Pepper Money has appointed Michael Walsh as regional development manager ahead of launching first-charge residential and buy-to-let mortgages in Scotland.

Walsh has more than 25 years’ experience in the intermediary mortgage market and joins from OSB Group, where he spent more than six years as a business development manager supporting brokers across residential, buy-to-let and bridging for Precise Mortgages and Kent Reliance.

He previously held business development roles at Santander for Intermediaries and BM Solutions, as well as positions with St James’s Place Bank and Intelligent Finance.

Pepper Money says Scotland is a key growth market and that its proposition will target borrowers including the self-employed, those with complex incomes and customers with adverse credit histories.

The lender already operates in the second charge market, but its first charge launch will expand its residential and buy-to-let offering to Scottish intermediaries.

Pepper Money director of sales Paul Adams says: “Scotland is a key growth market for Pepper Money and an important part of our wider strategy.

“As we prepare to launch our first charge proposition, it is vital that we have experienced, well-respected people on the ground who understand the local market and the needs of brokers.”

Walsh adds: “Having worked in both mainstream and specialist lending throughout my career, I understand the challenges many brokers face when trying to find the right solution for their clients.

“I’m looking forward to building relationships with advisers across Scotland and helping them support more customers on their homeownership journey.”