Black & White Bridging has appointed Robert Owen to its board as non-executive director.

Owen (pictured) most recently spent seven years at United Trust Bank where he was recruited to create a new specialist property lending division for the bank, becoming managing director for the mortgage and bridging divisions.

He has main board experience at a number of regulated financial institutions, including chief executive at Matlock Bank where he founded London Mortgage Company,and as chairman at Al Rayan Bank plc.

Damien Druce, commercial director at Black & White, said: “Robert’s appointment gives us access to the expertise of one of the most experienced individuals in the industry. For many years, he has been at the heart of the revolution in specialist lending in the UK and we are fortunate to have him join us.

“His intimate understanding of the industry and its funding along with his experience of working with many of the big players in the City will be of tremendous value to Black & White, particularly at this stage in our development.”

Owen added: “I’ve known Black & White’s CEO, Martyn Smith and Damien Druce for a number of years and have always been impressed by their extensive knowledge of the property development and complex bridging markets, coupled with a clear focus on customer service to the Intermediary.  I’m looking forward to this exciting new challenge.”