Canadian Mortgage Hall of Fame

Gilles is a financial industry pioneer of 25+ years who has spent the last 18 founding and running Planiprêt/MP Mortgages. He started this mortgage brokerage with a vision of being fully independent and providing professional advice to clients. Rather than joining a network or pooling under another brokerage to achieve volume bonuses, Gilles relied on his own skills and relationships to grow the business – which currently funds $3 billion+ in annual mortgage originations. Gilles invested in technology and training to reduce administrative work, helping his team of 320 brokers achieve their goals and provide the best client service. As the industry evolved and technology requirements increased, he formed a strategic partnership with TMG The Mortgage Group to share in this capital expenditure and help further grow both businesses.

As a proactive professional in the mortgage sector in Quebec, Gilles has successfully navigated several industry challenges, including:

• As Quebec’s regulatory oversight transitioned from OACIQ to AMF, the new regulations prohibited mortgage brokers from incorporating – a practice permitted under the previous regime. Gilles played a pivotal role in devising a workaround that respected the new law while allowing brokers to receive payments through their corporations
• The enactment of Bill 34 presented a significant hurdle as firms like FCT and FNF were restricted from preparing mortgage transactions. To address this, Gilles spearheaded a startup and developed a new model that enabled notaries to efficiently handle mortgage switches and transfers, and then got lenders onboard across Quebec
• In response to Bill 25 concerning the protection of personal data, Gilles led the initiative to develop a solution that would enable brokers to transition between brokerages without compromising personal data security, which was adopted industrywide

Gilles has a reputation for being humble and transparent, and always willing to find creative solutions. As such, he guides his team towards recognizing the advantages of embracing change and integrating new technologies. He uses a variety of methods and tools to mentor, coach and further develop agents and staff within Planiprêt, and the industry as a whole, which includes:

• Conducting regular performance reviews and career development conversations with direct reports, where he provides constructive feedback, recognition and guidance
• Organizing training sessions and workshops on topics such as new technologies, best practices, customer service, communication skills and personal development
• Inviting external experts and speakers to share their insights and experiences with his team, inspiring them to innovate and excel
• Participating in industry initiatives, events and conferences, where he networks with other leaders and professionals, sharing his vision and ideas

Generous of his time, Gilles’ leadership style and mentoring approach are based on his true passion for the mortgage industry and his desire to help others succeed. He believes that, by adapting to change and focusing on relationships, his team can create a positive impact for their clients, company and the mortgage brokering industry as a whole.

2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Scott McKenzie

Scott has dedicated his more than 40-year career to supporting the Canadian mortgage broker community and Canadian homebuyers from coast to coast. His career, reputation for integrity and professionalism and his enduring commitment to innovation and mentorship form the basis for this hearty endorsement.

Scott’s long-term contributions to the growth of First National Financial LP are evidence of the far-reaching effects of his leadership. After progressing rapidly in a national full-service Trust company, Scott joined the small First National team in 1989, 11 months after its inception. He grew the single-family underwriting department from a team of three to almost 1,000 today. In his role as Executive Vice President, he is responsible for residential mortgage sales and credit-one of the only leaders in the industry accountable for both - as well as the company’s third-party business of adjudicating submissions from the broker channel divisions of TD Bank, Manulife Bank and now BMO Broker Edge. These ventures have been a tremendous success under Scott’s direction and further evidence of a legacy of leadership and invention.

In support of credit-challenged borrowers, Scott also brought First National into the Alt-A mortgage space with the industry-leading Excalibur program. First National now touches over 33% of all mortgage transactions in the broker channel across Canada and our residential mortgage book stands at a record $94.8 billion (total MUA $143.5 Dec 31, 2023). Knowing Scott as I do, I can attest to the fact that he feels privileged to have had the opportunity to witness and participate in the rise of the channel, and First National with it, over the last four decades.

Scott takes pride in the growth and development of people in his ever-widening circle and has always taken great care to mentor and empower newcomers and veterans alike. Many of us owe Scott a debt of gratitude for helping us blossom in our current roles, and in my case, finding long-term career success without ever leaving Calgary. He believes in a team-based, service-first culture and has led the development of that culture in the best way possible: by example. Many First National employees who got started under Scott’s tutelage are now in leadership roles themselves. Similarly, many people in our industry turn to Scott as a leading mortgage expert and consult with him for his knowledge and vast experience. He is always willing to share his time freely and his deep insight generously. Under Scott’s direction, First National has given back to the industry in many ways, including through regular and meaningful broker professional development seminars. He also tirelessly advocates for mortgage brokers and Canadian borrowers with policymakers and influencers.