Jemima
Hayes
Head of Bridging Underwriting - Premier Brokers and Clients
Market Financial Solutions
Jemima’s path into specialist finance began by chance. After earning a degree in Marketing & Management from Newcastle University, she took a temporary admin job at a small mortgage lender - just to save for a ski season. But what started as a stopgap became a calling, and within months she was promoted to Case Manager, quickly discovering her passion for property, lending, and the fast-paced nature of the industry. When the company lost its funding a year later, Jemima was made redundant. Rather than stepping back, she took the setback as motivation - moving to London, applying relentlessly, and eventually landing an interview at Market Financial Solutions (MFS). She joined as an Assistant Underwriter, a role that would evolve into a thriving seven-year career. Today, she leads her own team as Head of Bridging, overseeing complex transactions and mentoring the next generation of underwriters.
2025
"I often found myself in rooms — and meetings — where I was the youngest and the only woman. "
From entry-level
to mentoring others:
Jemima's story so far...
Since joining MFS, Jemima has become a central figure in the business’s continued growth and reputation for reliability. Rising from entry-level to leadership, she’s handled high-value transactions under pressure, refined internal processes, and built strong broker relationships that have earned her widespread respect across the industry.
But perhaps her most meaningful impact lies in representation. As one of the few female leaders in a male-dominated space, she’s made it her mission to champion inclusion and visibility - mentoring women entering the industry and showing that leadership in finance can be empathetic, confident, and collaborative.
Jemima’s steady approach and commitment to fairness have shaped her team culture at MFS, where openness and teamwork come first. Her ability to balance commercial results with human connection makes her a standout figure in specialist lending today.
Jemima's career highlights
- Joined Market Financial Solutions as an Assistant Underwriter and promoted to Head of Bridging within seven years.
- Built and now leads a high-performing underwriting team delivering complex, multi-million-pound transactions.
- Mentored and supported multiple junior colleagues, helping to improve gender representation in the sector.
- Played a key role in refining underwriting processes and cross-department collaboration at MFS.
- Recognised for her calm, fair, and inclusive leadership style that inspires confidence and trust.
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