The Five Minute Interview with Richard D’Souza, Senior Underwriter, Market Financial Solutions

By Tony Sanchez 26th November 2019

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 senior underwriter, Richard D’Souza:

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

I used to work in 2^nd charge mortgages and I found cases quite repetitive at times.

In bridging every case tends to be different, hence your day to day job is never the same. I enjoy the complexity of the cases and finding solutions to the problems that may occur.

What keeps you focused?

Tight deadlines. Bridging is all about speed and service, we currently have four BDM’s on the road who are constantly flooding my team with enquiries.

I feel like you are always working against the clock, so it could be easy to lose track of time if you don’t focus.

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

For someone to have a positive can-do attitude, I don’t always like negativity in the office and like to see everyone giving 110% .

Attention to detail is also key in underwriting and I also like people to think outside the box and not like robots.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

In the industry we are in, you have to be optimistic. I am always looking at cases with an open mind to see if there is a way to do a deal and I also feel that being optimistic helps you solve issues should they arise.

What did you want to be as a child?

I think every child wanted to be a footballer growing up. I retired aged 30 after I realised I wasn’t going to make it.

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

It would undoubtably be the uncertainty of the property market whilst we wait for Brexit to be delivered.

However, I am confident the inevitable will happen early next year and the market will slowly start to recover.

Who or what makes you laugh?

At MFS we have a great team, so I would say the office banter.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Waking up Monday morning is always hard however, once I have arrived at my desk I’m focussed and straight into the week.

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

I would probably lead a less stressful life if I supported a different football team.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

I’m a big fan of the Apprentice so I would say Lord Sugar, he reminds me of our CEO Paresh Raja. Also being a Watford fan, Troy Deeney is also one of my heroes.