Find out who's stepping into key roles at UTB, Crystal Specialist Finance, First Mortgage Solutions, and MT Finance
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The UK mortgage and finance sector has seen a flurry of recent high-profile appointments as firms strengthen their leadership teams to support growth and strategic goals.
United Trust Bank (UTB) has announced the appointment of Andy Thomson (pictured far left) to the newly created role of senior director of operational real estate within its property development business.
Thomson will focus on delivering loans to developers and investors in the Build to Rent sector, with plans to explore opportunities in Purpose Built Student Accommodation and Co-living.
With over 30 years of banking experience, Thomson brings a wealth of knowledge from senior roles at RBS, Bank of Scotland, and Secure Trust Bank, as well as real estate debt advisory at Avison Young. He joins UTB from the Bank of London and the Middle East, where he served as head of real estate finance and private banking.
Crystal Specialist Finance has promoted Mark Hutchings (pictured second from left) to ancillaries director as part of its growth strategy.
Hutchings, who joined the firm in 2022, previously held the role of head of strategy and brings over 35 years of experience in financial services, with a particular focus on general insurance.
In his new position, Hutchings will focus on expanding Crystal’s ancillary services, which include complex property insurance, personal guarantee insurance, and tax advice.
Meanwhile, First Mortgage Solutions, one of South Wales’ leading mortgage brokers, has appointed Jane Massie (pictured second from right) as compliance director.
Massie brings over 30 years of experience in compliance management and operational oversight. In her new role, she will focus on maintaining regulatory compliance, redesigning internal checks, and managing the onboarding of appointed representatives to expand the firm’s network.
Property finance lender MT Finance Group has also bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Raheel Butt (pictured far right) as head of underwriting for its buy-to-let division.
Butt, who has over 37 years of experience in financial services, has held senior positions at NatWest Bank, Lloyds Bank, and Shawbrook Bank. He most recently served as Head of Underwriting at LendInvest.
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