The Five Minute Interview with Carmen Sanchez, Senior Underwriter, Fiduciam Spanish team

By Tony Sanchez 11th May 2020

Fiduciam is a pension-fund owned bridging and marketplace lender to entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Granting business bridge loans to provide working capital or to finance expansion plans, standard rental loans to landlords who wish to extend their real estate portfolio and permitted development loans, to contractors and developers for straightforward construction projects.

Fiduciam lends in several European countries, including Spain, and has an 8-person strong Spanish team in London.

We speak to senior underwriter, Carmen Sanchez:

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

Unlike in other areas of the finance industry, in bridging you can see a direct effect on the life and businesses of the clients.

What keeps you focused?

The ever-changing and fast paced nature of the job is enough to stay mentally alert and flexible to everyday challenges.

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

The same qualities that I look for in any person, honesty, kindness and curiosity. With those you will go far. All other necessary qualities for any job can be learnt.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I am a realistic dreamer. Dreams are the motor that drive the world, you just need the necessary doses of reality to try to make those dreams come true.

In the words of Gabriel García Márquez, “It is not true that people stop pursuing dreams because they grow old, they grow old because they stop pursuing dreams”, and I intend to be forever young. That’s quite optimistic, isn’t it?

What did you want to be as a child?

That’s easy! A guitar player in a rock band, unfortunately my music talent lies only in the listening.

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

The Coronavirus crisis is the greatest challenge that we are currently confronting and that we will continue to face in the coming months, not only for the bridging finance industry but for the economy and society as a whole.

Although we are in the early stages of the crisis, its negative impact on the entrepreneurial fabric is evident.

I believe that our industry could and should play a role in assisting with the reconstruction of that business fabric.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My dog. And re-watching “Singin’ in the rain” always gets me in a happy mood.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

I dread the alarm beep every day. I am not a morning person, but once I have a shower and some fresh air in my face, I am ready for what the day brings.

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

Nothing, it took me a long time to be who I am!

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

My family, living away from them makes me appreciate in greater measure the moments we can share. However, if Chris Evans (Captain America) called I would put my mother on hold.