About SM Finance Lounge
A whole-of-market mortgage and protection brokerage built on one simple idea: honest advice that puts you first.
Directly authorised by the FCA · NACFB Assured · Rated 5.0 from 120+ Google reviews
Our story
SM Finance Lounge started with a mortgage that went wrong. When Simona Minikaitiene and her family applied for their first own home loan, the bank said no. A broker then got them approved with the very same lender, which showed her how much good advice matters. But that broker also pressured them into taking out protection, telling them it was compulsory when it wasn’t.
That experience stayed with her. Simona had moved to the UK from Lithuania at 15 and spent years working as a Lithuanian–English interpreter in social services and hospitals, helping people through some of the hardest moments of their lives. In 2019 she qualified as a mortgage adviser, and after working at a small Southampton firm and then a larger brokerage, she founded SM Finance Lounge in 2023.
In February 2025 SM Finance Lounge became directly authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority. Today our team has helped over 1,000 families and arranged more than £75 million in mortgages in the last 12 months, many of them for people who had been turned away elsewhere because of self-employed income, adverse credit or a smaller loan.
The principle hasn’t changed since day one: clear, honest advice, the right lender for your situation, and protection only when it genuinely makes sense for you.
Simona Minikaitiene, Founder
FCA authorised
Directly authorised, No. 1020196
NACFB Assured
For commercial finance
5.0 on Google
From 120+ client reviews
£75m+ arranged
In the last 12 months
How we work
- Whole of market. We compare high street and specialist lenders to find a mortgage that fits your situation, not just the first lender that says yes.
- Complex cases welcome. Self-employed, company directors, CIS contractors, zero hours, adverse credit, limited company buy to let: these are everyday cases for us.
- Honest protection advice. We explain life, critical illness and income protection clearly, and recommend cover only when it’s right for you.
- Advice in your language. Our team speaks English, Lithuanian and Russian, so nothing gets lost in translation.
- No mortgage, no fee. If we can’t arrange your mortgage, you don’t pay our fee.
SM Finance Lounge Ltd is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. You can check our details on the FCA registras using our firm reference number 1020196.
Meet the team
Five specialists, one goal: getting you the right mortgage and protection, explained clearly.

Simona Minikaitiene
Founder & Mortgage Adviser
Founded SM Finance Lounge in 2023 and still advises clients every day.
Specialises in: first-time buyers, company directors, CIS contractors, complex incomes
Languages: English, Lithuanian

Galina Agintiene
Mortgage Adviser
Known for finding a way forward when other lenders have said no.
Specialises in: adverse credit, visa holders, Shared Ownership, Right to Buy
Languages: English, Lithuanian, Russian

Ieva Mascinskaite
Mortgage Adviser
Brings a legal background to clear, careful mortgage advice.
Specialises in: first-time buyers, self-employed, complex incomes
Languages: English, Lithuanian, Russian

Jaroslav Scerbakov
Protection Adviser
Helps families and business owners put the right cover in place.
Specialises in: life insurance, critical illness, income protection, family income benefit
Languages: English, Lithuanian, Russian

Ieva Rogoziene
Mortgage Adviser
Takes the time to understand every client’s situation properly.
Specialises in: residential mortgages and remortgages
Languages: English, Lithuanian
What our clients say
Let’s talk about your mortgage
Whether you’re buying your first home, remortgaging, investing or protecting your family, we’ll give you clear, honest advice from the start.