The ex-Nationwide former head of corporate accounts (pictured) was brought in by senior adviser to the Castle Trust board Matthew Wyles in May 2013.

Howard’s career spans over 30 years in the mortgage market with Bank of Ireland, Mortgages Plc and most lately Nationwide where he stayed for ten years.

Matthew Wyles, senior adviser, Castle Trust, said: “Paul has made an immeasurably important contribution to the dramatic acceleration in Castle Trust’s growth and has helped me lay sound foundations upon which we are now building a strong franchise in the market. The potential for equity loans in the UK mortgage market is vast – we are only just scratching the surface.”

Paul Howard, Castle Trust, said: “Matthew knew that I could only commit to a finite period with Castle Trust and that I always intended to take up the lifestyle opportunities afforded by retirement. My current contract expires in May of this year and I feel that is the right moment to pass on the baton to someone who can commit for the longer term.”