United Trust Bank (UTB) has recruited underwriter Rob Irving to its asset finance credit team.

Irving (pictured) is the fourth underwriter to have joined UTB’s asset finance credit team in the last 12 months and is UTB’s first home-based asset finance underwriter, working directly with brokers supporting SMEs based in the North-West, Midlands and Scotland.

His career in commercial banking has spanned nearly 20 years. He joins UTB as senior underwriter from Wesleyan Bank and has previously held positions with Haydock Finance and RBS.

UTB reported a record year for the asset finance division which saw its loan book exceed £200m for the first time in 2021.

Nathan Mollett, head of asset finance – United Trust Bank, said: “Rob has a pragmatic and commercial approach to lending and enjoys speaking directly to brokers to get deals agreed quickly. He’s an excellent fit for the team and brings experience and knowledge which will be put to very good use as he supports brokers from his base in the North-West.

“One of UTB’s key strengths is our commitment to delivering outstanding service to brokers and encouraging direct dialogue with credit, something fewer and fewer funders are willing to do. Rob is our first ‘home-based’ underwriter, a move which has been enabled by UTB’s investment in technology to make home working not just possible but seamless. We will continue to invest in talented people and in technology which bring us closer to our broker partners and allow us to build even stronger, more successful relationships.”