OnLadder has announced the appointment of James Bishop as a consultant to the business.

Bishop (pictured) joins the start-up as it seeks authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for its solutions for first-time buyers.

He joins OnLadder with over 20 years’ experience in the mortgage industry working for lenders. He spent 15 years developing relationships with mortgage intermediaries within sales and underwriting roles. His most recent mortgage role involved launching new products and distribution to the intermediary market with Harrods Bank.

At OnLadder his role is to help seek FCA authorisation by providing his experience of back-end processes and customer/intermediary journeys through a lender. At launch he will then be guiding the distribution of OnLadder’s new loan product through the intermediary markets.

On its launch, OnLadder will unveil a more flexible form of deposit financing to enable first time buyers achieve their goal of stepping onto the property ladder quickly and responsibly.

Cameron Orcutt, CEO of OnLadder, said: “I’m very pleased that we have managed to secure James’ services. He will provide invaluable help to the team with our authorisation strategy and our launch plans.

“First-time buyers have been given a raw deal for nearly 20 years now. OnLadder plans to tackle this situation head on with a flexible deposit financing solution and James’ appointment takes us one step closer to realising these plans.”

Bishop added: “I am extremely excited to be working at OnLadder, both as a new start-up business and because it has the laudable aim of helping first-time buyers onto the property ladder. FTBs are vital for a healthy property market and I believe we can make a huge difference to people as they look to become property owners.

“Joining a new company at this stage is a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to being able to help towards the authorisation and launch of a new lender.”