Breaking Moulds in Luxury Finance: An Interview with Lucy Waters of Aria Finance
In a sector where trust, agility, and deep knowledge are everything, Lucy Waters has carved out a reputation as one of the most respected voices in specialist finance. As the Founder and Managing Director of Aria Finance, she leads one of the UK’s top brokerages, delivering intelligent, high-value finance solutions for developers, investors, and high-net-worth clients across the luxury property space.
In this interview with LPF Founder Priya Rawal, Lucy reflects on her inspiring journey from launching her first brokerage at 18, to building a nationally recognised brand that blends technical excellence with a deeply personal approach. She speaks candidly about the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of culture and inclusion, and the mindset that continues to drive her forward.
Lucy its such a pleasure! So let’s start with Aria Finance. For those who aren’t familiar, tell us a bit about what you do and who you work with.
Of course Priya! Aria Finance is one of the UK’s leading specialist finance brokerages. We structure bespoke finance solutions for property investors, developers, and high-net-worth individuals covering everything from Residential to complex bridging and development finance to portfolio and commercial mortgages. Our focus is on combining deep expertise with a truly personal approach, supporting our clients at every step of their property journey.
You launched your first brokerage at just 18 - that’s incredible. What gave you the push to start so young?
Yes, so I started in the mortgage industry at 17 and very quickly realised two things, first, that I loved helping clients structure deals that unlocked potential, and second, that I didn’t want to be limited by a system that rewarded time served over talent. At 18, I launched my first brokerage. I saw a gap in the market for a more intelligent, hands-on, and relationship driven approach to specialist finance, particularly in what was then a male-dominated space. That early leap ultimately led to the creation of what is now Aria Finance.
Aria Finance is known as industry leader. What do you think makes your approach different from others in the finance or luxury space?
We’re trusted to deliver on complex, high-value transactions, not just because we understand lending inside out, but because we know how to navigate the nuances of the luxury property space. From structuring £10M+ bridging loans for time-sensitive acquisitions to refinancing large portfolios with layered ownership structures, we solve problems others can’t with pace, clarity, and discretion. Personally, I stay close to every major deal and I sit on the office floor so I’m always coaching the team. That hands on leadership really shapes our culture.
What does a typical day look like for you or is there no such thing?
Mornings start early with a home gym session…I find it sets the tone for the day. Then it’s straight into work: checking in with the team, jumping on client calls, structuring deals, reviewing funding options, or supporting brokers on complex cases. No two days are the same but I always carve out time to focus on the bigger picture, whether that’s fostering relationships, brand development, or planning Aria’s next growth phase. I’m also a mum to a 3 year old, so evenings are for family… unless a deal is closing!
Every entrepreneur has their fair share of hurdles. What have been some of the biggest challenges for you along the way?
Navigating growth while maintaining culture has been a constant challenge especially when merging two businesses and scaling during volatile market cycles. There have also been personal hurdles: being an 18-year-old female in a male-dominated industry meant I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. But those experiences built resilience and shaped the business to be both high performing and inclusive.
And on the flip side, what have been some of the proudest or most defining moments for you since starting the business?
There have been many. Growing the business into a top-tier brokerage, leading a team I’m incredibly proud of, and being trusted with landmark transactions. A huge milestone was going through two major acquisitions, the first at 30, which marked a turning point in my career, and more recently joining the ENRA Group, which has enabled us to scale with even greater strength and reach. But perhaps the most rewarding highlight is seeing how far we’ve come… from a one-woman band to an award-winning business that’s making real impact in the property space. Watching that vision come to life and helping others grow alongside it is what makes it all worth it.
Who or what has shaped your mindset as a founder and leader? Is there anyone in particular who’s inspired your journey?
I’m inspired by people who build something from nothing, who spot an opportunity, back themselves, and lead with purpose. That’s something I’ve seen up close. My dad always taught and showed me that hard work pays off, and that mindset has stuck with me throughout my career. My husband is also a huge inspiration, he’s achieved incredible things in business through sheer grit and determination, starting from the ground up.
For anyone hoping to carve out a leadership role in the luxury property world, what’s your best advice?
Know your craft inside out, but don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Clients at this level expect discretion, creativity, and clarity so become someone they trust to deliver, no matter the complexity. If you can bring substance and vision, you’ll stand out.
If you could fast-forward five or ten years, what do you hope the future holds, for both you and Aria?
I believe the market is crowded with noise… lots of people talking a good game, but not always delivering. My focus is on continuing to lead from the front, consistently delivering exceptional results for our clients. At the same time, I’m passionate about developing the next generation of outstanding industry talent who bring real substance and integrity to the industry. I won’t be around forever but I am still young (ish) and still love what I do.
And finally, what does “luxury” mean to you?
Luxury is about more than price, it’s about experience. It’s thoughtful design, smart decisions, and a sense of ease and exclusivity that’s hard to replicate. In property, it’s not just the finishes or square footage, it’s how it makes you feel when you walk in the door.
Get in touch
Website: https://www.ariafinance.co.uk/
Email: info@ariafinance.co.uk
Phone: 020 3839 9998
Second Floor, Edward Hyde Building,
38 Clarendon Road,
Watford, WD17 1JW