Love Finance has appointed Selen Cagirgan as its new head of credit and risk, strengthening the leadership team at the Birmingham-based SME lender.

Cagirgan (pictured) will oversee underwriting, credit and risk functions across the lending division, with a remit to shape credit strategy, enhance risk controls and build scalable governance frameworks suited to the company’s rapid growth.

She will also contribute to the development of data-driven lending models and new product risk structures.

She will report to Alex O’Malley, Love Finance’s chief commercial officer.

Cagirgan has more than 15 years’ experience in credit analytics and risk governance across financial institutions and fintech firms. She previously served as head of credit risk at Monzo Bank, where she helped design and embed the bank’s credit risk framework.

More recently, at LemFi, she launched and scaled its lending arm within seven months.

Her appointment marks a further step in Love Finance’s efforts to pair technology-driven growth with more formalised governance as it broadens its offering to small and medium-sized businesses.

Cagirgan said: “Love Finance is changing how small businesses access funding, making it faster, fairer, and more accessible.

“I’m excited to join a team that’s pushing boundaries in business lending, and to use my experience to help more SMEs get the support they need to grow.”

O’Malley added: “As we enter this crucial stage of growth, Selen’s hire strengthens our lending capabilities.

“Her experience and strategic approach align perfectly with where we’re headed as a business. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Love Finance team.”

Alongside Cagirgan’s arrival, the lender has also hired Tina While-Cooper as head of HR, policy and operations.