WRITTEN BY

Toni Mladenova

CEO

Toni Mladenova is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Yard, specialising in specialist mortgage solutions, lending strategy, and mortgage operating model design. She has more than a decade of experience advising banks and financial services organisations across Australia, Europe, and North America, supporting senior executives on mortgage strategy, operational performance, and large-scale transformation programs. Prior to co-founding Yard, Toni spent over nine years at Kearney, a global management consulting firm, where she progressed to Principal and led complex engagements with financial institutions focused on mortgage operations, distribution effectiveness, customer experience, and growth. Toni holds a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from Maastricht University, and has undertaken further international study including at the University of California, San Diego. Her global professional background provides a strong perspective on the lending and property landscape, including the operational and market factors that influence borrower outcomes. Toni contributes expert oversight and commentary across a range of property and lending topics, supporting the delivery of practical, and trustworthy guidance for Australian borrowers.

Latest Posts

Investment Property

Understanding lease documentation in commercial loans: a comprehensive guide

Lease doc loans use rental income, not full financials, to help investors secure commercial finance.

Toni Mladenova
Aug 11, 2025
Mortgages

A guide for sole traders applying for home loans

Discover flexible home loan options tailored for sole traders.

Toni Mladenova
Apr 16, 2025
Mortgages

Your guide to low doc home loans

Low Doc home loans offer flexible income verification for the self-employed

Toni Mladenova
Oct 11, 2024
Investment Property

Buying property with an SMSF loan

Interested in purchasing property through a self-managed super fund? Read our guide to SMSF loans

Toni Mladenova
Mar 29, 2023
Mortgages

Guide to home loans when you’re over 50

Tips for older borrowers who are looking at getting approved for a home loan

Toni Mladenova
Jan 21, 2023
Mortgages

How does an offset account work? Q&A explainer

Interested in an offset account but not sure how they work? Read our Q&A explainer for answers

Toni Mladenova
Jun 23, 2022
Mortgages

What are the different types of home loans?

An overview of the different types of home loans available in Australia, including their features

Toni Mladenova
May 5, 2022
Mortgages

Everything you need to know about amortisation schedules and loan amortisation

Read our Q&A explainer to understand how amortisation works, so you know what to expect

Toni Mladenova
Sep 14, 2021
Home Buying

Home buying checklist: what to look for when buying a house

Understand the home buying process so you know what to expect and can make an informed decision

Toni Mladenova
Aug 20, 2021
Mortgages

Non-bank lenders: Are they right for you?

Discover how non-bank lenders offer flexible, specialist finance beyond traditional bank policies.

Toni Mladenova
Aug 11, 2021
Mortgages

How Yard’s 2021 Mozo Experts Choice Award-winning home loan could save you more on your mortgage

Read about Yard's variable home loan award in the Mozo Expert Choice Awards.

Toni Mladenova
Aug 3, 2021
Home Buying

Bridging loans: how bridging finance works in Australia

Need finance to cover the gap between selling & buying a property? Read our bridging loan guide

Toni Mladenova
Jul 22, 2021
Loan Rates

How do low-interest loans work?

Low-interest loans in Australia: what are they and how to find them

Toni Mladenova
Jul 16, 2021
Loan Rates

What is a comparison rate and why should you care?

Home loans come with an interest rate and a comparison rate, but what is a comparison rate?

Toni Mladenova
Jul 8, 2021
Loan Rates

Fixed or variable home loan, what’s the difference?

Understand the difference between fixed or variable home loan.

Toni Mladenova
Jun 2, 2021
Mortgages

Yard Guide: Is a low deposit home loan right for you?

Read our plain English guide to low deposit loans where we cover the pros and cons.

Toni Mladenova
May 21, 2021
Investment Property

What is negative gearing and how does it work?

Not quite sure what negative gearing is? Read our Q&A for answers to the most common questions.

Toni Mladenova
May 11, 2021
Refinancing

How to consolidate your debt into a home loan, reduce your outgoings and save

Debt consolidation is the process of combining a number of different loans into a single debt.

Toni Mladenova
Feb 3, 2021
Refinancing

Home renovation loan: which is the best way to finance my reno?

Thinking of renovating but not sure how to finance your project? Check out our home renovation guide

Toni Mladenova
Feb 3, 2021
Home Buying

How do house auctions work?

Get the lowdown on the auction process, what happens on the day, and after.

Toni Mladenova
Dec 27, 2020
Mortgages

Lenders mortgage insurance explained for home buyers

To get into the property market sooner, you may consider LMI instead of waiting for the 20% deposit.

Toni Mladenova
Dec 20, 2020
Refinancing

The what, why and how of refinancing home loans

Our guide covers the most essential information you need for refinancing home loans.

Toni Mladenova
Dec 19, 2020
Mortgages

Mortgage repayments in Australia, all you need to know

Get informed on what mortgage repayments mean for your financial future

Toni Mladenova
Dec 10, 2020

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