Albatross Review
Our Story
It was at Millfield School that we developed a lifelong friendship, aged 11. From those very early days, we both had a dream - to establish and grow a business with our best mate.
Almost 20 years later, we’re still true to that original teenage ambition, as founders of Albatross Lending Group.
After a stint as stock brokers in the City of London, we both began our lending journey as fresh faced 22-year olds, having spotted a gap in the specialist lending market for a new and transparent, relationship-focused approach to lending. We couldn’t help but feel that this transparency and client-centred approach had become lost as the industry developed and as lenders became larger. The commercialism and entrepreneurialism that bridging finance required had become lost in many cases and this was the gap that we wanted to fill.
Our starting point wasn’t the shiny skyscrapers of the capital, but rather a neat set up in Jordan’s parent’s garage. Business model in hand, months of market research and competitor analysis naturally followed, giving us a deeper understanding of the industry we really wanted to disrupt. We knew we had to truly understand it, in order to build the success we aspired to.
But there were two quite significant drawbacks - we had no lending experience and no money to lend! In those early days, we had to be tenacious and it wasn’t long before we made real progress. After one investor committed to funding a loan up to £100,000, it was down to us to embrace the mortgage broker market to find our first suitable deal. We had to work hard to generate those leads and we refused to take the easy route. It took a month of cold calling and door knocking before the right enquiry came in and that was when we started to see success.
The bridging market is packed with product offerings from competing lenders that are so similar - after all, its money. So establishing trust, a brand and relationships as a completely new lender, and especially one with no prior experience, looks like an impossible task in retrospect. But it didn’t stop us.
Perseverance prevailed and we kept our heads down, committed to raising funds and to providing a level of service that exceeded that of our competition.
Naturally, our lack of experience created headwinds in the early days - we were the new kids on the block. Poor loan underwriting saw several loans encounter problems. We were forced to deal with the problems, find solutions and experience the rough end of the lending process in those early days, being as agile as we could be and ultimately becoming expert decision makers and underwriters. Again, though, we didn’t stop there. Despite those teething issues, we’re proud to boast 250 loan completions to date and zero capital loss across the book since the business’ original inception.
One thing that we - and I guess most of the world - didn’t consider was the emergence of a global pandemic. But as Covid-19 took hold, an opportunity arose. The lending market stalled and our competition entered difficult waters with funding line pressure, a pause on funding due to unknown occurrences and pricing shifts. Rather than seeing the danger in such a situation, we spotted an opportunity. During that first lockdown, brokers and borrowers found themselves in scenarios where they couldn’t rely on their lender to deliver what was needed within the required time scales. This was our moment to jump!
So that was when Albatross really grew its wings and took flight. We presented the same founding principles, but with a core focus on ensuring we don’t let the end consumer down in their time of need. Our message, combined with a profound marketing push, levelled us up as a disruptor to the market, here to reliably deliver and support businesses in their desperate time of need. Naturally, this formed many strong and lasting relationships within the broker
and positioned Albatross as a refreshing lender. We were a leader in product innovation, impeccable service and good old fashioned straight talking honesty.
The attraction of funding lines came next. In those early years, we’d both grown our private investor network substantially and the relationships we had were stronger than ever. It was important that we ensured, above anything, that investors received the most transparent and attractive offering we could provide, along with a relentless and successful effort to deliver on exactly what each was promised.
Those original investors remain part of the Albatross business today and our business prides itself on its ability to still offer an investment product we believe tops the market.
Our strong brand, strong deal flow and a strong track record sparked interest in us from some institutional funders. A reputation for successfully lending money and getting paid back, which is the real skill, caught the eye of a number of investors. We onboarded several additional funding lines to support a new phase of growth and continue to capitalise on the opportunity that the market has presented for our growth. This growth continued at pace, still all from that same garage at Jordan’s parents’ home!
Awards began to cement our reputation and credibility within the sector and Albatross picked up Bridging & Commercial's Best New Lender award in 2021. This helped create the element of trust that was required to start and build relationships. Alongside that, we relocated to Fulham, aiming to be more accessible to the broker market, broadening the radius to recruit the right talent.
We needed the best opportunity to recruit the very best people - A Players (as we like to call them). That mission is still very much at the top of our list. Without the very best people, we’ll never be the very best lender.
