Principal Mortgage Broker | Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions
Australian Expat Finance
Co-Founder | THE EXPATRIATE

Shona Stephenson is the Principal Mortgage Broker at Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions, and Co-Founder of Australian Expat Finance. With more than eight years' experience in the finance industry, backed by over a decade of established lending expertise through Best Foot Forward Mortgage Solutions, Shona helps Australians at home and abroad navigate complex lending scenarios with confidence.

She specialises in structuring tailored lending solutions for owner-occupiers, investors, self-employed professionals and Australian expatriates looking to purchase, refinance or build wealth through Australian property. Her expertise spans a wide range of lending strategies, including First Home Buyer schemes, Family Guarantor loans, bridging finance, reverse mortgages, FastRefi solutions, equity release strategies, low documentation lending, commercial finance and complex expat lending.

Known for her strategic thinking and problem-solving approach, Shona works collaboratively with clients, accountants, financial planners and other trusted advisers to develop lending strategies that align with long-term financial goals. With access to more than 60 residential and commercial lenders, she is able to identify tailored finance solutions that support each client's broader wealth creation strategy.

Before entering the finance industry, Shona spent more than a decade competing as one of Australia's leading ultra-endurance athletes. She was ranked 8th in the world on the Ultra-Trail World Tour (now the UTMB World Series), competing in some of the world's most demanding 100-kilometre and 100-mile trail races. Her career taught her that success comes from preparation, resilience, strategic decision-making and consistency—qualities that now define the way she supports her clients through every stage of their property journey.

Originally from Sydney and now based in Peregian Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Shona is also an experienced property investor. Having successfully invested in the highly competitive Noosa short-term accommodation market, she brings firsthand investment experience to her lending advice, helping clients balance growth opportunities with sound risk management.

As Co-Founder of THE EXPATRIATE, Shona is passionate about supporting Australians living overseas. THE EXPATRIATE connects the global Australian community with trusted professionals, practical education and expert guidance, empowering expatriates to make informed decisions about property ownership, finance and wealth creation wherever they are in the world.

Shona regularly contributes to seminars, webinars and educational events for Australian expatriates, sharing practical insights on lending policy, finance strategy, Australian property investment and the evolving economic landscape. She is committed to making complex lending concepts easy to understand so clients feel informed, supported and confident throughout their lending journey.

Away from work, you'll often find Shona on a trail, in the ocean or exploring Australia's coastline. A lifelong endurance athlete and outdoor enthusiast, she believes the same principles that underpin endurance sport—discipline, adaptability and persistence—are equally important when building long-term financial success.

Her approach is strategic, transparent and relationship-driven, with a strong focus on delivering tailored lending solutions that help clients achieve their property and wealth-building goals, wherever they are in the world.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

• Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking

• Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA) Member

• Connective Group Credit Representative

• Australian Credit Licence (ACL): 389328 (Connective Credit Representative)