She will be responsible in bringing the lender's range of products to the large clubs and networks across the UK
Specialist lender Market Financial Solutions (MFS) has hired Karen Rodrigues (pictured) as its new head of national accounts.
Rodrigues, who has over 20 years of experience in the mortgage intermediary sector, started her career in financial services with Halifax in 1992. She has worked closely with mortgage intermediaries ever since, building a deep understanding of the relationship and service requirements of networks, clubs, packagers, and brokers.
She spent four years at Vida Homeloans as a corporate sales manager and previously held positions at Aldermore Mortgages, Kensington, and One Savings Bank’s Kent Reliance and Prestige Finance brands. Most recently, she was director of sales at Smoove, which included the eConveyancer platform.
At MFS, Rodrigues is expected to bring the specialist lender’s range of financial products to the large clubs and networks across the UK.
As banks retract and withdraw their products, demand for specialist finance has increased, and MFS has experienced an uptick in enquiries and completions this year.
The lender has grown significantly over the past two years, with £1 billion currently available in funding and a new line of institutional funding worth £400 million recently unveiled. The company said it was on track to achieve its goal of growing the overall loan book to £1.5 billion this year.
“Lenders need great products and exceptional levels of services, and both things rely on having great individuals within their teams – that is why we’re so pleased to welcome Karen to MFS,” Paresh Raja, chief executive at Market Financial Solutions, stated in an article announcing the appointment.
“Karen has immense experience in the intermediary market. Her extensive understanding of what borrowers and brokers need from lenders will enhance our ability to deliver an exceptional service and products to intermediaries across the UK.”
Commenting on her appointment, Rodrigues said she was delighted to be joining MFS at a time when the company was expanding at pace.
“Having been an active player for 17 years now, the company is an integral part of the specialist finance industry, and I am excited to be a part of the business’ continued growth in the months and years to come,” she added.
“As other lenders withdraw their products and frequently adjust their rates, MFS has committed to providing the certainty, speed, and flexibility that brokers and borrowers are crying out for in today’s lending market. I look forward to taking its market-leading products to the UK’s clubs and networks.”
