
Readers also took an interest in the upcoming launch of Afin Bank, a lender aiming to cater to Africans living and working in the UK who may face barriers when seeking mortgage finance.
The news that HSBC Group had hired its first female CFO in the bank’s 160-year history intrigued readers this week, as did rate changes at HSBC and NatWest, with the latter marking the return of sub-4% mortgage rates.
Exclusive: New lender Afin Bank launches to serve Africans in the UK

How the housing landscape is set to shift
Sponsored by Halifax Intermediaries
‘We want Afin Bank to be the go-to bank for Africans in the UK’, says CCO Davison
HSBC increases low LTV rates and cuts high LTV pricing
HSBC hires Kaur as first female CFO and announces organisational shake-up
NatWest brings sub-4% rates back; MPowered cuts three-year fixes to 3.93% – round-up
Mortgage Advice Bureau is the first intermediary network to join OPDA
Modern later life borrowers command a fresh advice approach – Glynn
Rising Star: Georgia Smith, Hinckley and Rugby Building Society
Next Intelligence and Dynamo for Intermediaries announce merger