Become a Change Maker | Driving Change in Financial Services: Jane Benjamin, Director of Mortgages at Connect. Meaningful progress is shaped by leaders who act with intention and impact. Jane is a standout figure in financial services. Her focus on inclusion, flexible working, and ethical business practices has positioned her as a true advocate for positive change.
Recognised as a Mortgage Solutions Change Maker, Jane’s influence spans cultural development, workplace equity, and thought leadership across the mortgage network.
Leadership That Drives Change
As Head of Mortgage Proposition at Connect Group, Jane brings deep industry expertise and a commitment to adviser success. Her career spans influential positions at Mortgage Brain, Sesame Bankhall Group, and PMS Mortgage Club, experiences she now channels to benefit both brokers and their clients.
Jane is known for her people-first approach and her drive to eliminate barriers within the mortgage industry.
“This role gives me the opportunity to support advisers and customers from underrepresented backgrounds who deserve fair access to financial services,” Jane explains. “Diversity isn’t just a concept; it’s a daily commitment.”
Jane plays an active role in advancing industry equity through her involvement with the Diversity Inclusion Finance Forum (DIFF) and the AMI Inclusion and Diversity Task Force. Her contributions help ensure Connect remains at the forefront of creating a more inclusive and balanced mortgage broker network.
A Workplace That Works for Everyone
Jane’s impact is rooted in action, not just ideas. At Connect, she has played a key role in shaping a flexible workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being and adviser performance.
“Real progress happens when businesses support the whole person,” she says. “With flexibility, people can grow professionally and personally.”
Jane has championed initiatives to assess and enhance well-being across the organisation. Her work has helped implement policies that support both team welfare and long-term adviser success. By creating a supportive environment, Connect ensures better outcomes for both advisers and their clients.
Women in Finance: Championing Real Change
Jane has long been a driving force for gender balance in the mortgage and finance industry. At her previous firm, she led the initiative that made it the first mortgage distributor to sign the Government’s Women in Finance Charter, setting a benchmark for accountability and inclusion.
She continues to mentor and support women across all levels, helping create opportunities for growth and leadership. Her commitment to diversity in financial services is evident through both her actions and the culture she helps build.
“For years, I was often the only woman in the room,” she says. “That is changing, and I’m proud to contribute to a future where more women are seen, heard, and leading.”
Championing Progress in the Mortgage Industry
In 2022, Jane played a key role in launching Working in Mortgages, an initiative created to promote diversity and inclusion across the mortgage profession. What began as a single platform has grown into an ongoing effort. Jane remains an active contributor to the AMI Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, collaborating with professionals across the sector to drive meaningful, long-term change.
While the journey continues, the progress is evident. We’re proud to support these efforts and remain committed to a more inclusive future.
A Recognition That Represents a Shared Commitment
Although Jane didn’t seek recognition, being named a Change Maker has been a meaningful milestone.
“I was truly humbled. This work has always been about giving back to an industry that has supported me for over two decades,” Jane shares. “To be acknowledged by peers makes it even more rewarding.”
We believe that sustainable progress comes from empowering diverse voices and experiences. Jane’s leadership reminds us that when space is made for broader perspectives, we strengthen the entire industry step by step.
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