In Conversation With Isaac Kikabi From BM Solutions

With over a decade of experience across retail and commercial banking, Isaac Kikabi made a strategic move into the mortgage sector three years ago, a transition driven by a deep personal interest in housing and its role in social and economic mobility. Now serving as Business Development Manager at BM Solutions, Isaac has found his calling supporting brokers and professional landlords in navigating an evolving and increasingly complex market.

In this interview, I, Louis Mason, speak with Isaac about his journey into the mortgage space, the importance of supporting the Private Rented Sector, and how BM Solutions is helping brokers thrive in 2025. We discuss how strong lender-broker relationships lead to better outcomes for clients, the growing focus on energy efficiency, and why working with a trusted broker is more essential than ever in today’s lending environment.

The Interview With Isaac Kikabi

Louis: Can you tell me a bit about your background and how you came to work at BM?

Isaac: I’ve been in banking for over 11 years, working across a variety of roles in Retail and Commercial/Corporate banking. Around three years ago, I transitioned into the mortgage industry, a move that felt like a natural next step, combining my relationship management experience with a long-standing passion for housing. I’ve always been fascinated by the role housing plays in social and economic mobility, and particularly the impact of the Private Rented Sector. Supporting responsible landlords, those who are committed to providing quality homes for individuals and families, is something I care deeply about. It’s personal for me, and I see it as a way to make a meaningful impact through my work. Joining BM Solutions gave me the chance to work with a brand that truly values intermediary relationships and plays a key role in supporting the PRS. It’s been incredibly rewarding to work with brokers who share that same commitment to helping people access safe, secure housing.

Louis: What do you, Isaac, do to help your clients?

Isaac: My role is all about adding value. I work closely with brokers to help them grow their businesses, whether that’s offering guidance on criteria, sharing market insights, or being a sounding board for complex cases. I make it my mission to be reliable although, responsive, and solutions-focused. It’s about making brokers’ lives easier so they can focus on what they do best: serving their clients.

Louis: What do you think is the most important thing that mortgage borrowers need to know going into 2025?

Isaac: 2025 will be a year of cautious optimism. Borrowers need to know that while rates may continue to stabilise, affordability will remain a key consideration, although there has been positive movement in this area as at BM Solutions we recently reduced affordability stress testing across 2 year like for like and our 5 year product range. The most important thing is to stay informed and speak to a broker early, don’t wait until the last minute. With the right advice, there are still great opportunities to secure long-term value.

Louis: How has the past year been for BM?

Isaac: It’s been a year of resilience and adaptation. The market’s been tough, rate volatility, cost-of-living pressures, and regulatory shifts. But BM has remained consistent in supporting brokers with clear communication, competitive products, and ongoing investment in service. We’ve stayed focused on what we do best: delivering for intermediaries.

Louis: What type of mortgage clients do you think BM will be focusing more on in 2025?

Isaac: BM will continue to focus on core buy-to-let and residential customers, but I think we’ll see even more emphasis on professional landlords and portfolio clients. These borrowers are often underserved and need specialist support and that’s where BM can really shine. We’re also likely to see increased focus on energy-efficient properties, in line with the evolving regulatory landscape.

Louis: Is there anything new that BM are introducing in 2025 that borrowers should be excited about?

Isaac: While I can’t reveal everything just yet, I can say that innovation is very much on the agenda. BM is exploring ways to make the mortgage journey more efficient, think smarter tech, faster processing, and tools to support brokers with customer retention. We’re also looking at how to better support landlords navigating energy efficiency standards.

Louis: Why is a strong relationship between mortgage broker and mortgage lender so important?

Isaac: Because it’s not just about the transaction, it’s about trust. When brokers and lenders work closely, we create a smoother experience for the borrower. Brokers know they have someone on the inside who’ll go the extra mile, and lenders get real-time insight into what’s happening on the ground. It’s a win-win.

Louis: Why should a borrower care about this when using a broker?

Isaac: Because a broker’s relationship with a lender can directly benefit them. If your broker has a strong relationship with a lender like BM, they’re more likely to get fast answers, flag nuances in criteria, and even help resolve issues before they become problems. It’s the difference between a standard service and a standout experience.

Louis: What do you see for BM moving into 2025?

Isaac: BM is doubling down on being a lender that brokers can depend on. That means steady innovation, a strong service ethic, and continuing to listen closely to broker feedback. We’re also leaning into support with improving the energy efficiency of properties in line with wider net zero targets and digital enhancements, always with the broker at the centre.

Louis: If you had one message for borrowers (new buyers or remortgagers) for the new year, what would it be?

Isaac: Don’t try to navigate the mortgage market alone. 2025 will bring opportunities, but also complexity. A good broker will help you make sense of it all and find the solution that’s right for you, not just the cheapest rate, but the right fit for your long-term goals.

Speak To A Mortgage Advisor

And there we have it! All the insights into BM Solutions from the expert! If you or anyone you know is interested in getting a new mortgage with BM then please do get in touch with our mortgage advisors at Oportfolio Mortgages today. We are here to help!