The Five Minute Interview with Anthony Bodenstein, Founder, Whitehall Capital

By Tony Sanchez 22nd July 2020

Whitehall Capital is a specialist provider of bridging loans, short-term and auction finance, with more than a decade of experience operating in the UK Residential and Commercial Real Estate markets.

We speak to founder and managing partner Anthony Bodenstein:

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

It’s a dynamic, fast-moving market and the sector where contracts are signed and executed perhaps faster than in any other industry.

I like that and derive a great deal of satisfaction from helping SMEs and property developers to realise their property ambitions.

What keeps you focused?

First and foremost, the quality and delivery of our customer service.

We have won a hard-earned reputation for the clear, open, honest communication we deliver throughout the loan process and are always looking to make it as easy as possible for intermediaries and borrowers alike.

We also place a significant emphasis on the management of risk and the quality of our loan book.

We wouldn’t last long in this business if we didn’t worry about our exposure on the loans we make!

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

We take great pride in our clear and transparent process, our ability to move quickly and the quality of our communication; as such, great interpersonal skills allied to a consumer-focused mentality score highly with us.

We want people who can analyse complex situations, often at pace, and who can cut through the issues to deliver a great outcome for the customer.

Most important of all, we want people with a hunger for learning and who wish to progress.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

A cautious optimist!

What did you want to be as a child?

I was captivated by Wimbledon early on and dreamt of becoming a professional tennis player.

When reality dawned, I set my sights on becoming lawyer and trained at the New York State Bar. finally – but I settled on finance!

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

With no shadow of a doubt – COVID and the many challenges it will bring.

Who or what makes you laugh?

Apart from my children?! It humours me greatly when I see mainstream banks talking about the quality of their customer service.

Most of the SME applicants we take on tell us that the banks’ loan application process takes too long and/or that they have received very poor customer service.

That gives us a chuckle, but also tells us we’re focusing on the right areas when it comes to delivering great outcomes for our clients.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

On the contrary. I love them and like nothing more than to start the new week by kicking off a new project.

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

Friends and business associates tell me I need to show more patience – but I move quickly and like to get things done. It’s a work on!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

The great Roger Federer. It would be fascinating getting his perspective on my personal qualities and chances of having become a success on the international circuit!