estate planning, and cash flow management. He focuses on building long-term relationships and tailoring strategies to each client’s goals.
He holds a Bachelor of Banking and International Finance (Flinders University, 2005), a Postgraduate Diploma of Financial Planning (FINSIA, 2008), and specialist accreditations in Derivatives (2008) and SMSFs (2013).
Client Services Manager
Zoe joined Blackfish Financial Planning in 2024 as Client Services Manager, bringing over 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry. She plays a key role in overseeing workflow and ensuring the practice runs efficiently, so clients receive seamless, accurate, and timely support throughout their financial journey.
Zoe is dedicated to providing ongoing client support and ensuring that advice is implemented precisely, helping clients achieve their financial goals with confidence and clarity.
Client Services Manager
Sam joined the team in March 2025, bringing over 15 years of experience in the financial planning industry with a specialisation in Risk Insurance. She plays a vital role in supporting clients and ensuring that advice is implemented smoothly and accurately, helping clients achieve their financial goals with confidence.
Holding a Diploma of Financial Planning, Sam combines deep industry knowledge with a client-first approach, making sure every step of the process is seamless and stress-free.
Client Service Officer
Sarah joined team in 2022 and plays an essential role in ensuring clients receive a seamless experience behind the scenes. With a Bachelor of Commerce and Business and a Diploma in Project Management, she brings strong organisational and financial skills from her background in banking, payroll, and finance.
While new to financial planning, Sarah’s focus is on delivering exceptional service and supporting the team so clients can feel confident and cared for at every stage of their journey. Her attention to detail and commitment to outcomes make her a valuable part of the Blackfish team.
DF
Dannielle Fisher
Leah and her Team were absolutely fantastic, this is the second time I have worked with Blackfish. Both situations ending a great result I highly recommend Blackfish
MM
Michelle Mayger
Leah Busby and her team at Blackfish finance, Shaba, Nickii and Haron provided an amazing service, They listened to what I required, which was moderately complicated and delivered the best options. They also made last minute changes to get the numbers to work. Nothing was too difficult and they were prompt to answer all my questions and make the appropriate changes. Highly recomend.
JS
Jason Seebaluck
Leah and the team at Blackfish are nothing short of incredible. The complex process of buying a house was made easy. Clear explanations, frequent touch points, and friendly staff. Leah and the team helped us get our first mortgage and couldn’t be happier with Blackfishes services.
First-time home buyers often find the property purchase process overwhelming, and at Blackfish Finance, we provide guidance throughout your journey to homeownership. We start by assessing your financial position and explaining how much you might be able to borrow, helping you understand deposit requirements and associated costs like stamp duty and legal fees. We'll explain different loan features and help you understand which options suit your circumstances, whether that's principal and interest or interest-only payments, fixed or variable rates, or offset account facilities. Many first-time buyers aren't aware of government schemes and grants available to them, so we'll identify any concessions or assistance programs you might be eligible for. We also coordinate with other professionals involved in your purchase, such as solicitors and property inspectors, to ensure all aspects of your transaction proceed smoothly. Our role extends beyond just arranging finance - we're here to educate and support you through this significant financial decision.
Blackfish Finance can arrange finance for various property types including houses, apartments, townhouses, and units across Australia. We work with lenders who finance properties for owner-occupation, investment purposes, and upgrading from existing homes. However, some property types require specialist lenders or may have specific lending criteria. These include rural properties, properties on large acreage, studio apartments, properties with commercial components, or unusual construction types. Some lenders also have restrictions on certain locations or building types. When you're considering a property purchase, we'll assess the property alongside your financial situation to identify suitable lending options. Our network includes mainstream lenders for standard residential properties, as well as specialist lenders for unique property types. We'll advise you early in the process if your chosen property type might affect your financing options, helping you make informed decisions about your property purchase.
When you apply directly with a bank, you're limited to that institution's loan products and lending criteria. Banks assess your application based solely on their own policies, and if you don't meet their requirements, you'll need to start the process again elsewhere. At Blackfish Finance, we have access to multiple lenders' products, allowing us to match your circumstances with the most suitable options from our entire network. This means we can often find solutions even if mainstream lenders aren't suitable for your situation. We also understand different lenders' preferences and can tailor applications accordingly, potentially improving your chances of approval. Banks typically expect you to understand loan features and make your own comparisons, while we provide professional advice about which loan structures and features align with your goals. Additionally, we handle much of the administrative work and liaise with lenders on your behalf, while direct bank applications require you to manage all communication and follow-up personally. Our ongoing relationship means we can assist with future refinancing or property purchases as your circumstances change.