“We needed to recruit the very best people - A Players (as we like to call them). This is at the top of our list, without the very best people, we’ll never be the very best lender.”
And now here we are, writing this note from our office in the West End of London, overlooking the hustle and bustle of Regent Street. From our new home, we have an expanding team of 12 experts who are managing a healthy and growing loan book, with several hundred million pounds under management and a market reputation that is exactly where we want it to be. We are still hungry to keep growing, to get better and drive a culture of kindness, fairness and entrepreneurialism. This remains just as important as it was when we first devised this business idea.
What is next for Albatross? We are proud of where we have come and what we have been able to achieve during this time, without any handouts or leg ups. We are still humble, shrewd and frugal also, focusing on doing good business with good people and making sure that we are profitable. In many ways though, we feel that we have barely started.
Where we are, compared to where we want to go, is the real excitement. The business model will soon include a new and ambitious addition, with the same underlying mission of being The Lender Of Choice, Every Time. So watch this space!
Albatross to the rescue
Commitment to the client has been an integral part of the Albatross story from the very origins of the organisation. With a reputation for timely deals and a guiding hand in the most difficult of moments, Albatross’ expert deal makers assist the client from the beginning of the deal right through to its completion. But don’t just take their own word for it…
Client: A Limited Company
Loan Amount: £165,000
Purpose: Refinance for a 7-bed HMO
Challenge: The borrower, an experienced landlord, purchased a property at auction in Hull and needed to free cash flow for a highspec refurbishment.
Solution: Albatross provided funds on day one to repay part of the capital and begin refurbishing. A further tranche was provided to complete the works.
Outcome: The project will cater to business professionals with ensuites in each room, enhancing rental income.
Client: Private Clients, North London
Loan Amount: £940,000 (Gross)
Purpose: Capital raise for client’s business
Challenge: Clients going through a divorce, with one requiring urgent cash flow support for their business.
Solution: A second-charge loan secured against a £2.6m property, which is being sold to a cash buyer. The deal was completed in two weeks despite the borrower being abroad.
Outcome: Cash flow requirements satisfied, allowing borrowers to focus on their personal issues and more time to sell the security asset for the best possible price.
Client: A Limited Company
Loan Amount: £390,000 (Gross)
Purpose: Business property acquisition
Challenge: The client needed urgent funding to purchase a semi-commercial property for business operations. Planning issues reclassified the property as fully commercial, which is outside typical lending criteria.
Solution: Albatross secured first and second charges on the property and the borrower’s home to mitigate risk.
Outcome: The borrower has multiple exit strategies, including downsizing their residence or obtaining a commercial mortgage.
Client: Private Client, Brockley, London
Loan Amount: £169,400 (Gross)
Purpose: Bridge for a property purchase
Challenge: The client faced losing a deposit due to last-minute lender issues. The property, a one-bedroom flat, needed refurbishment to add value.
Solution: Albatross completed the loan in 5 days, allowing the client to proceed with the purchase. The planned refurbishment will increase the property’s value, with the exit coming from the sale post-renovation.
Outcome: Timely completion secured the client’s investment and allowed the project to move forward.
Client: A Limited Company
Loan Amount: £2,789,615 (Gross)
Purpose: Commercial property purchase for business expansion
Challenge: The borrower sought to purchase a new commercial property to expand their bakery business.
Solution: A cross-collateral loan was secured with a first charge on the commercial property and a second charge on the borrower’s £2.5m residence.
Outcome: The borrower plans to downsize their residence and obtain a commercial mortgage to manage the remaining debt.
Albatross Social
Since its founding, Albatross has remained committed to relationships. A client’s journey is one that is shared by your lender and, for that reason, the friendship runs much deeper than a financial agreement and extends across a growing calendar of social events. We asked the team to take us on a tour of ‘24.
SKIPIM
This first event on the Albatross Social calendar for this year was a hugely successful celebration of our network, held at ‘The View From The Shard’, London’s highest open air sky deck. As guests enjoyed impressive views over the capital and drinks flowed, SKIPIM presented an opportunity for us to thank investors and brokers for their support, whilst capitalising on the networking potential of a room full of such significant entrepreneurs. Drinks flowed and an inevitable later start the next day may have been required for some.
