HSBCApr 18 2019

HSBC appoints interim head of mortgages

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HSBC appoints interim head of mortgages

HSBC UK has appointed an interim head of mortgages and savings while Michelle Andrews is on maternity leave.

The high street lender has put Aaron Shinwell, previously head of strategy and planning for the bank’s retail product, in charge of the department.

Mr Shinwell, who has been at HSBC for three years, has spent almost two decades in the financial services industry, including in management roles at Lloyds Bank and Hbos.

Tracie Pearce, head of retail products, said: "Aaron has worked for some of the biggest names across different disciplines, much of it involving mortgages and savings. 

"With us, Aaron has played a leading role in a number of initiatives focused on commercial management and improving customer experience, so this temporary change in role is perfect for him."

Mr Shinwell, who has also recently been selected to represent Great Britain in the Inline Hockey Masters tournament at the World Cup in June, said mortgages was a strategic priority for HSBC UK.

He said: "Over the last couple of years we have been making inroads by making our attractive products available to more customers through our intermediary partners after many years of being a direct only lender.

"Alongside improvements to our customer journey, we are making applying for a mortgage and getting a formal offer through to completion a much smoother process. We are continuing to look for opportunities to do this while giving more brokers access to our mortgages."

Kevin Dunn, senior partner at Furnley House, said HSBC’s interest in giving more brokers access to their mortgages was a good thing for the market and ultimately clients.

Commenting on the hire, Alan Lakey, director at Highclere Financial, said: "Aaron has great experience at Hbos and Lloyds Group prior to HSBC and seems an ideal appointment.

"Of course, if HSBC wishes to make greater inroads into this competitive marketplace it will have to end the current practice of limiting agencies so that all authorised advisers can access their competitive offerings."

Daniel White, of White Financial Services, agreed that HSBC should become accessible to all intermediaries.

He said: "Congratulations to Aaron on his new appointment at HSBC. There’s no doubt that HSBC have seen some positive improvements since launching in the intermediary market both in service and proposition.  

"However, I would very much welcome Aaron to review their distribution, especially to the directly authorised market. 

"I’ve no doubt that if HSBC can spread their wings a little and become accessible to all intermediaries, they could well see an increased market share that would hopefully match their ambition."

imogen.tew@ft.com