5 minutes with…’ is our interview series where we speak to employees at Moorgate and gain a deeper understanding of their roles and how they got to where they are today.
Today we have Lauren Scotford, our Credit Placement Manager.
How did you get to your current role?
I have been immersed in the financial services industry since completing my education seven years ago. My experience spans personal banking, collections and commercial finance. I previously worked for an asset finance lender for two and a half years where I first learnt the distinctions between a Hire Purchase and Finance Lease. After gaining a solid understanding of asset finance, I sought a new challenge and a role with daily variety, leading me to join as a Credit Placement Manager in September 2023. Transitioning from a lender to a brokerage has been a pivotal career move, allowing me to enhance my existing expertise and broaden my knowledge of financial products beyond asset finance.
What is a typical day like for you?
Each day, I evaluate our customers’ overall credit profiles, taking into account their credit history, current financial status, and any outstanding obligations. I delve into their financial data, analyzing income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow projections to gain a comprehensive understanding of their financial health. By assessing their specific requirements and financial goals, I can tailor my approach to meet their unique needs. I then strategically place finance applications with the most suitable lenders, leveraging my industry knowledge and relationships to secure the best possible terms and conditions for our customers that align with their objectives and financial capabilities.
What is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement was mastering the unique lending appetite and criteria of each of the 70+ lenders on our panel. This involved understanding the specific financial products and tailored services each lender offers, as well as their individual risk appetites and lending criteria. This has helped me to match customers with the most suitable lenders, ensuring that their diverse financial needs were met with the best possible solutions.
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
The biggest challenge we face is turning around complex finance deals within very short timeframes. These deals often involve intricate financial structures and require thorough analysis. Despite these challenges, our team excels in delivering timely solutions. This success is largely due to the strong relationships we have built with our network of lenders which enable us to navigate these complexities and meet our customers’ urgent needs effectively.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your role?
The most rewarding part of my role is the ability to add value by identifying finance opportunities that our customers may not have initially considered. Seeing these identified opportunities get across the line is incredibly fulfilling. It reinforces the importance of our role and puts the customer towards the best financial solutions.
If you could sum up Moorgate in three words, what would they be?
Dynamic, Strategic, Collaborative.