New bank adds executive; mutual and specialist lender expand BDM teams
Several lenders have announced appointments, expanding their teams to strengthen support for brokers.
Newly launched Afin Bank has appointed Nicola Tunney as chief people and operating officer, a role in which she will lead the development of the bank’s customer service and operations.
Tunney, who previously held senior roles at Allica Bank and Nomo, brings extensive experience in scaling operations for start-ups.
Afin Bank, backed by African reinsurer WAICA Re with £60 million, received its banking licence in October and aims to cater to underserved borrowers, including self-employed individuals, high-net-worth clients, and foreign nationals, particularly from Africa. The digital lender plans to launch residential and buy-to-let mortgages as well as savings products by 2025.
Meanwhile, Swansea Building Society has expanded its business development team, appointing Martin Lewis as area manager for England and promoting Jennet James to business development manager (BDM).
With over a decade of experience at the society, Lewis will lead efforts to deepen relationships with mortgage networks and clubs, providing targeted support for brokers across England. James, who joined Swansea Building Society in 2018, brings 30 years of banking experience to her new role.
Additionally, the mutual has appointed Lisa Lunness and Alex Hemingway as assistant managers to enhance support for mortgage advisers.
Similarly, specialist lender CHL Mortgages has appointed Shaun Persaud as its new BDM for Essex and East Anglia.
Persaud joins CHL Mortgages from Omega Commercial Solutions, with a background in brokering and financial advising. His role will focus on building relationships with brokers in the region, supporting their growth with CHL’s specialist lending products.
Want to be regularly updated with mortgage news and features? Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox – subscribe to our FREE daily newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
