Dr Kate Adams says a mortgage broker mistook her for OnlyFans income, fueling concerns about sexism in lending

Dr Kate Adams, the Bondi Vet owner, self-made businesswoman and star of the reality show The Real Housewives of Sydney, said a mortgage broker told her banks would not loan money because income from OnlyFans is not considered a job.

Adams had already put down a hefty deposit on a multi-million-dollar property and was seeking financing for the remainder. She cold-called a broker who agreed to help, but during the call the adviser delivered a blunt warning: income from OnlyFans would not be counted, and banks would not lend to a woman who earns money through online adult content. Adams described the moment as a stark display of misogyny in the lending industry and said she felt the broker inferred that women cannot hold legitimate jobs. The incident prompted her to share the account on social media, where she argued that such assumptions undermine financial independence for women.

Adams eventually revealed her true identity to the broker and confronted him with her credentials, noting the moment she introduced herself as Dr Kate Adams and describing the broker's reaction as telling. She derived satisfaction from that exchange but emphasized that the bigger issue is how many women could face similar barriers when seeking mortgages for legitimate, professional income. She asked what would happen to someone who was not a public figure and whose work is not seen as acceptable by traditional lenders.

The episode, Adams said, illustrates how the banking system can undervalue women's earnings by associating wealth with nontraditional or controversial work. She argued that the system is structured to minimize scrutiny of male income and to default to risk assumptions that disadvantage women in fields such as medicine, entrepreneurship and content creation. Banks may be influenced by outdated codes and stereotypes, which some lenders use in assessing loan eligibility.

Mortgage broker Grace Bowe, of Coastal Home Loans, said she was not surprised by Adams's experience and criticized the broking industry for its male-dominated culture. She described the broker's comment as part of a broader problem and noted that many clients have told her they dislike being mansplained to when they talk money. She explained that while some banks do place restrictions on certain industries, a broker's job is to navigate those rules and advocate for the client.

She added that OnlyFans income is self-employed and can count if it appears on tax returns, but the relevant industry code can complicate lending. In some banks that code is listed as adult entertainment, which can trigger additional restrictions, though it is not universal. Observers say Adams's account highlights a broader conversation about fairness in mortgage lending, especially for women with nontraditional income sources. The treatment varies by lender, and industry codes are not standardized across the sector.

The Daily Mail's coverage of the incident has sparked renewed debate about how lenders assess risk and whether gender-based assumptions influence loan decisions. While some banks have tightened rules around income types in recent years, others maintain discretion to work with borrowers who demonstrate stable earnings and a credible repayment plan. Adams's experience has become a touchstone in discussions about financial empowerment for women who run businesses or create income streams outside conventional paths.