Pepper Money, the leading specialist mortgage lender, has appointed Michael Walsh as Regional Development Manager (RDM) for Scotland to lead its broker engagement ahead of the launch of its First Charge mortgage proposition in the region this September.
Based in Scotland, Michael will work closely with intermediaries across the country, helping them access specialist lending solutions for customers whose circumstances may not fit traditional high street lending criteria.
Michael brings more than 25 years’ experience in the intermediary mortgage market and joins Pepper Money with extensive knowledge of both mainstream and specialist lending. Most recently, he spent more than six years as a Business Development Manager at OSB Group, supporting brokers across the residential, buy-to-let and bridging sectors for both Precise Mortgages and Kent Reliance. Prior to that, he held Business Development Manager roles with Santander for Intermediaries and BM Solutions, as well as positions with St James’s Place Bank and Intelligent Finance.
His appointment strengthens Pepper Money’s regional broker support ahead of the launch of its residential and buy-to-let mortgage proposition in Scotland. The lender sees Scotland as an important growth market, with an opportunity to support brokers and customers who are self-employed, have complex incomes, adverse credit histories or other borrowing needs that may fall outside standard lending criteria.
Paul Adams, Director of Sales at Pepper Money, said:
“Scotland is a key growth market for Pepper Money and an important part of our wider strategy. As we prepare to launch our First Charge proposition, it is vital that we have experienced, well-respected people on the ground who understand the local market and the needs of brokers.
Paul added: “Michael’s extensive experience across mainstream and specialist lending, combined with the strong relationships he has built throughout the Scottish intermediary market, make him ideally placed to lead our broker engagement in the region. He shares our commitment to supporting brokers and helping customers whose circumstances require a more considered approach to mortgage lending.”
Michael Walsh, RDM for Scotland at Pepper Money, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Pepper Money at such an exciting time for the business. Pepper has built a strong reputation for helping customers whose circumstances don’t always fit the mould of mainstream lending, and I believe that proposition will resonate strongly with brokers across Scotland.
“Having worked in both mainstream and specialist lending throughout my career, I understand the challenges many brokers face when trying to find the right solution for their clients. I’m looking forward to building relationships with advisers across Scotland and helping them support more customers on their homeownership journey.”
Pepper Money already has an established Second Charge mortgage business, and its First Charge launch will build on this specialist lending expertise, giving Scottish intermediaries access to residential and buy-to-let mortgage solutions backed by dedicated regional support and human underwriting.