HSBC has hired Louise Evans as head of its central region, joining the high street bank’s intermediary mortgages team. It also gives further details on a range of rate changes. 

The lender says Evans (pictured) will cover the Midlands, Wales and the South West of England, with the number of business development managers in her group yet to be finalised.

Previously, Evans worked at the TMA Club for over six years, leaving as head of operations. 

Prior to that, she held a variety of posts at Personal Touch Financial Services over almost a decade, leaving as head of appointed representative recruitment and relations in 2019.  

HSBC Intermediary Mortgages’ head of sales Richard Beardshaw says: “We are delighted Louise is joining our intermediaries’ team as we continue to strengthen our intermediary offering.”   

Also, HSBC has released further details on a series of rate changes it announced yesterday. 

The bank says: “Following a comprehensive review, we are revising our mortgage rates across the residential, buy to let, and international categories.  

“Most rates will see reductions, although some will experience increases.” 

Its changes cover:

• Residential mortgages – Over 120 mortgage rates for purchase and remortgage reduced, including all two-year fixed rates for home movers and first-time buyers. Rate cuts range from 2 basis points to 22bps. A selection of rates for existing customers are increasing from 5bps to 15bps, while switching rates at 95% on two-year and five-year fixes will be cheaper by up to 8bps 

• BTL – Around half of BTL rates are changing, with most covering five-year fixes. Rates go up from 3bps to 15bps. 

• International mortgages — A selection of rates for international mortgages have been reduced by up to 4bps