Meet The Team - Rowan Frayling
As part of our ‘Meet The Team’ series, here is Rowan’s profile, so you can learn a little more about the owner of the firm.
Q. What is your role at J Finance Ltd?
A. I am the Managing Director, and own the business with my wife, Lucy. As well as overseeing the day to day running of the company I still advise clients. My areas of focus are Mortgages, Protection & Equity Release and the latter is my specialism. I am passionate about Later Life Lending or Equity Release to use the formal title; as there are so many options available to those looking to use their house as part of their borrowing or financial planning strategy and although not all lenders will still assist you in your 60/70s or beyond, plenty will!
Q. How long have you worked at J Finance?
A. I started with the firm in 2016, having spent the previous 5 years working mostly for Nationwide Building Society. I took over as MD in 2023 and I’m very excited to see where the firm goes & how it grows.
Q. Why should someone listen to your advice?
A. I believe that when a client comes to me for advice, it’s not just because I’m CeMAP & CeRER qualified, as all advisers in the Mortgage or Equity Release space have to hold these qualifications, but rather it’s because I have a well-rounded knowledge of the market and what you might call a ‘behind the scenes’ understanding of many, many banks and building societies. With this knowledge, experience and a wealth of useful tools at my disposal it often means I can quickly find a solution to a clients needs rather than them trying to navigate the mortgage market themselves.
In my opinion, too many people rely solely on their current provider for their mortgage needs, or once they have their mortgage, stay with the same provider. Unfortunately, loyalty to one bank doesn’t necessarily make financial sense, and we [J Finance] have the ability to ensure you have the best financial plan that works for you, now and also in the future.
Q. Where are you planning to go on holiday this year and with whom?
A. We have a trip to Switzerland planned, we’ll be taking the Eurotunnel and then driving through France to Bern, Switzerland. We also have a few UK short breaks planned.
Q. What is the one thing in your life that you could not do without?
A. On the less material side of things, my family. My wife keeps me sane (mostly) and my son & dog keep me busy and are often a welcome distraction from the stresses of business and life, albeit occasionally the cause of some stress! We have another child on the way (due November 2023, so if I haven’t updated this article in future you’ll know!) so life is about to get a lot busier but I wouldn’t change it at all. On a slightly more material note, it has to be my iPhone I’m afraid. My job is so tech/communicated centered, I couldn’t be without it. Whether that’s for emails, calls or putting out social media posts or recording videos for clients, I am glued to my phone.