CrowdProperty has hired Steve Smith as head of intermediaries as the specialist property lender bids to double its broker network.
Smith, who has a 25-year career in financial services, was previously head of sales at Mint Property Finance for just under a year.
Prior to that, he worked at Roma Finance for four years, leaving as sales director last April.
Last month, CrowdProperty secured £3m from Canadian investment firm Flow Capital Corp to upgrade its “existing platform and application processes, as well as to spearhead company-wide expansion over the next three years”.
The firm’s range of lending includes bridging, houses in multiple occupation, heavy and light refurbishment and development finance.
CrowdProperty chief commercial officer Damon Walford says: “His [Steve’s] experience speaks for itself, but more importantly, his broker background will enable us to develop even stronger relations with our broker network, with a view to doubling it and ultimately generating more than £2bn in broker applications.
“While we may be a finance and tech company, we understand the importance of establishing ‘real life’ human relationships with brokers, and with Steve’s experience and personable approach, it’s an area we can really excel in.
“At the same time, we’re also continuously reviewing and refining our platform to provide our brokers and their clients with a premium service and make their lives easier.”
Smith points out: “The recent investment is being used to fuel widespread change, which will enable us to continue to provide an efficient, first-class service and quality products, all underpinned by the latest technologies.”
He adds: “Having worked as a broker for several years, I inherently understand the broker world and am looking forward to leveraging this first-hand insight to enable CrowdProperty to forge greater links with brokers across the UK.”
