- What inspired you to pursue a career in property finance, and what led you to join Pluto Finance?
I started my career as a derivatives trader, then moved into risk before returning to the money markets at Lloyds Bank – a time which was very interesting especially during the financial crash. Post-crisis, I found myself doing more month-end reporting, which didn’t excite me. I wanted to get back to something more relationship driven, which led me into real estate and eventually development lending.
I joined Pluto because I wanted the flexibility to work on everything from smaller loans to large-scale loans. I’ve always enjoyed working in more bespoke, collaborative environments, and Pluto gives me the chance to focus on areas I’m passionate about—like build-to-rent. Their platform made that transition from bank lending really smooth, especially with standout projects like Westminster Works.
- How does Pluto Finance differentiate itself from other lenders in the bridging and development finance sector?
There’s a real culture of trust at Pluto. We take a much more collaborative approach to managing loans compared to traditional banks—it’s more of a partnership than a transaction.
We're also incredibly flexible, pragmatic, and sensible in our approach. One of our biggest USPs is our credit process—it’s streamlined and grounded in real-world experience. Our origination and credit teams bring diverse strengths to the table, and we’re very comfortable with big-ticket loans.
At Pluto, we can price for leverage also, and so it’s not uncommon for me to offer several term sheets at varying leverage and margins, for the same underlying project.
- Favourite rugby team?
Sale Sharks—and I always support Wales.
- What do you think are the biggest opportunities for developers in the UK property market over the next few years?
There’s a growing shift in the UK towards renting, similar to what we’ve seen in the US and mainland Europe. That creates a huge opportunity for developers to focus on long-term rental schemes.
With interest rates likely to come down, the cost of funding should ease, which will only strengthen the case for build-to-rent and similar models.
A great example of this momentum was our recent £27.5m senior loan for the development of a BTR scheme with 220 units in the midlands – our largest deal in the region to date. This complex transaction highlighted both the growing scale of BTR projects and the sophisticated funding solutions developers now have access to. As demand for high-quality rental homes continue to surge, especially in key growth areas, BTR offers one of the most compelling opportunities for forward-thinking developers.
- What’s one piece of advice you’d give to borrowers seeking funding in the current market?
I would say the borrower should look beyond the headline rate. In development, things rarely go exactly to plan – so choosing a lending who can be flexible and responsive to change is just as important as the cost of capital. That’s where Pluto Finance really stands out. We pride ourselves on being a funding partner, not just a lender. Over 65% of our construction finance is with repeat borrowers, which speaks volumes about the trust we’ve built and our ability to adapt to our clients’ evolving needs. In a market where agility and experience matter more than ever, working with a lender like Pluto can make all the difference in getting a project successfully across the line.
- If you weren’t working in property finance, what would your dream job be?
If I wasn’t in finance, I’d probably be a winemaker in France.
- What’s something most people don’t know about Pluto Finance that you wish they did?
Pluto is still an owner-managed business. That means our clients deal directly with decision-makers, giving us far more discretion than a traditional bank. Also, I don’t think enough people realise just how many new homes Pluto has helped deliver over the years. It’s something we’re really proud of.
- If you could host a dinner party with three famous figures (past or present), who would they be and why?
Brian Clough—he was such a character and a brilliant football mind. Danny Dyer for the laughs. And Ricky Gervais—he’s sharp, honest, and very funny.
- What are you most excited about this year?
Expanding our footprint across the Midlands and the North. We’re seeing real momentum across multiple resi asset classes, and it’s an exciting time to be growing the brand and our lending book in those regions.
Be sure to connect with Evan directly to discuss how he can support your development financing needs in the North & Midlands: egriffin@pluto-finance.com
