Mark Blanchfield joins as Director of Specialist Lending

Key Retirement has appointed Mark Blanchfield as Director of Specialist Lending to spearhead expansion in the growing retirement lending market, focussing on mainstream lending for those wanting to borrow into and in retirement.

He will be responsible for developing Key’s specialist mortgage desk following a successful launch for the new service aimed at addressing the needs of older borrowers typically turned down by high street lenders.

The specialist mortgage desk was established last summer as part of a drive to support the growing number of over 55s who do not fit high street lending rules despite having the income required to meet repayments on an interest-only or capital repayment basis.

Mark joins from My Equity Release Expert where was a Director and brings over 20 years of financial services experience including senior management roles at Age Partnership and has wide expertise in advising on developing specialist retirement propositions.

As Director of Specialist Lending he will be working closely with Key’s business development team to enhance existing relationships with building societies, banks and other professional partners as well as expanding relationships focused on developing access to mortgages for older borrowers.

Mark Blanchfield, Director of Specialist Lending, Key Retirement Group commented: “I am delighted to be joining the team at Key Retirement. Having spent a significant part of my career specialising in the retirement market this role represents a fantastic opportunity to work with the acknowledged leader in the sector.”

Will Hale, Business Development Director, Key Retirement Group said: ‘Mark is an important addition to our team. The retirement lending market is experiencing record growth and as the UK’s leading equity release adviser it is a natural evolution to look to support customers with a broader range of lending solutions.

“Mark has a proven track record of building successful telephone advice teams and his insight and experience will be invaluable as we look to rapidly expand this area.”