ABOUT US

Founded in 2020 by Johnrae (JR) Tannen, JR Finance was established to provide personalized, people-focused financial services. With over 34 years of experience in banking, including significant roles at ANZ in both India and New Zealand, JR envisioned a firm where clients are empowered with knowledge and supported with expert advice to make sound financial decisions.

Our diverse team brings together over 50 years of combined experience in lending, banking, and wealth management. We pride ourselves on understanding each client's unique situation and tailoring solutions accordingly. From first-time homebuyers to seasoned investors, our advisors are committed to helping you achieve financial security and growth.

At JR Finance, we believe that creating wealth isn't just about accumulating money—it's about making informed, confident decisions that align with your personal and financial goals. Whether you're purchasing your first home, expanding your business, or investing in property development, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

JR Finance Manager Johnrae Tannen

JOHNRAE TANNEN (JR)

Over 30 years in the sector, Johnrae’s banking experience spans retail and business banking, starting with ANZ Grindlays in India for 17 years. JR then moved to New Zealand with his wife and two children, continuing his career with ANZ in Auckland for another 17 years. He earned the opportunity to grow his knowledge and make a positive impact on his teams and clients at various positions as Senior Business Manager, West Auckland Regional Manager for Business Banking, and Regional Manager for South Auckland Retail Banking.

JR now enjoys working closely with his clients, sharing his learning, and helping them navigate their money journey to creating their own financial security and wealth. It is important to him that his clients are supported and guided through every step and feel empowered to make decisions for themselves. JR will work with you to craft clear and tailored plans for your growing assets and wealth and give you tips & ideas for savings and investments, so you have options to create the life that you want for yourselves.

CATHY ZHAI

Cathy was with ANZ Bank New Zealand for 15 years as Senior Personal banker, Wealth Specialist, Senior Business Banking Manager, Branch Manager and Senior Quality Assurance Manager, over that period. She has a keen understanding of the New Zealand finance sector, which allows her to see the big picture and help her clients to identify the best financial solutions & opportunities for the outcomes they want.

Cathy has a Master’s Degree in Finance, a Bachelor of Business Finance degree, Diploma in Art, Financial Services Level 5 certificate and a Certificate of Residential Lending. Clients seeking advice and solutions on residential loans, business loans, commercial loans, and development loans, benefit greatly from her knowledge & passion. Cathy also has the gift of connecting with people and is always keen to understand and appreciate her client’s situation before making recommendations. She believes that people thrive when they learn and feel empowered to make their own decisions. She works hard to educate clients, help them achieve financial goals and maximize their wealth.

JR Finance Financial Advisor Cathy Zhai

AKASH MIRANI

Akash was with ASB for over 8 years, having started as a Customer Service Officer & very quickly, worked his way up to Personal Banker because of his talent for understanding and prioritizing customer’s needs. His skill and passion for lending grew him into a Home Lending specialist and then Premium Banking Manager allowing him to continue looking after his customer relationships.

The combination of skills eventually earned him the position of “Home Ownership Manager” at ASB Bank and the fulfilment of helping first home buyers, investment buyers and home developers achieve their dreams and goals. Akash joins the team at JR Finance as a strategic thinker, bringing impactful problem-solving skills, developed over a successful career in lending and finance - skills that allow him to pursue and find effective outcomes for his customers on their journey to financial security and income sustainability.

Dannie Wang

Dannie is a qualified Financial Adviser and a seasoned finance professional with 15 years of banking and finance experience in various lending roles. Having spent a decade at ASB Bank, ANZ Bank, and Westpac Bank, she held positions such as Senior Personal Banker and Business Lending Specialist, where she developed a strong grasp of lending options and underwriting processes for personal and business customers. Over the next five years, she has served as the Credit and Lending Manager at Resimac Home Loans, a leading non-bank lender. In this role, she led a team of underwriters, while overseeing all lending applications, and provided her team with exceptional credit guidance.

Dannie is a skilled lender and excels in mortgage products and client relationship management, leveraging her extensive knowledge to offer tailored advice that meets each client's unique financial needs. Known for her empathetic approach, she actively listens to clients, whether they are first-time homebuyers or seasoned investors, fostering a welcoming environment for discussions about their financial future. Her organizational skills and attention to detail ensures a smooth application process, and she proactively addresses challenges to minimize client stress.

JR Finance Loan Strategist KATE GUAN
JR Finance Loan Strategist Jordan Raphael

Jordan Tannen

Jordan began his career in the financial services sector in 2016, where he quickly developed a strong foundation in client support and high-volume operations as an assistant adviser. During this time, he gained firsthand experience in the loan application process, assisting with the preparation and submission of lending documents. In 2018, he transitioned into the role of an independent financial adviser, where he honed his loan writing expertise by crafting tailored lending solutions that aligned with each client's unique financial goals. His deep understanding of lending criteria and ability to structure complex loan applications set him apart in delivering successful outcomes.