Albatross Golf Day
Networking that starts on the course and concludes in the clubhouse? Look no further than the Albatross Golf Day. Another opportunity to gather together supporters of our business and kick start fruitful investment conversations, the annual golf event was introduced to the calendar for 2023 and made a triumphant return for 2024 at St George’s Hill Golf Club in July. There were definitely a few fuzzy heads - can you notice a recurring theme here?
The Party Never Stops
Our previous successful events have only spurred the team to keep going. 2024 will see the introduction of some new regular fixtures on the calendar, kicking off with Broker Breakfasts that will be joining the roster for Autumn 2024. Getting out of the office for a morning of networking, Albatross Broker Breakfasts will introduce a fresh concept to the typical networking event, adapted to suit the busy schedules of its brokers.
Attendees chat amongst themselves at Albatross’ 2nd golf day of the year
Lewis and Jordan, pictured attending SKIPIM 2024 (from l-r, Lewis, Thomas Singleton (AFIG), Jordan McBriar (AFIG) & Jordan)
Competition was a plenty amongst the entire field
Jordan seen in high spirits whilst chatting with Albatross’ 2nd golf day of 2024
Broker of the Quarter
Relationships are crucial to Albatross. It is the trust that clients have in the business that motivates its team, and it is the passion the team has for its clients that empowers their work. Jordan, Co-Founder of Albatross, sat down with Max Gow-Smith, of OPES Financial Partners and Albatross’ ‘Broker of the Quarter’, to learn more about how he and OPES have worked alongside Albatross to progress their projects.
Tell us a bit about your own work and your journey?
I started my career as a broker in 2018. This was at one of the UK’s largest brokerages in Bath. After a year or so, I felt I had hit a ceiling in terms of career development. Looking to take a risk, I decided to move to London selfemployed in October 2019, and was hit hard by Covid-19 as 2020 commenced. I joined OPES in June 2020 hitting the ground running at the start of the bull market, and things have been getting consistently better every year since.
How have you been able to utilise Albatross’ support with your clients?
Albatross are superb in assisting foreign nationals, as well as putting together complex finance structures including 2nd charges. Our latest significant transaction included both a 2nd charge and a commercial property as part of the security package.
How were you introduced to Albatross and their offering?
We have a great relationship with Nils Raber whom we met at an industry event. In the last year we have successfully concluded nearly £6m in lending.
What appeals to you about the relationship with Albatross over other lenders?
Albatross are the first lender I approach when I have a new deal on the table. The team are super responsive, along with having the technical ability to execute a smooth transaction.
If you could summarise Albatross and your experience of the team in three words, what would they be?
Common Sense Lending.
A Guide to Managing Risk
Risk is an inevitable area of any business commitment. Any project or deal carries a certain amount of insecurity. Minimising such risk is the mark of a strong entrepreneur and a shrewd business person. At Albatross, the team understands that clients very often draw on their own advice to reduce the likelihood of a deal collapsing during the process.
Tell us a bit about your work at Albatross and your involvement in the process of lending to clients?
My role at Albatross is fairly wide reaching and covers all aspects of a transaction, from inception to repayment. Understanding what is likely to happen on the back end will drastically change your decision making at the front. I like to get involved as early on in a transaction as possible, as it empowers our sales team to provide solutions they know that we can deliver on and allows me to manage the risk across the book transactionally. As soon as I’m introduced to a deal then I will try to stay involved the whole way through. We constantly look for ways that we can make life easier for ourselves or the client, identifying areas in which we may be comfortable to take more of a risk than our competitors, or finding clever ways to protect our risk meaning the deal is actually deliverable. All of this happens whilst ensuring our business has everything it needs to grow and maintain a solid base.
What would you say are the most common concerns and issues facing clients?
Working in our space, we see a wide array of ‘issues’ that a number of lenders would shy away from. These include bad credit, overseas borrowers, property issues, the list goes on. No one transaction is the same and there is rarely any correlation between issues that clients are facing. This is why we have to be nimble, pragmatic and forward thinking, delivering a tailored solution that works for the client, as opposed to an out of the box product that either does or doesn’t work.
We understand that the current credit climate is tough, how do you feel that Albatross is continuing to help clients to navigate that?
