The Five Minute Interview with Cristina Villén, Loan Originator for Spain, Fiduciam

By Tony Sanchez 6th March 2019

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.

With its flexible, efficient and competitive approach to lending it helps small and medium sized businesses grow and prosper.

We speak to loan originator for Spain, Cristina Villén:

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

Building personal relationships with our clients, getting to know their needs and being able to offer them specific, fast and flexible solutions.

At Fiduciam we have the necessary resources to guarantee our clients a positive result.

What keeps you focused?

Working in a competitive sector and the variety of deals I see, means I feel an obligation to be proactive and informed.

I want to be constantly prepared to give the most complete service so my clients feel they are in the best hands.

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

I think everyone should identify themselves with the values of the company, get excited about a job well done and achieving good results, be positive and look for different ways to find the best solutions for our customers.

However, the most important is being aware that you are part of a team so it’s essential to be the best partner you can be.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

Definitely optimist, we live in a world where personal and professional situations depend on so many external influences that you can’t control.

It’s best to tackle whatever comes along with a positive attitude as it will help you to face it better.

What did you want to be as a child?

I always wanted to be a singer, I was always performing at home and in school with my family and friends.

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

Our greatest challenge is adapting our services to the new Spanish Mortgage Law that is coming into force in the next few months, in addition to background legislative uncertainty surrounding the upcoming Spanish General Election in April.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My little sister

Do you dread Monday mornings?

I like a Saturday morning better! However, I enjoy my job and knowing that what I do helps my clients allows me to face Mondays with enthusiasm.

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

I think I need to not be so hard on myself, I always try to turn negative situations into positives, but sometimes it’s harder than it seems.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Without a doubt my family. There is nothing better than to meet everyone at a table for dinner. I especially love to prepare it together and afterwards always enjoy a long, and typical, Spanish after-dinner.