Equity Release Group, Loans Warehouse, MPowered Mortgages, Afin Bank, Conveyancing Alliance, and finova bolster teams
A series of senior appointments across the UK mortgage, finance and conveyancing sectors reflects continued investment in leadership as firms look to scale operations and enhance service offerings.
Equity Release Group (ERG) has named former Equity Release Council chief operating officer Donna Francis as its new non-executive director. Francis brings more than three decades of experience in financial services, having previously led the merger of the Life Insurance Association and the Society of Financial Advisers to form the Personal Finance Society, and helped launch the Society of Mortgage Professionals. At the Equity Release Council, she led operational, regulatory, and governance initiatives. At ERG, she will focus on expanding the accessibility of property wealth in financial planning while supporting industry standards as part of the group’s long-term strategy.
Specialist lender Loans Warehouse has appointed Nigel Lewis as head of key accounts. With over 20 years in the industry, Lewis will be responsible for strengthening the firm’s relationships with mortgage networks, clubs, and directly authorised firms. His role will focus on enhancing key partnerships and relationships with mortgage clubs and networks, helping advisers unlock the full potential of second charge and bridging finance.
Fintech lender MPowered Mortgages has promoted Peter Stimson to managing director of mortgages. Stimson previously served as head of product, helping to shape the lender’s product strategy. With more than 20 years of sector experience, he will now oversee MPowered’s mortgage proposition and operational delivery, focusing on broker engagement and tech-driven offerings.
Afin Bank has named Peter Hale as head of finance. Hale formerly held the same role at FCMB Bank UK, part of a Nigerian banking group catering to African diaspora clients. Afin Bank, which secured its authorisation with restrictions licence in October, aims to serve underserved African communities in the UK and plans to launch FSCS-protected savings and mortgage products later this year.
Meanwhile, Conveyancing Alliance (CAL) has promoted Mark Richards to sales director. Richards joined the firm in 2020 and rapidly grew its broker presence in Wales and the South West, building a network of nearly 500 brokers. In his new role, he will lead CAL’s area directors and oversee broker growth, service enhancement, and operational efficiency.
Mortgage software provider finova has brought in Hamza Behzad as business development director. He joins from Meniga, where he was vice president of new business, and previously spent eight years at Accenture advising banks on digital and strategic transformations. His appointment follows Finova’s recent rebrand and aligns with its strategy to offer accessible and agile financial technology.
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.
