Commercial mortgage provider, Allica Bank, has announced the appointment of Dipesh Halai as head of financial planning and analysis.

In his new role, Halai (pictured) will make use of financial data to deliver insights and provide strategic finance support to Allica Bank’s executive team and board. His role will also involve leading and executing the Bank’s strategic planning process, alongside budgeting and forecasting cycles.

He moves from the UK-based digital clearing bank Clearbank, while he has also worked in credit risk at RBS and was head of financial panning & analysis for RBS Invoice Finance.

He said: “It’s exciting to work at a bank that is combining relationship-based support and technology to do something different and truly empower small and medium-sized businesses in the UK.

“Working at Allica Bank provides the perfect opportunity to bring together my fintech and more traditional banking experience. What’s more, it’s incredibly rewarding to be joining a team of such passionate and talented individuals, all of whom are working together to deliver upon one vision. I can’t wait to get involved.”

Mark Stephens, CEO of Allica Bank, added: “Dipesh’s varied experience, expertise and enthusiasm makes him the perfect match for Allica Bank at this point in our development. We are looking forward to his strategic and analytical input as we continue to execute and evolve our exciting plans for growth across the UK.

“With Dipesh on board, this puts us in an even stronger position to build and provide the service and tools that SMEs need in order to succeed.”