Afin Bank has appointed Emily Carr (pictured) as mortgage adviser, where she will lead the lender’s in-house team created to support borrowers introduced via its Community Ambassador Programme.
The specialist lender, which launched to serve customers traditionally underserved by mainstream banks, will continue to work closely with brokers and mortgage intermediaries as its primary distribution route.
Its Community Ambassador Programme aims to expand access further by connecting with diaspora communities through trusted local contacts.
Carr will advise applicants introduced through this network and play a key role in developing Afin’s internal advisory proposition.
The in-house team will focus on helping customers who may be unfamiliar with the UK mortgage system or uncertain about the options available to them.
She previously worked in mortgage advice at NatWest, Halifax, HSBC and Police Mutual.
Alongside advising clients, she will be responsible for shaping the adviser team’s approach and operations.
Carr said: “I really feel like I’ve been building towards and preparing for this job all my life.
“I have all the skill sets needed to create this proposition and it’s exciting to be part of a new bank like Afin that’s trying to do something different, something with a purpose.”
Afin Bank is backed by WAICA Reinsurance Corporation Plc, one of the largest reinsurance companies in Africa.
It offers residential and buy-to-let mortgages to customers who are often excluded from traditional lending, such as foreign nationals living and working in the UK and self-employed professionals.
Carr added: “Afin is absolutely a breath of fresh air. This role is about building relationships and giving good advice, helping people to be able to buy a home of their own.
“Our approach will be very much customer-led, taking our time with appointments to understand what a customer needs and their circumstances, so we can explain the different options available to them.”
Alan Davison, chief commercial officer at Afin Bank, said: “Emily is a skilled and experienced mortgage advisor, but she is also passionate about treating customers as people, not just as an application.
“She’s the perfect person to help people from diaspora communities understand their options and find the mortgage they want, something they don’t get on the high street.”
