Gary Siegle: 50 yrs of Mortgage History

In this episode of Real Life Mortgage Solutions, host Len Lane sits down with industry veteran Gary Siegel to explore his five-decade-long journey through Canada’s evolving mortgage landscape. Gary reflects on his early years with CMHC, where he managed social housing programs, direct lending, and insured mortgages—laying the foundation for a career defined by public service, innovation, and a deep understanding of housing finance.

The conversation tracks his transitions through major organizations like MICC, GE Capital, and Invis, highlighting pivotal changes in the mortgage industry—from the emergence of private mortgage insurance and the rise (and fall) of high-risk lending, to the creation of “super brokers” and new commission models. Gary also shares how regulatory shifts following the 2008 financial crisis reshaped lending practices and led him to a final chapter as Compliance Advisor with RECA, where he worked to harmonize broker regulation and improve industry education.

Now newly retired, Gary reflects on a career marked by resilience, mentorship, and a commitment to elevating mortgage professionalism across Canada. His insights provide a historical lens on how policy, market forces, and people shape the business of mortgages—and how staying curious and adaptable keeps a career vibrant even after 50+ years.

About Gary Siegel

Gary Siegel is a highly respected figure in Canada’s mortgage industry, with a career spanning over five decades. He began with CMHC in the 1970s, managing social housing and insured lending programs, before taking on senior roles at MICC, GE Capital, and Genworth. Gary later joined Invis, where he helped lead operations across Western Canada during a time of major industry transformation, including the rise of super brokers and evolving commission structures.

Gary served as a compliance advisor at the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), where he brought his deep industry knowledge to regulatory policy, education, and broker oversight. Known for his integrity, mentorship, and commitment to raising professional standards, Gary has made a lasting impact on housing finance and mortgage brokering in Canada. Now retired, he continues to be recognized as a thoughtful leader and advocate for responsible industry growth.

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