The Five Minute Interview with Joanne McGillicuddy, Underwriter, Hope Capital

By Tony Sanchez 2nd March 2020

Hope Capital is a principal bridging lender operating nationwide, lending against residential, retail, commercial and semi-commercial properties and land. It prides itself on being quick, flexible, specialist and transparent.

Every loan is underwritten individually and borrowers can use the loans for property purchase, refinance and an array of other business purposes, including debt consolidation and covering cash flow.

We speak to underwriter, Joanne McGillicuddy:

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

The fast pace environment and finding solutions to make the deal work for the client.

What keeps you focused?

Working to tight deadlines focusses the mind! Also, I want to deliver the very best I can for the brokers and clients. We really pride ourselves on giving great service at Hope Capital.

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

A team player, positivity and being prepared to work hard to get the job done, it also helps if they love food as much as me!

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m definitely an optimist, but with a touch of realism.

What did you want to be as a child?

It may be really geeky, but I wanted to be a chemist. I thought the smart white lab coats looked really cool and quite fancied wearing one!

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

Managing client’s expectations of property values, especially in the commercial sector. We are seeing disparities in the client’s estimated value of properties and the values given by valuers.

Increases in property values have tended to slow down but clients often don’t see this.

Who or what makes you laugh?

My 10 year old son, I love his optimism and view of the world, I asked him recently if he was going to buy some shin pads out of his Christmas money to which he replied ‘Mum I’m saving up for my car insurance, don’t you know car insurance is rocketing’!

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Definitely not. For me Monday is the day to reset and look forward to the challenges of a new week.

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

To relax more, I’ve always got a To Do list and I find it difficult to switch off and relax.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Chris Evans, I love his enthusiasm for life.