It’s difficult for me to say that the current credit climate is tough. I think we’ve just had an exceptional period of low interest rates and growth, which has sadly come to an end. We’ve had Brexit, COVID, Truss, War, Inflation, one thing after another. I think we just have to get used to this climate and keep pushing forward. If we manage to get another exceptional period then it’ll be great, but I’m not an economist and so I’m not going to start predicting the future. Once you’ve accepted that this is where the world is then it just seems to be business as usual. I saw many problems before all the issues began with borrowers being in difficulty in a myriad of ways and so nothing has changed. We’ll keep being there to support our borrowers in whatever way we can, working to help people navigate out of whatever difficult situation they’re in.
What steps would you suggest a business needs to take to identify and monitor risks?
Every business is different and there is no one policy that fits all. Every business has different things they’re trying to achieve and that needs to be considered when assessing the risks within a business and, more importantly, the risks they are willing to take. Entrepreneurs are naturally optimistic, and that’s okay. It’s how they manage to keep the courage and ambition to achieve great things. But due
consideration has to be given to the worst case scenario. You have to have a plan of action for when things start to turn against you - how are you going to recover from this, what steps do you take first etc. No plan will ever materialise exactly as you expect, but giving things proper thought means that when the unexpected happens you can think about things rationally, moving in the right direction towards a resolution, rather than being caught completely off guard and allowing situations to escalate.
How can Albatross support clients through such potential challenges?
We’re here to provide the financial support required to buy a borrower more time, allowing them to properly execute their strategy without being chased down by creditors. We can provide the support needed to allow them to regroup and rectify. That doesn’t mean we’ll take on another lender’s problem and give the borrower free reign to do as they please for the next 12-months, but it just means if you have a strategy and you need someone to give you the time to execute it, then we’re here to help.
What do you enjoy most about your role and the culture at Albatross?
Logical and pragmatic underwriting has always been and always will be my thing. I’m not a tick box guy, so having the freedom to roll with the punches and make live decisions is super important for me to get deals done. That is exactly what Albatross delivers. We’ll make every effort to think through a situation before coming back with any issues and if there is a solution to be found, we’ll try and find it. It’s great to be working with such an enthusiastic team who are keen on building the business and taking it to the next level. It makes it easy to come into the office on a Monday when you know that everyone will be there alongside you, constantly pushing the business forward and working on ways to improve.
Lewis Casserley in conversation with head of credit, Joshua Field.
The Inside Story
Jordan Fearnley Brown speaks with Nils Raber.
Meet Nils Raber, Associate Director at Albatross and a familiar face to many around the capital’s finance scene. As well as being frequently spotted on his morning commute on his new Maeving electric bike or playing golf with clients at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club, Nils can often be found working hard on behalf of the lenders’ clients to help them get deals over the line. A master of deal making, we caught up with Nils to get some tips on entering the world of finance, from his experience.
Nils, tell us a bit about your role on Team Albatross?
I am an Associate Director at Albatross and my focus is on new business. This stems from spending lots of time with our existing clients and flying the Albatross flag within the industry. As well as this, I also help on the fundraising side to the business.
How long have you been working at Albatross and tell us a bit about your background?
I’ve recently celebrated my second anniversary with the Albatross team. My family actually comes from a finance background, but this was my first job after leaving university. I actually studied Real Estate Finance at University which gave me a real springboard into my current role.
What drew you to the world of Specialist Finance?
So I met Jordan and Lewis at a wedding and when they mentioned what they did, it really intrigued me. Having studied Real Estate Finance, I already had an initial interest in the market. However, seeing how fast paced deals are and the help that Albatross offered their clients it gave me a real buzz.
What would you say are the most important qualities for a person to work in the finance sector?
I would say having patience and not allowing yourself to get too fixated on one deal. There are always going to be issues that, in some cases, you can’t control. However, there will always be another deal that comes around the corner.
For anybody that may be considering a career in specialist finance, what would you recommend as your suggested route?
One of the most important skills when joining the finance sector, especially within the specialist market, is to listen. This applies equally to the way we approach our colleagues in the office or when speaking with clients. Deals can happen so quickly that it is important to understand the complete transaction and really see what we need to do in order to help the client with their situation.
What sets Albatross and its culture apart from other lending firms? How does this translate to the client’s experience?
