Shona Stephenson

Principal Mortgage Broker | Australian Expat Finance
Co-Founder | THE EXPATRIATE

Shona Stephenson is the Principal Mortgage Broker at Australian Expat Finance and Co-Founder of THE EXPATRIATE. With more than eight years’ experience in mortgage and finance broking, she specialises in helping Australians living overseas navigate the complexities of securing finance and investing in Australian property from abroad.

Shona works extensively with Australian expatriates, structuring tailored lending solutions for those looking to purchase property, refinance existing loans or build long-term wealth through Australian real estate. She has a wealth of experience managing complex expat lending scenarios, including foreign income assessment, currency considerations, lender policy variations and cross-border financial structures.

Her expertise spans a wide range of lending strategies, including on and offshore lending opportunities, including investment loans, refinancing, equity release, low documentation lending, commercial finance and specialised expatriate lending solutions. Shona understands the unique challenges expats face when dealing with Australian lenders and provides clear, strategic guidance to simplify the process and maximise borrowing potential.

Known for her strategic thinking and practical problem-solving approach, Shona works closely with clients and their broader advisory teams—including accountants, financial planners and buyers’ agents—to develop lending strategies aligned with long-term financial goals. With access to more than 60 residential and commercial lenders, she delivers tailored finance solutions designed to support sustainable wealth creation rather than simply securing a loan.

Before entering the finance industry, Shona spent more than a decade competing as one of Australia’s leading ultra-endurance athletes. She was ranked eighth 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. This background instilled the discipline, resilience and strategic mindset that now underpin her approach to supporting clients through complex lending journeys.

Originally from Sydney and now based 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 opportunity with sound risk management.

As Co-Founder of Australian Expat Finance and THE EXPATRIATE, Shona is passionate about helping Australians living overseas achieve their property ownership goals back home. Through education, strategic lending advice and access to a trusted network of professionals, she empowers expatriates to make informed decisions about finance, property investment and long-term wealth creation—no matter where they are in the world.

Shona regularly presents at webinars, seminars, and educational events tailored specifically for Australian expatriates, sharing practical insights into lending policy, financial strategy, Australian property investment, and the evolving economic landscape. She is committed to making complex lending concepts simple and accessible so clients feel informed, supported and confident at every stage of the process.

Outside of 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, resilience and consistency—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 Australian expatriates achieve their property and wealth-building goals back home.

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 (Authorised Representative of Connective Credit Services Pty Ltd)