The specialist equity release practice says Hayden replaces Claire Barker who has been promoted to chief executive of the business.

Hayden joins from specialist mortgage brokerage lender Limitless Financial Services, which he co-founded in 2016 and was chief executive.

His previous roles include chief operating officer at independent financial advisor firm CMME Group and head of solutions at outsourcing firm Capita.

Equilaw says its new managing director will oversee the upgrading of its IT systems including back-office platforms and its online and mobile case tracking app, as well as boosting customer service.

The law firm deals solely with legal advice and conveyancing for homeowners applying for equity release.

Equilaw chief executive Claire Barker says: “Max’s appointment will take the business forward and it’s an exciting time to disrupt the industry with the technology we are developing in-house.

“We will soon be delivering ground-breaking changes, which will make the service we provide to clients and brokers even better than it is now.”

Equilaw Max Hayden managing director adds: “Having led a number of brokerages, I can appreciate the pressures advisers are under, and understand what they expect from a law firm.

“They want to be able to easily transact with people who care, to be kept updated so they can manage clients’ expectations, they want transparency and good value. I see all of this in Equilaw.”