‘Sincerity and a sense of humour go a long way in being part of a good business’

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Shreeya Arora, Investment Manager and Underwriter at Adsum.

Adsum is a market leader in U.K. tax receivables financing, providing working capital and bridging loans secured against HMRC tax refunds.

Adsum bridges the funding-gap between payment of VAT on asset, property and stock purchases and receiving the corresponding tax refunds from HMRC, providing liquidity secured on borrowers’ balance sheet tax assets.

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

One of the best things about being in the bridging finance business is interacting with small business owners.

These are the firms/people that are the spirit of the economy and add actual value. Growth comes from such grassroots, and this is where I can see macroeconomic policy work in real time.

What keeps you focused?

A lot of the underwriting and lending processes are complicated and do not provide clients a sophisticated user journey.

What keeps me focused is achieving simplification and efficiency to resolve this gap.

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

Sincerity and a sense of humour go a long way in being part of a good business. At Adsum, I have been fortunate to have found like-minded individuals that are driven by creating quality business.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I would say I’m a realist. I like to assess situations as they are and try to not let my personal biases cloud my judgement.

What did you want to be as a child?

As a child, I wanted to be a Diplomat in the UN or a restaurant owner! Poles apart but true nonetheless.

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

I do think adapting to the new COVID normal and hopefully soon, bouncing back from the impact and financial drain from the pandemic will continue to be the greatest challenge for the industry.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My parents arguing over what to eat for dinner makes me laugh – they have been married 25+ years and it is still the same.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

I absolutely dread Monday mornings (and all other mornings) but just until I’ve had a cup of coffee or fresh stove-brewed chai.

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

I’d love to become a morning person – the previous question has made me question how approachable I am first thing in the morning!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I’d love to have dinner with Michelle Obama – a personality so big that even the US President can’t overshadow her.

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