HLPartnership has appointed Laura Havard as its new chief compliance officer, bolstering the mortgage and protection network’s senior leadership team.

Havard (main picture) brings more than two decades of experience in risk, compliance and governance, gained across lenders, banks and insurers.

Her previous roles include board-level and senior management positions at Loan.co.uk, Reassured Limited, JD Williams Financial Services, Ocean Finance and PwC.

At Reassured, the UK’s largest life insurance broker, she was chief risk and compliance officer, overseeing the firm’s risk and compliance operations and leading its implementation of the Financial Conduct Authority’s consumer duty.

REGULATORY GOVERNANCE

She later joined Loan.co.uk as chief operating officer, where she held SMF16 and SMF3 approvals and worked closely with the chief executive on regulatory governance and operational efficiency.

Christopher Tanner, chief executive of HLPartnership, said: “Laura’s appointment is a significant addition to HLPartnership as we continue to grow our network and deliver outstanding support to advisers.

“Her track record across lenders, banks and insurers, combined with her leadership at Reassured and Loan.co.uk, brings a wealth of expertise that will help us maintain the highest governance standards while ensuring strong consumer duty outcomes for clients.”

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH

He added: “I would also like to thank Kay Leslie, who is leaving HLPartnership after more than four years as chief compliance officer.

“Kay has been instrumental in strengthening our compliance function, supporting advisers and guiding the business through a period of significant growth. We wish her every success for the future.”

OPPORTUNITY AND AMBITION

Havard said she was joining the network “at a time of such opportunity and ambition”. She added: “The network has built an excellent reputation not only for the strength of its adviser support and forward-looking innovation, but also for its commitment to delivering good outcomes for consumers.

“I look forward to working with the board, colleagues and members to ensure we continue to uphold the highest standards of compliance, maintain regulatory excellence and provide advisers with the confidence to thrive in a changing market.”