As part of our ongoing campaign of introducing you to our roster of dedicated colleagues here at VM Finance, we’re following on from our catch-up with John Wybar by speaking to Saheel Walji, a valued team player in our relationship management team.

Can you talk a little bit about what you do at VM?

At VM, I’m entrusted with managing a portfolio that covers a range of property investment and development clients. 

My focus is spread across residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. A typical day for me involves structuring, and delivering a range of property-related lending products. I’m also heavily involved in preparing credit applications, conducting site and customer visits, and managing the overall risk of our portfolio. 

It’s a role that requires a keen eye for detail and a comprehensive understanding of our clients’ needs to ensure their success and, by extension, ours.

What kind of skills does your work rely on?

The foundation of my role is built on strong relationships. Indeed, much of our USP as a funding provider is our reputation for customer service and strong, productive relationships. We’re a customer-driven organisation, and maintaining a close, understanding relationship with our clients is paramount. 

Problem-solving is another critical skill; each client’s needs present a unique challenge that we navigate with precision. Overall, it’s about blending these relationship management skills with analytical problem-solving to provide tailored solutions that meet our clients’ varied demands.

Can you talk about how you got into the industry?

My finance journey was largely driven by my early interest in numbers and finance. 

I pursued accounting and finance at Cardiff University, which put me on my path towards a career in banking. Each summer holiday, I dedicated myself to internships across different departments in various banks, soaking up experience and knowledge that I still use to this day. 

Before joining VM Finance, I was based in Kenya, working with a tier 1 Bank, focusing on lending mainly to trading businesses. 

The fundamentals of lending remain the same however my role at VM is more industry specific dealing in the property industry.  The experience was invaluable, diversifying my understanding of finance and preparing me for the complexities of my work at VM Finance.

What motivates you in your work?

Success is my primary motivator. 

Knowing that my dedication will lead to better results for our clients and will also contribute to my professional achievements keeps me driven. 

I love the satisfaction of solving problems and delivering excellent customer service. The positive impact of our work on our clients’ success stories fuels my motivation daily, reinforcing the effort we put into building the most positive relationships possible.

Do you have any hobbies or passions outside of work? Any notable travel experiences?

Outside of work, I love reading; currently, I’m enjoying “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki. 

Cooking, taking long walks, and travelling all bring me joy. The old cliché about travel broadening the mind is completely true. 

A trip to Egypt stands out as a highlight of my recent travels. Despite being from Kenya, which isn’t too far from Egypt, it was a unique experience that offered a rich cultural immersion. The people, food, and overall atmosphere were incredibly welcoming. Another destination on my bucket list is South Africa, a country I’ve longed to explore for its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.

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Stay tuned for more team spotlights as we continue to celebrate the individuals who make VM Finance what it is.