As JR Finance expanded, Jordan turned his focus to building and optimizing the company’s back-end infrastructure, streamlining loan processing workflows and improving overall efficiency. This allowed advisers to spend more time on strategic planning and client relationships. With a robust system in place, Jordan returned to the frontline in 2025 as a financial adviser, combining his refined loan writing capabilities with broad industry knowledge to offer clients well-structured, results-driven lending solutions.

Eileen Tofaeno

Eileen is an experienced insurance adviser dedicated to helping individuals and families protect what matters most. With over 25 years of experience across banking, insurance, and financial services, she brings a depth of knowledge and practical insight to every client conversation. Her career includes senior roles with The National Bank and ANZ, where she developed strong expertise in retail and business banking, insurance, and wealth services. This broad background allows Eileen to understand the real financial pressures people face at different stages of life and tailor solutions that genuinely fit their needs. Eileen holds a Level 5 Financial Services qualification and is committed to delivering advice that is compliant, ethical, and easy to understand. She specialises in needs-based insurance planning, helping clients make confident decisions about protecting their income, health, and family.

Known for her clear and down-to-earth approach, Eileen has a natural ability to simplify complex insurance concepts, ensuring clients feel informed and supported throughout the process. At JR Finance, Eileen is passionate about building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and genuine care—providing practical, personalised advice that evolves with her clients over time.

Vincent Chen

Vincent Chen

Vincent Chen is an experienced financial professional with a strong background in commercial lending, banking, and financial advisory services. With over a decade of industry experience across both international and New Zealand financial markets, Vincent is dedicated to helping individuals, families, and businesses achieve their financial goals through tailored lending and strategic financial solutions. Vincent began his finance career in 2012 with Bank of Communications in Shanghai, where he spent seven years specialising in commercial lending and credit analysis. In his role as a Commercial Loan O icer, he developed extensive expertise in structuring tailored financing solutions, assessing credit risk, and managing complex business lending relationships. His strong understanding of underwriting, regulatory compliance, and risk management enabled him to support clients with practical financial strategies designed for long-term growth and success. Driven by a passion for continuous learning and professional development, Vincent completed a Master of Management in Marketing and the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services Level 5 (Residential Property Lending) at Massey University. These qualifications further strengthened his expertise in business strategy, client communication, relationship management, and financial advisory services.

Since relocating to New Zealand, Vincent has continued to grow his career within the financial services industry. In December 2024, he joined JR Finance, where he gained valuable insights into the New Zealand lending and mortgage market. Through his dedication, professionalism, and client-focused approach, Vincent progressed into the role of Financial Adviser, where he now works closely with clients to provide clear, personalised, and effective financial guidance.

Vincent specialises in home loans, refinancing, investment lending, and business finance. Combining strong analytical capabilities with a genuine commitment to customer service, he takes pride in understanding each client’s unique circumstances and delivering lending solutions tailored to their needs. Known for his honest advice, attention to detail, and approachable nature, Vincent is committed to building long-term relationships and helping clients make informed financial decisions with confidence.

Nusheen Palsetia

Nusheen holds a qualification in Journalism and Mass Communication and brings over 10 years of experience in customer service. She has worked in the multiple areas including hospitality, aviation as well as with multinational companies like WNS, Amazon. Her passion is to help customers to understand their needs and achieve their goals. Having joined JR Finance team in August 2024, Nusheen is vital in supporting the team and looking after clients. Her high efficiency, “can do” attitude and the deep desire to provide excellent client service has quickly made her the “go to” person that we depend on.

JR Finance Customer Support Staff Nusheen
JR Finance Customer Support Staff Ana

Ana Flor Ranalan

Ana relocated to New Zealand from the Philippines with more than 18 years of experience in banking and customer service, Ana brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the JR Finance team. She built her career with Philippine Savings Bank, progressing from Customer Service Associate to Junior Assistant Manager, and developed extensive experience across retail banking operations, loan processing, mortgage documentation, compliance, branch administration, and client relationship management.

At JR Finance, Ana is our Client Services & Lending Support Specialist who is dedicated to delivering a smooth and stress-free experience for clients throughout the finance process. She works closely with clients, lenders, and advisers, ensuring every application is managed efficiently and with attention to detail from initial enquiry through to settlement. Known for her professionalism, strong organisational skills, and genuine commitment to client care, Ana takes pride in helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Her client-first approach, combined with her banking expertise, makes her a trusted and valued member of the JR Finance team.