The documentation required depends on your employment type and financial situation, but generally includes proof of income, identification, and details about your financial position. For employed individuals, you'll typically need recent payslips, tax returns, bank statements, and employment contracts. Self-employed applicants usually require additional documentation such as business financial statements, BAS statements, and accountant-prepared income declarations. You'll also need identification documents like your driver's licence and passport, plus details about your assets and liabilities. If you're purchasing a specific property, we'll need the contract of sale and any building or pest inspection reports. At Blackfish Finance, we'll provide you with a comprehensive checklist tailored to your circumstances, and we can guide you through gathering the required documentation to ensure your application process proceeds smoothly.
If your initial home loan application is declined, this doesn't mean homeownership is out of reach. At Blackfish Finance, we'll first understand the specific reasons for the decline, as different lenders have varying criteria and risk appetites. Common reasons include insufficient income, high existing debt levels, poor credit history, or inadequate deposit. Once we understand the decline reasons, we can develop a strategy to address these issues. This might involve approaching alternative lenders who specialise in your circumstances, waiting to improve your financial position, or restructuring your application approach. Sometimes, relatively minor changes like paying down existing debts or providing additional income documentation can make the difference between decline and approval. We maintain relationships with a diverse range of lenders, including those who consider applications that mainstream lenders might decline. Throughout this process, we'll provide honest advice about realistic timeframes and steps needed to strengthen your position for future applications.
A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between you and potential lenders, working on your behalf to find suitable home loan options. At Blackfish Finance, we assess your financial situation and property goals, then approach multiple lenders to identify loan products that match your circumstances. Rather than you having to contact banks and lenders individually, we handle the research, applications, and negotiations for you. This service is particularly valuable for first-time buyers who may not be familiar with the lending landscape, or existing homeowners looking to upgrade their property. We maintain relationships with a wide network of lenders, including major banks, credit unions, and specialist lenders, giving you access to options you might not have discovered on your own.
Blackfish Finance receives commission payments from lenders when we successfully arrange a home loan for our clients, which means there are typically no upfront costs for you to access our services. The lender pays us a commission once your loan settles, and this doesn't increase the interest rate or fees you pay on your mortgage. In some cases, there may be specific loan products or services where fees apply, but we'll always discuss any costs with you upfront before proceeding. This commission-based model allows us to provide professional mortgage broking services to Australian property buyers without creating additional financial barriers. We believe this approach makes professional mortgage assistance accessible to more people, whether you're purchasing your first home or upgrading to a larger property.
The timeframe for home loan approval varies depending on several factors, including the lender, the complexity of your financial situation, and how quickly you can provide required documentation. Generally, pre-approval can take anywhere from 24 hours to two weeks, while full approval after you've found a property typically takes one to four weeks. At Blackfish Finance, we work to expedite this process by ensuring your application is complete and accurate before submission, and by maintaining regular communication with lenders throughout the assessment period. We'll keep you informed of progress and any additional requirements that may arise. For clients with straightforward financial situations and complete documentation, approvals can happen quite quickly. However, if you're self-employed, have multiple income sources, or are purchasing an unusual property type, the process may take longer as lenders conduct more detailed assessments.
Yes, Blackfish Finance regularly assists self-employed individuals and those with non-traditional income sources in securing home loans. Self-employed borrowers, contractors, and people with irregular income face different lending criteria compared to traditional employees, but there are numerous lenders who specialise in these circumstances. We understand the unique challenges you face, such as fluctuating income, limited payslips, or complex tax arrangements. Our role involves matching you with lenders who understand your employment type and are willing to assess your application based on alternative income verification methods. This might include using bank statements, business financial records, or averaged income over multiple years. We'll work with you to present your financial position in the most favourable light, ensuring lenders understand your capacity to service a mortgage despite having non-traditional employment arrangements.
Absolutely, Blackfish Finance assists many clients in refinancing their existing home loans to potentially improve their financial position. Refinancing involves replacing your current mortgage with a new loan, either with your existing lender or a different one. There are various reasons you might consider refinancing, such as accessing equity in your property for renovations or investment, consolidating other debts, or switching to a loan with different features that suit your current needs. We'll analyse your existing loan arrangement and compare it with current market offerings to identify potential improvements to your situation. The refinancing process involves similar documentation to a new loan application, and we handle the application process with your chosen new lender. We'll also coordinate the discharge of your existing loan and ensure the transition occurs smoothly. Before proceeding, we'll calculate the costs involved in refinancing to ensure the potential benefits outweigh any fees or charges associated with changing loans.
Blackfish Finance Pty Ltd ABN: 36 150 803 286. Credit Representative #412330 is authorised under Australian Credit Licence #412330.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We recommend that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances and your full financial situation will need to be reviewed prior to acceptance of any offer or product. It does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice and you should always seek professional advice in relation to your individual circumstances.
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