Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you to join Fignum?
“I’ve been fortunate to work across a diverse range of organisations, from large listed institutions like Lloyds Banking Group to agile fintechs such as PEXA. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on strategy and transformation, and when the opportunity arose to join Fignum, I saw the potential to apply my experience to a business at a pivotal point at the start of its growth journey. Fignum’s cutting-edge technology and the team’s dedication to innovation made the decision an easy one for me.”
What sets Fignum apart in the specialist lending market, and what are your growth ambitions for the company?
“Fignum aims to make specialist lending smarter, and we believe that our approach is different from others. The combination of our technology, people and client-first ways of working, helps us deliver outcomes that are fast, flexible, and future-proof. On a technical level, our deep expertise in specialist lending means that we truly understand the complexities of this market and why one-size-fits-all models just don’t work. My ambition is to build trusted, long-term relationships with dynamic lenders who are ready to embrace change and create a fundamentally different customer experience in the market."
The mortgage market is evolving rapidly—how do you see technology reshaping this space in the coming years?
“The mortgage market is at an interesting crossroads. While some lenders are embracing cloud-based software, the majority are still held back by legacy systems. At the same time, I believe we are overestimating the short-term impact of AI but underestimating its transformative potential in the long term. By 2030, I expect AI to redefine many backend processes, reducing costs and enhancing customer experiences – though this will require time alongside regulatory and structural changes.”
You’ve mentioned a “reverse bidding model” as a potential future innovation. Can you explain how this might work?
“Absolutely. The idea is to flip the traditional mortgage model on its head. Instead of brokers matching borrowers to lenders, brokers would present borrowers to lenders, who would then bid competitively based on the borrower’s criteria, such as credit quality and risk profile. This model could empower customers and drive more competitive lending practices, but it’s likely a decade away from being realised in the mortgage sector.”
What role do you see AI playing in specialist versus vanilla lending?
“AI’s potential is particularly exciting in specialist lending, where complex underwriting and bespoke solutions are the norm. Advanced AI models can analyse intricate data sets, which provide valuable insights to lenders and enable more efficient decision-making. In vanilla lending, simplicity is key and it is less likely to see radical change in the short term as many customers still value personalised, human interactions.”
Legacy systems remain a barrier to innovation for many lenders. How can these challenges be overcome?
“Legacy systems are a significant hurdle, but they’re not insurmountable. For established lenders, it’s all about finding a balance—adopting new technologies in areas that bring immediate value, like backend efficiencies, while maintaining trust and consistency. At Fignum, we’ve designed solutions that are highly configurable and adaptable, helping lenders bridge the gap between legacy constraints and modern demands.”
What excites you most about the future of the mortgage market?
“What excites me most is the potential for transformation. AI and automation offer opportunities to streamline processes, improve customer experiences, and create a more dynamic and competitive market. At the same time, I hope the human element remains central—brokers providing personalised advice and lenders innovating responsibly. It’s this blend of technology and personal connection that I believe will define the future.”
