Butterfield Mortgages Ltd (BML) has appointed four business development professionals as it seeks to expand its presence in the prime mortgage market.

The new team members are expected to create an immediate impact, increasing BML’s book of mortgages focussed on high net worth individuals requiring bespoke lending facilities – primarily intermediated via specialist mortgage brokers and other intermediaries.

Ralph Punter has been appointed as senior manager intermediary sales, and will manage the wider team’s activities to drive intermediary business development. He previously held similar roles at Harrods Bank and Virgin Money.

The wider team consists of Christopher Watts and Amar Mashru, who will act as business development managers (BDMs). They both have over 10 years’ experience in the financial services sector with a particular focus on residential mortgage lending for high net worth individuals.

Kevin Turmore, has been appointed to integrate the new team into BML, whilst implementing the firm’s strategic plan. Previous roles including group chief executive officer of Arlo Associates, head of UK financial services practice at Alexander Proudfoot Consulting and various other leadership roles at banks including Unity Trust plc, Bank of Ireland, Lloyds, TSB and RBS.

Alpa Bhakta, managing director of BML, said: “We have brought these experienced professionals on board to expand our presence in the market for HNWI mortgages. The addition of Ralph, Christopher, Amar and Kevin to the BML team will enhance our capabilities to enable us to reach the widest section of the market since the launch of BML.”

Michael Collins, chairman and chief executive officer of Butterfield Group, added: “These appointments demonstrate the ambition of BML, as well as the whole of Butterfield Group, to build on the success of the last 12 months. We will continue to provide the support, security and infrastructure that underpin BML, and look forward to the continued success of the business.”