Newly launched lender Afin Bank has hired Nicola Tunney as its chief people and operating officer, to oversee the development of its customer service and operations.
Tunney joins Afin Bank from Sharia-compliant digital lender Nomo, where she was chief operations officer for over two years. She also previously worked for Allica Bank as its head of operations for nearly four years during its start-up phase.
Prior to that, Tunney had roles at TSB, Cheltenham and Gloucester and Lloyds Banking Group.
In her new role, Tunney will also be tasked with building the people function at the lender to create an inclusive environment.
The lender launched to support clients who find it difficult to obtain funding from mainstream banks and other specialist lenders. It will focus on Africans living and working in the UK, and also be open to the self-employed and high net worth clients.
The lender is backed by African reinsurer WAICA Re and received its banking licence Authorisation with Restrictions1 (AwR) in October. Afin Bank aims to launch residential and buy-to-let mortgages next year, as well as savings products.
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Tunney (pictured) said the appeal of helping under-served borrowers like she did at Nomo attracted her to the role at Afin Bank.
She added: “It’s a great opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to build something new and do it right.
“We want to support our customers in areas where it has been difficult for them to get help before, so they can overcome the barriers that have stopped them from getting a mortgage. Afin Bank is a digital bank, but at the heart of what we do is helping people and we want those customer interactions to work really well.”
Jason Oakley, CEO of Afin Bank, added: “Not only does Nicola bring a huge wealth of experience to this role, she also represents the kind of supportive culture we are building at Afin Bank for both our customers and our colleagues.
“I’m pleased to welcome her onboard and look forward to working with her as we build our products, services and operations ahead of Afin Bank’s full launch in 2025.”
Last month, the lender appointed James Briggs as its intermediary sales director.
