The Five Minute Interview with James Anderson, Head of New Business, MT Finance

By Tony Sanchez 17th November 2017

MT Finance is a multi-award-winning bridging finance lender based in the heart of London, which has been in operation since 2008.

Throughout this time, they have been delighted to have assisted numerous property investors, business owners, and individuals with their finance requirements.

At MT Finance, they believe a bridging loan should either make or save a borrower money. Their reputation in the market is second to none for delivering funds at speed and at sensible rates and they have been consistently recognised throughout the industry for their approach to lending.

We speak to Head of New Business, James Anderson:

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

I absolutely love the fast-paced nature of bridging finance. When I was much younger I worked as a chef.

Now I feel that the high-pressure and high-quality environment of the professional kitchen was the perfect training for working on the MT Finance bridging finance desk, where speed and quality of service is crucial.

What keeps you focused?

I never, ever want to let anyone down. Our brokers put their client’s financial lives on the line with us and this is a responsibility and privilege which we never forget.

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

People who are comfortable to be themselves. Many companies out there try to mould people into something they are not. My philosophy is that you can never fulfil your potential if you are not allowed to be yourself.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I would have always said I was an optimist but as time rolls on and one sees the repeated mistakes of humanity, I’m beginning to question it.

What did you want to be as a child?

I’m trying hard to remember. I think it was to be an airline pilot because it’s the only job where you get to see a clear blue sky every day you work.

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

Maintaining confidence. The signals from the markets, media, and politics are very volatile at the moment.

Our industry needs to continue to reflect the fact that although we face challenges, the financial support for people looking to capitalise on what is still a fundamentally sound market has never been better.

Who or what makes you laugh?

People falling over. That will never get old.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Don’t get me wrong, I love my weekends but I’m fortunate to work in a place and with people who are really important to me. I could never dread a Monday morning in that sort of environment.

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

I do wish I could find a bit more motivation to get out and do some badly needed running on these cold, dark evenings.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

If you can choose those who are no longer with us, then I would choose my Grandfather.

True to tradition, he would use his 1990s desktop publishing software to design a menu, then buy the necessary ingredients, and go and watch television while I did the cooking.