Two lenders announce key moves
Aspen Bridging has promoted four key executives as it targets £250 million in lending for 2025, while Pluto Finance has appointed a lending director following a £30 million investment commitment.
Aspen Bridging has elevated Aqib Iqbal (pictured far left) to head of credit, with Sinead McMurray taking over his previous role as credit manager (pictured far right). Both joined the company through its Graduate Recruitment Scheme in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Richard Tweddell (pictured second from right) has also been promoted to underwriting manager, having previously served as a senior underwriter, and Richard Coombs (pictured second from left) moves from credit analyst to operations manager.
The promotions come as Aspen prepares for expansion, including its largest intake of graduate recruits to date and the upcoming appointment of a Midlands-based business development manager.
“We enjoyed a record year in 2024, and to ensure we are in the right place to take that next step and achieve £250 million in total lending in 2025 we need the right people in the right places,” said Jack Coombs, managing director at Aspen Bridging.
Meanwhile, Pluto Finance has appointed Stephen Ryan (pictured below) as lending director for Wales.
The move follows a £30 million commitment from the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP) to fund SME housebuilders and developers as part of Pluto’s local impact investment programme.
Ryan, who has nearly 30 years of commercial banking experience, previously worked at Principality Commercial, where he supported residential developers across Wales. He has also held senior positions at Handelsbanken, Santander, and Allied Irish Bank.
“I am delighted to be joining Pluto Finance at an exciting time for the company as it launches its local impact investment programme with WPP,” Ryan said. “I look forward to working with the team to help deliver much-needed funding solutions that will drive growth and regeneration in the region.”
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