Meet our Lending Director for the UK and Ireland, Shane Ryan.
- What inspired you to pursue a career in property finance, and what led you to join Pluto Finance?
I’ve always had a strong interest in property, particularly in how development and regeneration can help solve for housing shortages and positively impact communities. Pluto Finance appealed because of its diverse capital sources, which not only support new business, but also help create a more collaborative and flexible lending platform. This approach allows us to structure deals in a way that truly meets client needs while fostering long-term partnerships.
- How does Pluto Finance differentiate itself from other lenders in the bridging and development finance sector?
At Pluto Finance, the lending directors take a hands-on, collaborative approach from ‘cradle-to-grave’ in the transaction lifecycle. From the early stages of a deal, we work closely with leadership to analyse and to structure the best funding solutions to fit the client’s requirements. Pluto’s decision-making is agile, driven by weekly credit and pipeline meetings, where we review opportunities, recommend terms, and ensure a tailored approach for each client.
We don’t just aim to provide funding – we seek to build long-term relationships. By offering access to diverse funding lines, and acting as a strategic partner, in turn encouraging repeat business, we create an environment designed for collaboration and growth, benefiting both the lender and the borrower.
- Favourite football team?
Manchester United, for my sorrows!!
- What do you think are the biggest opportunities for developers in the UK property market over the next few years?
The residential sector presents a lot of opportunities, particularly in addressing the housing crisis through a mix of build-to-sell, build-to-rent, co-living, care and PBSA developments. As demand continues to outstrip supply, developers who can adapt to shifting market needs will be best positioned for success.
A key factor will be a more strategic, joined-up approach – working region by region, council by council – to navigate industry challenges such as BSA legislation, planning policy roadblocks, with the ultimate goal of unlocking opportunities. Collaboration between developers, local authorities, and funding partners will be crucial in delivering the right housing solutions in the right locations.
- What’s one piece of advice you’d give to brokers and developers seeking funding in the current market?
In today’s market, efficiency is key. My advice is to streamline your funding partners – rather than casting a wide net, focus on a select group of lenders with a strong track record of execution. Building a shortlist of reliable partners who you know can get the deal done will save time, reduce uncertainty and improve your chances of securing the right funding quickly.
- If you weren’t working in property finance, what would your dream job be?
I think I would be working within sport, perhaps as a center forward for Manchester United or maybe music, I would have liked to see myself as part of The Doors!!
- What’s something most people don’t know about Pluto Finance that you wish they did?
I believe what truly sets Pluto apart is the diverse funding lines and broad product range, which allows the structuring of loans (between £1m and £100m) across multiple funding sources. This makes Pluto a one-stop-shop for clients, offering both flexibility and certainty of execution. Pluto’s ability to tailor bespoke solutions to client needs while maintaining strong relationships is a key advantage that more people should know about.
- If you could host a dinner party with three famous figures (past or present), who would they be and why?
Sir Alex Ferguson, David Bowie and Al Pacino, no explanation needed!
- Are you excited about leading Pluto’s initiative to do business in Ireland?
Absolutely. The Irish Government has ambitious goals to address the housing crisis by building 50,000 homes annually which is materially underfunded currently so there’s a significant opportunity for Pluto Finance to make an impactful contribution.