The Five Minute Interview with Alan Margolis, Head of Bridging, United Trust Bank

By Tony Sanchez 1st March 2012

United Trust Bank is a leading player in the bridging market. United Trust Bank are known for their ability to get deals done and for their outstanding service.

We speak to Head of Bridging, Alan Margolis:

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

The challenge of writing high quality loans. Each case is different and most cases have at least one “issue” which means we need to apply thought and expertise – we never just simply go through the motions.

What keeps you focussed?

Caffeine.

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

Integrity, ability and being up for the challenge. This is not a sector for clock watchers.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Optimist. It’s probably more sensible to be a pessimist though.

What did you want to be as a child?

Hardly original I know, but an airline pilot. I never kidded myself I could make an air force pilot. Although I should have tried harder at physics and maths, I would have failed on the eyesight test anyway.

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

The sheer number of new entrants means that at some point there is going to be a shakedown in the sector.

Bridging loans are not a mass market product in terms of demand and how they should be underwritten and it may take something dramatic for the wider financial world to realise this.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Michael McIntyre and any episode of Fawlty Towers.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

No. Those with young children will understand.

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

To not be afraid of a cricket ball moving towards me at speed.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Richard Feynman – check him out on You Tube.