‘SDKA has an unmatched reputation for speed, service and quality’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Scot Tsang, Head of Operations and In-House Legal at SDKA.

Scot relocated to Manchester and joined SDKA Ltd in 2021. He was previously a partner at Spector Constant & Williams in London. Scot is second-generation, British-born Chinese and grew up in a Chinese takeaway in Barnsley.

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

The fast-paced world of bridging finance can be extremely challenging, but I love completions, as do our clients and brokers.

I enjoy breaking through all the barriers and issues to exceed expectations.

There is an interesting and eclectic mix of personalities involved (clients, brokers, valuers, solicitors, funders) and finding ways to simplify complex problems to get the deal done is quite rewarding.

What keeps you focused?

SDKA has an unmatched reputation for speed, service and quality.  It’s great to be a part of a team that consistently strives to be better.

It’s not easy maintaining such a high standard but it gives me great pride to see the recognition that SDKA has earned for it.

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

Confidence, Pragmatism, Empathy.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m probably more of a pessimist than I’d like to admit but I’m always open to being proved wrong and I encourage others to please do so!

I’m not averse to having a healthy slice of humble pie from time to time.  I think it helps me to stay focused on achieving the best result for our clients, for SDKA, and not leave anything to chance.

What did you want to be as a child?

I actually wanted to be an architect and design beautiful futuristic buildings but I thought law would be easier and I only got a B in A-Level Physics.

I knew I wasn’t talented enough to ever reach the heights of famous architects like Zaha Hadid or Norman Foster.  How they can imagine and bring to life such stunning structures is incredible.

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

Land Registry processing times are causing huge delays to transactions, and I can’t see this getting any better.

Current published processing times to register a transfer of part can take up to 20 months. This is completely unacceptable and shameful.

It is really holding back the UK property industry and is embarrassing. I can’t see how this will improve without significant investment and government intervention.

There are ways to reduce processing times which require a clear understanding of the Land Registry rules and practice guides.

Delays can be reduced if Land Registry applications are submitted correctly to avoid requisitions and if the relevant parties request an expedite at the appropriate time with supporting evidence.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Ali Wong is hilarious, she has a specific joke about East and Southeast Asian nationalities that cannot be repeated on here, watch Baby Cobra on Netflix.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

It makes no difference to me what day it is as there is always something to do and Monday completions are a great way to start off the working week.

Every day is a new opportunity, personally and professionally.

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

In another life, I wish I could sing.

I have no vocal range and no talent for it but I love listening to music and going to concerts.

It fills me with so much joy hearing the artistry and the passion of singers of all genres, whether pop, rock or classical.

Sadly I was not blessed with such a gift… I think I can draft a decent contract though.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Joanna Lumley would be an absolutely fabulous dinner guest (hopefully most of your readers will still get that reference).

I’d spend the evening trying to encourage her to be the next prime minister!

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