‘Bridging finance gives you a real-time view of how the market is actually moving’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Daniel Nolan, Lending Analyst at Fiduciam.

Daniel works across credit analysis and development finance, giving him a close-up view of how market conditions, government policy, and consumer confidence translate into real lending decisions.

Working within a highly international team, he brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to bridging and development finance, with a particular interest in how national housing and infrastructure targets are delivered at a local level.

What is the best thing about being in the bridging and development finance business?

Working in bridging and development finance keeps your ear to the ground.

It touches everything, from credit activity and consumer confidence to macroeconomic conditions, government policy, and employment trends.

You get a real-time view of how the market is actually moving, not just how it’s reported. This type of exposure is hard to find in other industries.

There’s also something tangible about it. Supporting the development of housing, apartments, commercial spaces, and industrial units means you’re helping create something physical and lasting.

That’s pretty amazing to be a part of.

What keeps you focused?

Overdosing on caffeine and Diet Coke. Thankfully, the office keeps plenty in stock.

What qualities do you look for in your employees or colleagues?

Working in a team of 15 nationalities, I’d say diversity is key in a workplace. It not only introduces a range of different skills and backgrounds but also brings alternative ways to approach challenges and find solutions.

Each team member has a unique way of negotiating deals, communicating, and approaching risk.

It sounds cliché, but a collective output is far stronger than an individual one.

Alternative lending can be fast-moving and deal-focused, so being able to communicate with a range of clients and colleagues from different backgrounds is invaluable.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Definitely an optimist, hard not to be when working in the Irish market.

Strong investment activity, a large international presence, and bullish national policy frameworks.

What did you want to be as a child?

A carpenter. I still think about that career now.

I used to build tipi tents in my backyard, although they never managed to stay upright for longer than a few hours. Probably best I stay in credit, for others’ sake.

What will be the greatest challenge facing the bridging and development finance industry in the coming months?

I think the greatest challenge will be aligning national objectives with local delivery.

Government targets for housing and infrastructure are clear, but the success of these initiatives depends on local execution.

Local councils play a critical role in ensuring proper zoning, a seamless planning process, and community support; all of which can either accelerate or delay projects. This disconnection can create risk for both developers and lenders.

The Irish government has set ambitious targets for 2026, and it will be very interesting to see how this translates into practical results at a local level.

Bridging and development finance sits at this intersection, so any bottlenecks can have a direct impact on deal flow.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Hardy Bucks, can’t get enough of that show.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Honestly, most of the dread gets used up on Sunday night, by the time Monday rolls around I’m fresh!

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I’d like to work on my procrastination… but I’ll probably put that off until next year.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

As an Australian, it has to be Steve Irwin. The guy is a god Down Under.

FOLLOW ON GOOGLE NEWS