HOW DOES BRIDGE INVEST DIFFER?
Bridge Invest differs from other loan investment providers in 4 key ways:
We will only ever issue loan opportunities to an investor if we are prepared to invest ourselves (either as Bridge Invest or as individual directors). This approach gives our investors significant confidence and means we are different to most peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms where this personal alignment of risk is lacking.
Most other loan investment providers have hundreds of investors in each loan. At Bridge Invest, we normally have just one or two investors in each loan. This means that we have a much closer working relationship with our clients and can manage their interests more attentively.
IS BRIDGE INVEST REGULATED?
Bridge Invest is not regulated and is not required to be regulated. Bridge Invest only acts as nominee where the underlying loans are unregulated. Furthermore, Bridge Invest does not undertake any discretionary fund management, does not operate an electronic platform and does not offer investment advice. Bridge Invest is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).
Bridge Invest is in the privileged position of having an established network of family offices and private borrowers in the property sector that has been developed and nurtured over many years. It is within this network that we source the majority of our deals.
Every Bridge Invest loan opportunity is unique and we pride ourselves on our flexibility to respond appropriately and professionally to market needs. As a result, there is no fixed underwriting rule that applies across the board. All of that said, as we invest our own funds alongside our clients’ funds, it is our ongoing mission to mitigate risk.
Bridge Invest welcomes institutional clients, family offices, cash-rich small business owners and certain individuals. Individuals who invest are required to sign a declaration to certify that they are either high net worth or sophisticated investors.
At Bridge Invest we try to keep investment risk to a minimum. However, in any lending situation there is always the inherent risk that a borrower’s payments may go into arrears or default. There is also the risk that the underlying security may simultaneously fall in value, resulting in loss of principal and interest. Furthermore, there is a risk of loss due to fraud or insolvency by the borrower or other parties involved in the transaction.
Interest rates quoted to investors are net of fees. There is no joining or arrangement fee. Bridge Invest’s fee and any introducer fees are deducted from gross interest before your interest is determined. The only fee you may face is a small bank transfer fee charged by the solicitor for withdrawing funds.
WHAT IF BRIDGE INVEST BECOMES INSOLVENT?
Bridge Invest does not handle client money. As such, investor’s principal and interest, at all times, will either be invested in loans or held as cash by a solicitor.
In the unlikely event of Bridge Invest becoming insolvent, one of two things will happen. First, if a loan is outstanding, the investor will continue to accrue all rights to principal and interest from the borrower and can enforce the loan privately. Second, if their money is held with a solicitor, it will be in a segregated client account which will be ring-fenced from the solicitor’s creditors if the solicitor was to become insolvent.
Bridge Invest is a member of the Association of Bridging Professionals (http://www.aobp.org.uk/)
"I met Vivek and Ronak for the first time in November 2015. It was immediately evident that these guys were professional and knew what they were doing, having personally invested in over 60 deals themselves. I have invested in several bridge loans in the past. What makes Bridge Invest stand out from other lenders is the quality of deals on offer and the high level of transparency – they shared the full Valuation Report and even the solicitor’s Report on Title. I have completed two deals so far with them and am looking forward to investing in a third."
"I chose Bridge Invest because of their expertise and the time they took to guide me through the entire process. The deal structure gave me and my solicitor confidence to invest. They use a specialist law firm based in the City and a valuer based in Mayfair, giving me additional comfort. I was impressed by the care and due diligence invested by the team. They provided clear and insightful information at every stage of the process. I am now on my third deal with Bridge Invest."
"Bridge Invest’s directors provided a hands-on service and tireless support to ensure that our purchase could be completed at auction. There was a genuine interest to assist us and we were very impressed by their professionalism and creativity. It’s refreshing to work with a lender that can deliver in a tight timeframe and without the red tape typical of bridge lenders. We enjoyed working with Ronak and Vivek and hope to build a long term relationship on the back of this."
"We approached Bridge Invest to borrow £450k towards the purchase of a £750k property in SW London.We agreed terms and within 24 hours of completing an application form, we received a Decision in Principle. We Exchanged/Completed in exactly 10 working days. What we appreciated most about working with Bridge Invest was their highly personalised service and the seamless execution of the loan. Unlike other bridge lenders, they were always reachable and provided a professional, hands on approach, not to mention a competitive rate! We hope to work with Ronak and Vivek again on our next project."
