The LCN Interview: Jonathan Gomez

We are delighted to feature an interview with Jonathan Gomez. Jonathan is the Director of Capital Markets at Lendinvest, the leading peer-to-peer marketplace for property lending and investing.

What attracted you to joining the team at Lendinvest?

They have huge aspirations for the firm which resonated strongly with me. I was really keen to be part of that. The opportunity to create value in a small firm was a massive attraction and I am really pleased with my decision.

How do you see the platform lending market evolving in the UK and globally over the next 5 years?

The P2P industry is extremely well poised to disrupt the banks and will only continue to grow with the current momentum as the IF ISA comes on board next April. Smaller scale investors will be able to be more active in their investments without the typical costs associated. The platforms are really opening up the market and using better methods and criteria to lend on, as opposed to slow archaic methods used by banks. Therefore, safer loans, better returns - win:win.

Institutional investors are looking for increased exposure to platform originated loans as an asset class, what does Lendinvest offer institutional investors that they may not be able to find elsewhere?

We provide exposure to the short term bridging market and the lower end of the development market. There are huge markets that are consistently underserved by banks. The banks have either not returned to these markets since the crash, or, the banks still have little appetite to lend to these markets. We are also lenders with significant experience (we were property investors before turning to technology) and determined to build our market share in both these niches. LendInvest enables these institutions to be exposed to these markets without having the sector expertise themselves. It's the beauty of the LendInvest offering.

Apart from your colleagues at Lendinvest, who are your role models for your business life?

It may sound cliche but Richard Branson. You hear about a lot of great CEOs in terms of achievements but who turn out to be terrible employers of people. Mr Branson is constantly in the media for how he treats his people, and I strongly support treating your employees as your number 1 asset.

What would be your dream job if you didn’t work in finance?

A university tennis team coach.

In a movie of your life story, which actor would you like to play you?

Edward Norton - I think he can portray anyone, and think he would do me justice

What do you do to relax?

Play tennis, or surround myself with others.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Capetown - I only spent 4 days there and did nearly everything - Table Mountain, Lions Head, wine-tasting in Franschoek, whale-watching in Hermanus, shark cage-diving in Gansbaai, partying in Camps Bay... it's a great city.

What piece of advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

Travel more.