‘Our aim is to become one of the main European real estate private lenders’

By Tony Sanchez 13th June 2023

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Carl Jabbour, Head of Investor Relations, Chief Operating Officer and Director. at Fiduciam.

Fiduciam is an institutionally funded and pension-fund owned marketplace lender to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises all over the UK and Europe.

Fiduciam provide bridging loans, commercial mortgages and development finance. Their clients are active in a broad range of sectors, including real estate, financial services, manufacturing, agri-food, hospitality and healthcare.

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

The best thing about being in the bridging and development finance business is the ability to see the contribution that we make to every project, whether it entails financing the refurbishment of a derelict property or enabling the launch of a new car!

What keeps you focused?

The vision of what we are trying to build.

Our aim is to become one of the main European real estate private lenders, and that means we need to navigate complexities around developing a platform suitable for multiple countries, languages and currencies.

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

I look for dedication to what they aim to achieve within Fiduciam. This includes constantly learning new skills and rolling up their sleeves to get things done.

And of course, contributing to our legendary Christmas videos is also appreciated!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I try to approach situations with a practical mindset, so I would say I am more of a realist, sometimes edging towards optimism and sometimes not!

What did you want to be as a child?

I wanted to sail around the world and visit some of the world’s most remote places.

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

The short-term implications of increasing interest rates will have a challenging impact on the lending and real estate markets.

However, I believe that higher rates are here to stay, and combined with tighter regulation on banks, will result in positive opportunities for our business.

Who or what makes you laugh?

British humour. I discovered shows like Yes Minister when I moved to the UK, and it just cracks me up!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

It’s my favourite day of the week, especially after a holiday!

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

Play jazz. I used to play a few instruments when I was younger and I let it go. I would have loved to be able to play it!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Nims Dai – to learn his perspective on making decisions under extreme pressure and in harsh environments – plus, no one has tried what he did since the 70s, which means he created a new record for fellow climbers to break!