As we are a relatively small lender, I believe a huge part of our success is rooted in the way everybody is integrated within the office. It makes us all a lot closer with each other as we are all dealing with a transition as one whole team and not as individuals. This collaborative way of working will ensure a smooth process for our clients. Also, having a great leadership team is key and that will help us through any challenges that may be faced.
Contact Nils today.
nils@albatrosslending.co.uk | 0208 079 7691
The Trophy Cabinet
Knowing that you can trust your lender is key. Albatross has been honoured with a number of significant awards throughout their reasonably short history which attest to the trust you can put in their team.
B&C Specialist Product of the Year 2023 – 48 Hour Rescue Bridge Life Magazine’s Entrepreneurs Award 2022 B&C Best Newcomer Lender 2021
Introducing Christian
As a rising star in the specialist lending market, Albatross Lending Group has its sights firmly on its growth agenda. This is especially evident with the addition of a new heavyweight to its leadership team. Christian Gugolz, a seasoned finance professional with over a decade of experience, has joined the company as Head of Sales, signalling an exciting new phase of growth and innovation.
Christian brings with him a rich background in specialist finance, having spent the last seven years at MT Finance where he honed his skills in business development and lending. His journey into the finance world started in 2015, and since then, he has consistently contributed to the success of the companies he’s been a part of. “Before coming into the financial sector, I tried my hand at various roles from recruitment to tax planning. But once I found my place in the specialist finance market, I knew this was where I wanted to be for the long term.” Christian shared.
The decision to join Albatross wasn’t taken lightly.
”It was always going to be a difficult decision, but after meeting with Jordan and Lewis, understanding their vision for the future, and seeing the existing team’s talent, it became an easy choice.” Christian explained. Albatross, known for it’s innovative products like the popular 48-hour rescue bridge, is looking to capitalise on Christian’s experience and leadership to take the company to new heights.
In his new role, Christian will focus on growing the company’s loan book and expanding its reach across the UK. “We’re aiming for a 75%-100% increase in lending over the next year, particularly in Northern England, London, the Southeast, and the Southwest, including Wales,” Christian revealed. With ambitious targets like these, Christian and the team are determined to make Albatross a dominant player in the bridging finance market.
Looking ahead, Christian remains optimistic about the future of bridging finance, despite the uncertainties posed by changing market dynamics. “The bridging market has always been resilient, even in the face of economic shifts. We expect demand for quick turnaround products like the 48-hour rescue
bridge to continue, especially when clients need to complete deals swiftly.”
When asked about what makes the specialist finance industry tick, Christian emphasised the importance of relationships. “Success in this industry isn’t just about numbers or deals—it’s about building strong relationships with brokers, lenders, solicitors and surveyors. It’s the teamwork across the board that gets deals over the line.”
As Christian settles into his new role, it’s clear that his vision aligns perfectly with Albatross’s goals. “I’m excited to start contributing my ideas and work closely with the team to elevate our brand further,” he said. With Christian at the helm, Albatross is poised to make significant strides in the competitive world of specialist lending.
Contact Christian today. christian@albatrosslending.co.uk | 0208 079 7691
48-Hour Rescue Bridging Loans
Our 48 Hour Rescue Bridge was created in October 2022 following the volatility created by government.
£3m
0.85% 70%
We noticed a huge increase in enquiries where borrower’s were having funds pulled on or before the day of drawdown, leaving them potentially in an incredibly vulnerable and costly position. Our product solved the issue – providing satisfactory legals and valuations, we will step in and complete your transaction within 48 hours, allowing the customer to complete their transaction on time; in the event the loan is to repay a debt, or complete an auction purchase, time can be incredibly important.
Albatross Unveils Significant Enhancements to Lending Products
In a bold move to address the evolving needs of borrowers, Albatross has announced a suite of enhancements to its lending products, firming it up as a prominent player in specialist finance. These updates aim to offer clients greater flexibility, competitive rates and innovative solutions to navigate today’s challenging economic landscape.
With its reach expanding across the UK, Albatross remains steadfast in its mission to deliver tailored financial solutions. The newly introduced updates underscore its commitment to supporting property investors, developers, and individuals seeking creative funding options.
