Key Retirement has appointed Mark Blanchfield as its director of specialist lending.

He will be responsible for developing Key’s specialist mortgage desk following the launch of the new service aimed at addressing the needs of older borrowers typically turned down by high street lenders.

The specialist mortgage desk was established last summer as part of a drive to support the growing number of over 55s who do not fit high street lending rules despite having the income required to meet repayments on an interest-only or capital repayment basis.

Blanchfield joins from My Equity Release Expert where was a director and brings over 20 years of financial services experience including senior management roles at Age Partnership.

He said: “Having spent a significant part of my career specialising in the retirement market this role represents a fantastic opportunity to work with the acknowledged leader in the sector.”

Will Hale, business development director at Key Retirement Group, added: “Mark is an important addition to our team. The retirement lending market is experiencing record growth and as the UK’s leading equity release adviser it is a natural evolution to look to support customers with a broader range of lending solutions.

“Mark has a proven track record of building successful telephone advice teams and his insight and experience will be invaluable as we look to rapidly expand this area.”