The Intermediary – May 2025 - Flipbook - Page 57
MEET THE BDM
I try to be a safe and
memorable place for
brokers to come for advice
– there’s no such thing as
a stupid question. I always
encourage brokers to
and we see a growing number of
customers with non-vanilla profiles,
BDMs have a unique opportunity to
educate and motivate brokers.
Not only does this mean sharing
information about the products
available to their clients, but
informing them on how lenders are
innovating, improving criteria and
processes, and using technology to
streamline the application journey.
talk to me about any case
they’re struggling with,
even if it’s not an obvious
fit for Bluestone”
working hard to help brokers place
typically tricky cases!
What are the challenges
facing BDMs right now?
One of the key challenges for BDMs
is managing broker expectations
around lending decisions. While
meeting criteria is important, we
also have a responsibility to ensure
that lending is genuinely in the
customer’s best interest. There are
times when, even if a customer
meets policy, their financial situation
means that additional borrowing
may not be the right solution
for them.
My approach is simple: review
the bank statements and credit
report, assess the client’s financial
conduct, and consider the impact the
mortgage will have on their overall
financial health. If you’re unsure,
reach out – that’s what I’m here for!
What are the
opportunities for BDMs?
The role of a broker has never been
more critical, and because of that,
the value of a good BDM has never
been greater. As straightforward
cases become increasingly rare
How do you work with
need to apply for a mortgage and
give tips on achieving your goals.
Prepare your paperwork, repay
debts if needed, and get your ducks
in a row!
The market has seen a lot
of innovation in the past year,
particularly for first-time buyers. A
good mortgage broker does more
than just find you a good deal.
They can also provide valuable
information and support throughout
the homeownership journey, and
help you realise your financial goals.
brokers to ensure the best
outcomes for borrowers?
I try to be a safe and memorable
place for brokers to come for advice
– there’s no such thing as a stupid
question. I always encourage brokers
to talk to me about any case they’re
struggling with, even if it’s not an
obvious fit for Bluestone.
After nearly 20 years in the
industry, I’ve usually come across
similar scenarios before, and if I
haven’t, I’ve got a strong network
of industry professionals I can turn
to for help.I find that getting the
basics right is what really makes
a difference. I encourage brokers
to text or WhatsApp me for quick
responses, and I always look
beyond just the criteria – thinking
about what else could impact an
application further down the line. I’ll
always be upfront – if it’s not one for
us, I’ll say so.
Being part of the Shawbrook
family gives us the backing of a wellestablished, credible lender, which
means brokers and their clients get
the best of both worlds – specialist
lending expertise with the certainty
of funding and strength of a larger
bank behind us.
What advice would you
give potential borrowers
in the current climate?
Use a mortgage broker, and start
that conversation early. A mortgage
broker can tell you everything you
What is something
people might like to
know about you outside
of work?
Outside of work, life is busy! I
have two boys, a dog and a VW T5
campervan named Minty. We spend
as much time as possible outdoors
– whether it’s getting sandy at the
beach or muddy in the woods, that’s
my happy place. I’m also a big fan
of live music and love spending
summer weekends at festivals. I’m
still holding out hope for Glastonbury
tickets – 11 years
and counting!
I live in Cardiff and speak fluent
Welsh, and love anything that
gets me moving – from Hyrox gym
sessions to the occasional ride on my
horse India when the sun’s out.
●
Bluestone Mortgages
Established in 2000
Products
◆ Home mover
◆ First-time buyer
◆ Deposit unlock
◆ Remortgage
◆ Right to Buy
Contact details
Carly.Wiggins@shawbrook.co.uk
May 2025 | The Intermediary
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