A keen rugby man who would like the power to rejuvenate after a game and also change his new work ‘nickname’…

Jason McGee-Abe spoke to United Trust Bank’s new bridging hire, Gerard Morgan Jackson…

B&C: How long have you been in the industry and how did you get to where you are now?

GMJ: I have been in and out of the financial industry in various forms since I left school and either side of trips to university. Working on both sides of the fence, previously as a broker and more recently for lenders including Lloyds, Lehman’s (the crash wasn’t my fault), Morgan Stanley and Tiuta.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

The average answer of fighter pilot or footballer doesn’t apply for me. As a small child I am reliably informed by my mother that I wanted to be a bin man, of all things. The highlight of my week back then was ‘bin day’ as I got to wave to the ‘refuse collection operatives’. Says a lot about my childhood!

What do you think are the biggest problems in bridging at the moment?

I think that the bridging industry is facing some interesting ‘challenges’ rather than problems at the moment. As bridging gains prominence and is promoted to an ever-widening audience, the challenge for both lenders and brokers is to maintain our high product and service standards. Those people who are perhaps new to the industry will soon recognize that we are not a ‘tick-box’ industry, preferring instead to assess each and every case on its individual merits.

Which sports team do you support, if any, and why? 

Saracens - I used to play for them.

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

The new ‘nickname’ I have just obtained in my colleagues at UTB

If you could have one superpower, what would you choose and why? 

The power of rejuvenation, so I didn’t feel so battered after rugby. However I don’t think I’d be a great superhero. Think first half of Hancock!

What was the last film you saw and what did you think of it?  

Drive with Ryan Gosling. Really enjoyed it, loved the 80’s soundtrack.

What would you put in room 101 if you had the chance?  

Skinny jeans - Real men should not be able to fit in them.

What do you expect to happen in the bridging finance industry in 2012?  

2012 is going to be a big year for bridging, there is a huge void to be filled as the ‘mainstream lenders’ appear to be a long way from picking up the ball. Increased competition will lead to some of the newer less experienced ‘lenders’ that have emerged recently to be squeezed out of the market, as the economy stutters.

If you could do anything you wanted this Sunday, what would it be?

Awake to the confirmation that I have won the lottery! Failing that, depending how sore the head is, possibly an early morning run, followed by several meals, perhaps catch a game in the pub over a few beers with some friends.