Among the standout developments is the enhanced 2nd Charge Lending product, which now allows borrowers to leverage their property portfolios more effectively. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio has increased
to 70%, up from 65%, enabling borrowers to unlock more equity from their residential assets. With funding available up to £1 million and rates starting at just 0.95% per month, this product is designed to provide streamlined and accessible financing during a time when many face tightened credit conditions.
Another significant innovation is Albatross’ enhanced Below-Market-Value (BMV) Lending Facility, catering to clients purchasing properties at a discount to their true market value. Borrowers can now access up to 90% of the purchase price, with loans capped at £3 million. This facility is a lifeline for those navigating complex property transactions, ensuring greater access to funding while adhering to robust lending criteria. With rates also starting from 0.95% per month, the product is already garnering attention for its bespoke approach.
"Our goal is to empower borrowers with the tools they need to succeed, especially in today’s unpredictable finan-
cial climate,” said Lewis Casserley, Co-Founder of Albatross Lending Group. “These updates reflect our unwavering focus on innovation and our clients' needs. Whether it’s helping property investors bridge equity gaps or offering bespoke solutions for unique purchases, we are proud to deliver products that genuinely make a difference."
Casserley also emphasised Albatross’ ongoing commitment to providing industry-leading service levels and delivery times, noting the introduction of bespoke stretched LTV options across their product range as another way the company is adapting to market demands.
Sophie’s Story
Three years ago, Sophie Ambrose took a bold step by joining Albatross Lending Group as its first employee. At that time, the company consisted of just its two founders, Lewis and Jordan, with both needing somebody to help manage their growing business. For Sophie, it was a leap of faith to join a startup. For the founders, hiring their first team member was equally significant.
Sophie began her Albatross journey as a Junior Administration Assistant but quickly made an impact. Her work ethic and eagerness to learn propelled her to Head of Operations in just three years, reflecting her constant drive and adaptability.
From the start, Sophie immersed herself in all aspects of the company, working closely with both Lewis and Jordan to streamline operations and improve client relations. Her leadership skills flourished as she took on more responsibility, helping to shape the company’s growth with precision and confidence.
Welcoming a City Veteran to the Albatross Journey
We are pleased to have recently announced Martin Gilbert, a veteran of the City of London, as the new Chair of Albatross Capital.
Best known as the co-founder of Aberdeen Asset Management (now Abrdn), Martin was one of the FTSE 100’s longest ever serving Chief Executives from 1987 until 2017. Today he is the Chair at fintech challenger bank Revolut, and an Independent Non-Executive Director at FTSE 100 natural resources giant Glencore plc. Previously he was Chair at Sky plc and Chair at FirstGroup plc.
In his advisory role here at Albatross, Martin will assist the team as they build their network across capital markets, supporting us in driving a new strategy to include wealth and asset management, fund management and banking.
Martin has been advising Albatross co-founders Lewis and Jordan, in their restructure of the organisation’s funding mission, preparing for continued growth.
“I am excited to support Lewis, Jordan and the Albatross team as they steer their ship in a new and improved direction of travel. They have a powerful funding infrastructure and continue to build a truly quality line-up of talent.”
Martin Gilbert Lewis & Jordan
“We are excited to welcome Martin ahead of a major new funding structure that we plan to make public in 2025. Martin’s unparalleled career history and network base will be invaluable in achieving our long-term mission. We’ve been known as the new kids on the block for a while now, and we believe this will shi� our brand position accordingly!”
Now, as Head of Operations, Sophie’s attention to detail and proactive mindset have been key to Albatross Lending Group’s success. She constantly seeks to improve efficiency, setting new standards of excellence within the company.
At just 27, Sophie is already a respected figure in finance, having earned a spot on Bridging & Commercial’s 30-under-30 Power List in 2024. Her achievements serve as an inspiration, especially for women in a male-dominated industry.
Sophie’s journey is a testament to her loyalty and commitment to Albatross Lending Group. As the company continues to expand, her leadership and vision will remain central to its success, making her a rising leader to watch in the future.
Contact Sophie today. sophie@albatrosslending.co.uk | 0208 079 7691
Take Off With Albatross' NEW Stretched LTV
Seize below-market-value deals with Albatross enhanced BMV facility. Finance up to £3 million at competitive rates, and watch your portfolio spread its wings and soar.