Specialist short-term lender Black & White Bridging has strengthened its operations with two key appointments to its newly formed asset management team.
Aurora Baja and Toyin Ibrahim-Igbo have joined the Bristol-based lender, working under chief investment officer David Tropp. Their arrival, the firm said, will support the refinement of its lending strategy and processes, as well as the management of its growing risk appetite.
Baja (pictured, right) arrives at Black & White after nearly three years at Simple Bridging UK, where she served as operations manager. During her tenure, she helped to grow the lender’s portfolio from £5 million to over £20 million, taking a lead role in process optimisation, compliance, risk management and team development.
In her new role, Baja will be responsible for all activities between post-completion and redemption of a loan. She will report directly to David Tropp while also working closely with chief operating officer Damien Druce to drive operational efficiency.
Baja said: “Whether it’s launching new products, refining workflows, or ensuring investor funds are safeguarded, I’m all about making operations smoother, smarter, and more profitable. I can’t wait to get started and add to the company’s growth in the coming years.”
Toyin Ibrahim-Igbo (pictured, left) joins with close to 25 years of credit risk experience across a variety of credit and real estate roles. Most recently he spent nine years at Alternative Bridging Corporation as an asset manager, overseeing a portfolio worth approximately £350 million comprising development, commercial and regulated bridging and term mortgages. At Black & White, Ibrahim-Igbo will be responsible for monitoring conditions, managing repayments, and acting as the primary point of contact for borrowers once loans are completed, through to redemption. He will also report into David Tropp.
Ibrahim-Igbo said: “I’m very pleased to be joining B&W during this stage of the company’s journey. I’ve seen the business flourish from afar, and the team’s vision impressed me. I’m looking forward to adding to B&W’s output and ultimately, assisting borrowers with their loans.”
Damien Druce, chief operating officer at Black & White Bridging, said the appointments are a key part of the lender’s growth strategy. “We are looking to achieve critical mass, and our rapid expansion has enabled us to bring in top talent like David, Aurora and Toyin, who can add immense value to the team, not least with the aftercare of loans post-completion. The scale achieved so far has been exciting, and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” he said.
