Specialist lender Afin Bank has appointed industry veteran Rob Lankey as director of credit, strengthening the leadership team as it looks to grow its presence in the specialist mortgage market.

Lankey (pictured), who has more than 35 years’ experience in financial services, has held senior roles at Norwich and Peterborough Building Society, Shawbrook Bank and GB Bank. He was part of the founding team at Aldermore and also served as chief executive of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB).

At Afin, he will oversee the day-to-day management of mortgage application decisions and take responsibility for credit risk within product development.

Speaking about his new role, Lankey said: “Afin caught my attention because it’s an interesting idea, we’re addressing a need in the market, and there’s nothing else like it out there.

“Most of the other lenders I have helped to build over my career have also been focused on underserved borrowers, so this is a perfect fit for me.

“They’re also a great bunch of people, which was a key driver for me, because I enjoy what I do and I want to work with good people. It’s an opportunity to bring to bear all of my experience and insight to help build a team as the bank grows.”

Nicola Tunney, chief operating officer at Afin Bank, added: “Rob brings years of industry and management experience, but he also has a great understanding of customer needs, which is vital for a bank like Afin that wants to help more people get a home of their own. He will be a great asset to the bank and the team.”

Afin Bank focuses on borrowers who are often underserved by mainstream lenders, including the self-employed, qualified professionals, high net worth individuals and overseas residents living and working in the UK on valid work visas.