‘There’s always something to be learned from bad situations’

By Tony Sanchez 25th November 2022

In our latest Five Minute Interview, Tony Sanchez speaks to Michael Tschirley, Investor Relations Associate at Fiduciam.

Fiduciam is an institutionally funded marketplace lender. It provides short-term loans secured over real estate in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Sweden, from £250k to £25m, for loan terms of six months to three years, both in pound sterling and in euro.

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

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

Working in the finance industry has been a goal of mine since high school. Even before that, I was always fascinated by real estate and the way in which you can add (or take away) value by making a few key changes that make it more attractive.

This sector is fast-paced, competitive and diverse (from investors to borrowers) – three aspects I thrive by.

What keeps you focused?

Most of us at Fiduciam have roles that are quite intense, so it’s hard to lose focus.

Working in the Investor Relations team requires me to maintain a quick turnaround and always think ahead about opportunities that suit our institutional investors.

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

I mostly look for sincerity. When I interact with someone, I want to feel a connection. This is fundamental to the way many Italians interact, and for sure in my family.

I also believe that a strong team is built through drive and self-motivation and this keeps a team committed to the bigger picture which the company strives towards.

I also look for a certain clarity in the way people speak. If they can express themselves clearly, it often means they can work efficiently. And, even more importantly, if they aren’t clear about something, they don’t mind saying so.

Are you an optimist or a pessimist?

I’m an optimist, maybe because I’m still young but I think a lot can be accomplished with a bit of optimism and hard work.

I tend to think there’s always something to be learned from bad situations, so go with what you have and make the most of it.

What did you want to be as a child?

A tennis player. My parents did a great job involving me in sports as I was growing up, and tennis was one of them. I had a solid shot to making it my career.

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

The uncertainty of where interest rates will end up in the next year or so, consequently affecting property valuations and the demand for loans.

Many lenders will be hit by increasing funding costs, non-performing loans and a more challenging operating environment.

Hard times bring out the real players of the game, and this will allow Fiduciam to further position itself as a leading lender across Europe.

Who or what makes you laugh?

The TV series ‘Friends’ is definitely my go-to when I want to have a laugh.

There are countless scenes that really make me laugh, and Joey is without a doubt who makes the difference in the show.

Do you dread Monday mornings?

Absolutely not. I like to think that Monday is the day to get ahead of competition and set the direction for the week.

Here at Fiduciam there is healthy competition between colleagues, and Mondays allow me to set the pace and look forward to what the week has to offer.

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

Learning how to say ‘no’ sometimes. I generally always want to help when someone asks for a favour.

As I gain more experience in this field, I’m starting to understand when I can and cannot offer my support without compromising my own work.

I’m also of the opinion that being a person that people can count on goes a long way in this sector.

With whom would you most like to have dinner?

Roger Federer. He revolutionised tennis and many other sports as well through his classiness.

He was also one of the first athletes to close a vast endorsement deal with Rolex at the time, so he has a lot of business acumen which I could learn from through a dinner with him.