Johnson is widely acknowledged as the creator of the specialist mortgage industry and had a long and glittering career which included the creation of i-Group, Money Partners, Commercial First and Link Loans as well as Shawbrook Bank.
He was also a passionate and successful racehorse owner, the pinnacle of which was winning the Grand National in 2008.
Ian Henderson, chief executive of Shawbrook Bank, said: “David’s career in the UK secured lending industry spanned more than 40 years and his experience and wisdom was key in setting up Shawbrook Bank with The Special Opportunities Fund managed by RBS Equity in 2011.
"David was an inspiration to us all and he played such an important role in making Shawbrook the success it is today. His leadership of the secured lending business was admired by many as was his ability to predict changes and opportunities in the secured lending business as a whole that has enabled it to have the scale it does today."
Henderson added: “David has touched so many lives on a personal level and across the worlds of finance and horse racing where he achieved so much success. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and we all feel privileged to have known and worked with him.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies go to David's family for their sad loss at this very difficult time.”
Throughout his career Johnson won many industry awards and accolades.
The Association of Finance Brokers said in a statement: "The second charge loan industry is and has been graced by a number of great characters and individuals devoted to providing alternative forms of funding designed to help consumers of all types. None has proved to have been as innovative or delivered as many productive partnerships as David Johnson."
AFB chief executive Robert Sinclair added: “It was with great sadness that I learned that David had lost this particular battle. In life however he sponsored and supported some wonderful firms and initiatives. He was tireless in his support of the industry that he loved and the people who worked in it. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this sad time.”
