Episode Summary:

Adam Stiles, Director and co-founder of Helix Structured Finance, returns to the podcast for a third time to share his unfiltered take on the state of the market heading into 2026. From the psychology of vetting borrowers and why broker-lender relationships still trump rate sheets, to the tech revolution reshaping the industry and why brokers who don’t adapt risk being left behind — Adam covers it all. He also opens up about mental health pressures in the broker community, his decision to give up alcohol, and why commercial property is the most underserved and exciting corner of the market right now. Plus, he doesn’t hold back when asked what the industry needs to stop ignoring.

Guest: Adam Stiles, Director & Co-Founder, Helix Structured Finance

Guest Socials: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamstilesuk/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #SpecialistLending #BridgingFinance #DevelopmentFinance #Bridging #Development #Business #MentalHealth #TechInFinance #BrokerLife #CommercialProperty #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #HelixStructuredFinance

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 – Market Outlook & Business Update

00:06:46 – Vetting Deals & Reading Red Flags

00:12:30 – Technology & The AI Revolution

00:17:05 – Mental Health & Giving Up Alcohol

00:23:30 – BDM Relationships & The Death of the Pub Meeting

00:29:31 – The Future of Broking

00:35:55 – Relationships Over Rates

00:42:11 – New Market Entrants & Lender Consolidation

00:49:12 – Growing Teams & Young Talent

00:56:10 – Looking Ahead & Industry Home Truths

Mark Posniak, Managing Director of Short-Term Lending at Maslow Capital, takes us on a fascinating tour through the complexities of pan-European bridging finance. With operations spanning eight countries from the UK to the Netherlands, Mark reveals why trying to lend across Europe from a London desk is a recipe for disaster, and how Maslow's on-the-ground expertise in each market gives them a unique edge. From navigating Italy's usury caps to understanding Ireland's lightning-fast residential market, Mark shares hard-won insights about the critical differences between European lending markets that most people miss. Plus, we dive into his personal journey with ADHD, what you can learn about someone's character on the golf course, and why Arsenal might finally have the depth to win the league.

Guest: Mark Posniak

Guest Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/pozzy_187/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/markposniak/

Sponsored by:

Avamore Capital

https://avamorecapital.com

#SpecialistFinance #PropertyFinance #Recruitment #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #Business #Leadership #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #FounderSyndrome #Headhunting #FinancialServices #CareerDevelopment #StartupGrowth #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #TeamBuilding #Entrepreneurship

In this episode, Michael Dean sits down with Jacob Bouet Andersen, Managing Director at Avamore Capital, to discuss the lender's remarkable turnaround and ambitious growth plans. Nine months into his role, Jacob shares how Avamore has achieved 90% growth in origination while simultaneously cleaning up the loan book and maintaining zero capital losses. Jacob introduces Avamore's "Four Pillars of Credit" framework - product, developer, delivery, and financials - explaining why backing the right sponsor matters more than ever in today's market.

The conversation explores their proactive approach to asset management, described as "looking for smoke rather than fighting fires," and how technology investments are streamlining the underwriting process. The discussion also covers Avamore's recently published Residential Market Outlook, touching on the regional renaissance in UK property development, the growing appetite for HMOs and income-generating assets, and why two-thirds of their exits now come through refinance rather than sales. Jacob outlines the team's target of 250 million in lending for the upcoming financial year and the operational changes being implemented to achieve it.

Whether you're a broker, developer, or industry observer, this episode offers valuable insights into how a specialist lender is positioning itself for growth while maintaining credit discipline in an uncertain market.

Guest: Jacob Bouet Andersen, Managing Director, Avamore Capital Guest

Socials: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobbouet/

Sponsored by: Avamore Capital https://avamorecapital.com

#specialistfinance #PropertyFinance #DevelopmentFinance #SpecialistLending #Bridging #Development #CreditManagement #AssetManagement #PropertyDevelopment #RealEstateFinance #BusinessStrategy #LoanBook #Underwriting #HMO #ResidentialDevelopment #RegionalProperty #UKProperty #Refinance #LendingGrowth #PropertyFunder