HTB strengthens underwriting teams across specialist mortgages and bridging finance
Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) has announced a series of new appointments and an internal promotion across its specialist mortgages and bridging finance divisions, reinforcing its commitment to delivering tailored solutions and direct access to decision-makers for brokers and their clients.
Russell Harvey has joined the specialist mortgages division from Landbay, bringing extensive experience from Darlington Building Society, Together and Foundation Home Loans, while Denis Arefyev has been promoted to senior underwriter within the specialist mortgages team.
On the bridging side, Jack Unsworth has joined as underwriter from Glenhawk, where he was also a bridging underwriter, having previously worked at United Trust Bank as a senior mortgage underwriter. He is joined by Krisha Karunananthan who has moved from Funding 365, where she was senior underwriter, and Nim Shah who joins from United Trust Bank. In addition, Faith Ndebele has joined the bridging team as underwriter from TAB, having previously held a similar role at Alternative Bridging Corporation.
Earlier this year, James Hine was promoted from senior underwriter to Head of Underwriting, Bridging Finance, a move that reflects HTB’s focus on underwriting expertise and ensures brokers benefit from consistent, decisive outcomes on complex bridging cases.
With HTB, brokers benefit from direct access to underwriters without the need for appointments. They can speak straight to a decision-maker who understands their case and is empowered to navigate any complexities.
Andrea Glasgow, sales director, Specialist Mortgages & Bridging Finance at HTB, said: “Brokers tell us time and again that what they value most is being able to speak directly to an underwriter who understands their case. These hires give us more depth to deliver that. Whether it
is bridging or specialist mortgages, our team are here to give brokers the confidence that their clients will get the right solution and the right support.
“What matters is that brokers know they can pick up the phone and get straight through to an underwriter. That consistency is what builds trust, and I am proud of the team we are building to deliver it.”
Alex Upton, managing director, Specialist Mortgages & Bridging Finance at HTB, added: “At HTB it has always been about people. Brokers are facing clients who need more help than ever, whether it is tackling refinancing pressures, reshaping portfolios or structuring complex property deals. That is why experienced underwriters matter. By investing in talent and recognising the progression of our team, we are helping brokers with direct access to people who can make decisions with clarity and consistency, and the confidence that we will support them right through their client’s property journey. We know how important certainty is right now. By strengthening our underwriting teams, we are helping brokers plan with confidence, knowing HTB will be there to support them and their clients over the long term.”