Simplybiz Mortgages has announced the addition of Afin Bank to its lender panel, effective immediately, as part of a limited market release involving just two ‘Founder Clubs’.
The specialist lender focuses on serving borrowers often excluded by mainstream providers, including people from the African diaspora and foreign nationals with valid visas.
Afin Bank offers a manual underwriting approach to support customers who may face challenges due to visa status or limited UK credit history.
The lender’s criteria includes first-time buyer landlords and those using family gifted deposits, including payments from overseas.
Its proposition also extends to other underserved groups, such as the self-employed, with procuration fees typically paid within three business days.
Phil Daffern (pictured), head of lender relations at Simplybiz Mortgages, said: “We’re delighted to have been involved with the launch of a new intermediary specialist lender to the market, and to have worked closely with the team at Afin Bank during this exciting next step in its journey.
“Our helpdesk and regional teams have been fully briefed on Afin’s commitment to residential and buy-to-let lending, and the ways in which it offers a refreshing and flexible approach to support for foreign nationals across several key areas.
“We know this news will be welcomed by our members as an additional potential solution to meeting their clients’ requirements, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with the incredibly supportive Afin team as we approach a bright future together.”
Jason Oakley, CEO of Afin Bank, added: “It’s great to be partnering with Simplybiz Mortgages and offering our products to its members.
“The partnership is an important step in helping us to realise our mission of empowering underserved customers, whatever their circumstances, and helping them to get the mortgage deal they deserve and a home of their own.”
