"Securing a forward flow with J.P. Morgan is not only transformational for our growth plans, but also provides significant support to our strategy and our people as we look to capitalise on this exciting opportunity"
- Scott Marshall - Roma Finance
Roma Finance has agreed a forward flow arrangement with J.P. Morgan, marking a significant step in the specialist lender's growth strategy and extending its long-term lending capabilities into buy-to-let and commercial mortgages.
The deal enables Roma to launch a range of long-term products, including terms of up to 40 years and two, five and seven-year fixed rate options. Alongside this, the lender is broadening its support for property investors and business owners through a new commercial and semi-commercial mortgage proposition.
That offering will cover owner-occupied premises, investment properties and PropCo OpCo structures across a range of use classes in England, Scotland and Wales. PropCo OpCo refers to a structure commonly used in property investment where the property-owning company and the operating business are held separately.
"This is a landmark moment for Roma Finance, particularly in the current climate, and a hugely exciting step in the continued evolution of our business," said Scott Marshall, managing director at Roma Finance (pictured).
"Securing a forward flow with J.P. Morgan is not only transformational for our growth plans, but also provides significant support to our strategy and our people as we look to capitalise on this exciting opportunity.
"Our vision has always been to support brokers, property investors and developers throughout their entire journey, and this transaction enables us to strengthen that 'Customer for Life' proposition even further. Customers can now move seamlessly from bridging and development finance into long-term mortgage solutions, all under one roof, with further enhanced speed, flexibility and service.
"We are continuing to invest heavily in our people, our technology and our proposition to ensure brokers and borrowers alike have access to a market-leading experience and a wider range of competitive funding options. With that in mind, I can confirm that further product launches and enhancements to our services are expected to follow later this year — so watch this space."
The announcement represents the latest phase in Roma's shift from a bridging and development finance specialist into what it describes as a full lifecycle funding partner for property professionals and business owners. The company says its wider ambition is to become the UK's largest unregulated non-bank property lender.
The expanded offering will allow Roma to support customers from acquisition and refurbishment through to development exit and longer-term hold strategies, reinforcing its "Customer for Life" positioning.
Rob Tanna-Smith, co-head of northern European ABS at J.P. Morgan, said: "This forward flow transaction will support Roma Finance as they broaden their product offering in the specialist property lending market, and also as they implement their strategic vision to deliver on the next phase of growth."
To underpin its expansion, Roma has grown its team to nearly 100 colleagues, combining new senior hires with ongoing investment in learning and development. The lender is also investing in technology to improve the experience for both brokers and borrowers.
The deal arrives at a testing moment for the specialist finance sector, following market disruption earlier this year. For many in the industry, the arrangement with J.P. Morgan will be read as a signal of confidence in the resilience and growth potential of the UK specialist lending market.
