Underwriter Hayley Macfarlane is one of the longest serving members of UTB’s Asset Finance team. She joined the Bank in 2015 from Societe Generale as a Pay Out Administrator but took an opportunity to move into Credit 6 years ago and has run with it ever since. She subsequently gained her Chartered Banking Certificate and FLA Diploma in Asset Finance and was nominated for the Leasing Foundation’s 30 under 30.
| Hayley currently works largely on flow cases but enjoys the challenge of a good story deal and the interaction with brokers to secure a solution which meets the customer’s needs. Talking of stories, Hayley admits that the last book she read was Peppa Pig, although it was to her son, who was also the cause of some unexpected office drama… |
What makes a solid deal?
A solid deal is an established customer, profitable financials, standard asset and strong terms. However, as an underwriter these are not the most interesting! I enjoy a story deal, those that need a bit more thought, time and understanding. And I value a broker’s relationship with their customer, which always goes a long way!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
Approving great deals. No underwriter enjoys declining deals. If they do they’re in the wrong job.
What does UTB do that can really help a broker secure a deal?
We will always pick up the phone to a broker and talk through a deal to understand the customer and proposal to try and make the transaction work.
3 top tips for brokers when presenting a deal to UTB:
1) Provide lots of background information about the customer. If they are a new start-up – have they traded as a sole trader previously or have some other experience in the industry? Give some commentary if a director has changed or if there is a succession plan in place. And give us an explanation of the customer’s latest financials if they’re showing a loss.
2) Tell us about your relationship with the customer – how you were introduced and how many agreements you have written with them previously if an existing customer?
3) Provide full asset details to enable us to obtain an accurate valuation. Registration, Mileage/hours, full specification, invoices if available, supplier detail and photos, especially if non-standard equipment. These will help us to work quickly and give you a speedy decision.
Hayley Macfarlane Q&A
Tell us about a memorable moment – Nearly giving birth to my son in the office! Luckily an ambulance raced me from the office to the hospital in time to delay his early arrival for a bit longer!
Favourite place you’ve visited – Lapland (Finland) – Reindeer and Husky sleigh rides, snowmobiling and sledging and obviously meeting the big man himself. It was a truly magical experience.
Favourite film – Legend – mainly due to Tom Hardy playing both the leads. The Shawshank Redemption is a close second.
Last book you read – Peppa Pig – to my little boy! I really need some more ME time!
Favourite pastime or passion – Running – I can switch off from life and lap up the endorphins. I’ll do anything from a 5k to a half marathon but my goal is to one day complete a marathon.