The Five Minute Interview with Emmanuel Johnson, Underwriter, Market Financial Solutions

By Tony Sanchez 6th July 2020

Market Financial Solutions is an award winning independent bridging finance provider that deals with a range of bespoke bridging solutions that are fast and flexible for all their intermediaries and clients.

We speak to underwriter, Emmanuel Johnson:

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

I think the best thing is the ability to genuinely help people with their next purchases, especially those that are new to bridging loans, when they realise that it can really be used to make their purchase easier, or quicker, or for whichever aspect they want to take advantage of!

What keeps you focused?

I really try and stay on top of my self-motivation. I guess that with having a young family I have no choice but to be focused so that their lives can run smoothly.

Distractions could potentially hamper the harmony in their routine.

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

I value honesty over everything else, I think it is the most important quality to look for in anyone as it provides the best foundation onwhich you can build a healthy relationship.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I would say that I’m a natural optimist for the most part, however I’m also a realist, which at the moment could also be classed as a pessimist!

What did you want to be as a child?

I wanted to be a bank cashier. In my first year of secondary school, Natwest came in to teach us about banking and savings and I just loved it.

I instantly thought, ‘This is the job for me’!

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

I think the biggest thing coming that could pose a challenge for the industry is seller confidence in the market.

You will get some who won’t feel comfortable selling at this time as they feel they may not receive the true value of their Asset.

Naturally, lenders will also play a big role, as our appetite to lend and the rates applied will be a key factor in how the industry recovers, or stagnates, in the coming months.

Who or what makes you laugh?

To be honest I am a pretty jovial person, so everything & everyone makes me laugh!

The irony is I don’t like stand-up comedy, I just feel as though it’s too rehearsed and not natural.

If all else fails, then Liverpool winning the Premier League this season has to be the biggest joke!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

For me, it depends on the weather. When the weather is nice, I look forward to it like any other day!

But when it’s a cold or rainy morning I’m not jumping for joy to get out of bed.

The sunshine just injects energy and some extra enthusiasm for me to go about my day.

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

I could be more assertive.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I think I would have to choose Vladmir Putin. Not from an admiration point of view, but rather to try and gain an understanding of the thought process of such a powerful leader, that is so different to what we are used to in our culture.