Daniel Kuo is a Mortgage Adviser with Squirrel Mortgages, based in Christchurch's Cashmere area. With nearly a decade of mortgage advising experience, Daniel knows bank policies well and works to make finance simple for first-home buyers, investors and business owners. He originally worked with NZ Mortgages, which is now part of Squirrel, and continues to work with clients nationwide, from Auckland to Invercargill and everywhere in between.
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting, alongside an NZ Certification in Construction Trade Skills and an NZ Certification in Financial Services. He has been recognised as one of New Zealand's Top Mortgage Advisers 2025 by NZ Adviser (NZA). As a licensed financial adviser, he operates under the Financial Markets Conduct Act and the Code of Professional Conduct, and has no relevant convictions, bankruptcies or disciplinary actions to disclose. Squirrel Mortgages Limited holds a Financial Advice Provider Licence issued by the Financial Markets Authority.
Outside of work, Daniel keeps busy with his two kids, travel plans, and the occasional fishing or camping trip.
Daniel Kuo is a Mortgage Adviser with Squirrel Mortgages, working out of Cashmere in Christchurch. With nearly a decade of mortgage advising experience behind him, Daniel has built a reputation for knowing bank policies well and translating that knowledge into straightforward advice for his clients — whether they're buying their first home, investing in property, or running a business that needs the right lending structure.
Daniel's path into mortgage advising began with NZ Mortgages, a business that is now part of the wider Squirrel group. That background gives him a long view of the industry, and while he's based in Christchurch, his client base isn't limited to the local area — he works with people nationwide, from Auckland right down to Invercargill.
Daniel holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting, alongside an NZ Certification in Construction Trade Skills and an NZ Certification in Financial Services — a combination that reflects both the financial and practical, building-related sides of property lending. That broader skill set is part of what's helped him earn recognition as one of New Zealand's Top Mortgage Advisers 2025, an accolade awarded by NZ Adviser (NZA).
As a commissioned adviser, Daniel is paid the same amount no matter which lender a client ends up choosing, which removes any incentive to steer clients toward one bank over another. At a company level, Squirrel is paid either upfront or through a combination of upfront and trail commissions by its lenders and insurance providers. In most cases, Daniel's services are completely free for clients, although there may be occasions where a fee applies — full details are available through Squirrel's mortgage advice disclosure page.
As a licensed financial adviser, Daniel operates under the Financial Markets Conduct Act and the Code of Professional Conduct, meaning he's required to put his clients' interests first, act with care, skill and diligence, and treat people fairly. He has no relevant convictions, bankruptcies or disciplinary actions to disclose, and Squirrel Mortgages Limited holds a Financial Advice Provider Licence issued by the Financial Markets Authority. Clients who aren't happy with the advice or service they receive have access to a formal complaints process through Squirrel.
Through Squirrel, Daniel can support clients across a wide range of situations: first home buyers getting their deposit together, homeowners looking to refix or refinance, people moving house and needing bridging finance, property investors, business owners seeking the right lending structure, and buyers taking on a new build, including those purchasing from overseas.
Outside of work, Daniel keeps things grounded — he's got two kids to keep him busy, along with travel plans and the occasional fishing or camping trip. Clients looking to get in touch can call him directly on 021 293 1678, email [email protected], or book an initial chat through his online calendar.