MT Finance has announced the appointment of Darren Clarke to lead its newly formed commercial division, as the firm seeks to expand its product range and footprint in the commercial lending market.

Clarke (pictured), whose banking and finance career spans more than 35 years, brings significant experience across a number of lending institutions, with a track record of building high-performing teams and driving sustained business growth.

In his new role, Clarke will be responsible for shaping the direction of the commercial division, developing new product lines, and strengthening relationships with both brokers and borrowers. The focus, the company said, will be on maintaining the lender’s trademark approach to service – one that prioritises speed, flexibility and client experience – within the commercial lending space.

Marylen Edwards, director of mortgages at MT Finance, welcomed the appointment and said: “We are delighted to welcome Darren to the MT Finance team. His extensive experience and deep understanding of the commercial property market makes him the ideal person to drive the growth of our new commercial division.

“We are confident that his expertise will be invaluable as we establish MT Finance as a key player in the commercial lending space.”

Clarke said he was joining the firm at an “exciting time”, pointing to the opportunity to translate MT Finance’s reputation for efficient, borrower-first service into the commercial arena. “There’s significant opportunity to bring MT Finance’s reputation for speed, flexibility, effortless service and client-focused solutions to commercial property finance,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the team to create a commercial lending proposition that truly meets the needs of today’s commercial lending market.”