Former banker Layla Kelly, who now models for OnlyFans and performs adult entertainment, has spoken out about how she struggled following the end of her career in the boardroom. Layla, 34, worked in the bank for seven years straight before making the transition to the adult industry—a move that dramatically increased her income and quality of life.

The professional switch was well worth it, with Layla being selected as New Zealand's Best Porn Star in 2023 and again in 2024. Nevertheless, regardless of her professional achievement, she recently suffered an unforeseen setback when a bank turned down her application for a home loan due to her line of work.

Why Layla quit banking

Layla left the banking profession because she felt trapped and overworked, even though she received a good salary.

“I didn’t want to be chained to a corporate desk anymore,” Layla told news.com.au. “I wanted a better work-life balance and more time with my family. I also wanted the freedom to increase my income.”

When she quit, Layla earned $65,000 annually. Yet, given New Zealand's high cost of living, she could not save and felt buying a house was unaffordable.

Loan rejection even with high incomes

Career changes enabled Layla to raise her income by $185,000 annually—something she had never dreamed of when she worked in banking. With a six-figure deposit, she thought the time was ripe to purchase a home.

It did not quite work out, however. A bank rejected her loan application on account of her work in the adult industry.

“We had an incredible broker who went out to bat for us, and most banks were great, but there was one that wouldn’t assess our application because of the industry I’m in,” Layla said.

She expressed her frustration over the rejection, calling the bank’s decision unfair.

“I was really annoyed. They just saw it on paper and didn’t even care to have a conversation with us,” Layla said, describing the bank’s behavior as “hypocritical.”

Even with the setback, Layla is convinced that she made the right decision to change careers. She now has financial security and a healthier work-life balance—something she did not have while working in banking.

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