Afin Bank has appointed Pure Panel Management to deliver surveying and valuation services for its residential and buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages.

The collaboration will aid brokers in placing cases for clients who may struggle to obtain traditional financing due to circumstances such as their nationality, visa status, or lack of UK credit history.

Afin Bank, set to start lending this year, was created to help underserved Africans and other diaspora communities living and working in the UK to access mortgages.

However, lending products may also be suitable for UK-resident customers, including high net worth borrowers and self-employed workers.

Afin Bank secured a banking licence from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) in October 2024.

Pure Panel Management’s network of experienced surveyors will provide a valuation process aimed at supporting brokers in delivering a smooth client experience.

Pure Panel Management managing director James Gillam says: “Supporting new lenders like Afin Bank in bringing specialist mortgage solutions to the market is exactly what we do best.”

“Its focus on underserved borrowers dovetails with our responsibility to deliver high-quality valuation services that enable brokers to help more clients access home ownership and investment opportunities.”

Afin Bank chief operating officer Nicola Tunney adds: “Our partnership with Pure Panel Management is a key step in building a mortgage offering that truly serves underserved borrowers such as the foreign diaspora, high net worth individuals, and the self-employed.”

“Many of these borrowers have stable incomes and strong financial track records but face challenges accessing mortgage finance because they don’t meet the lending criteria set by many mainstream providers.

Last month, Afin Bank hired Peter Hale as head of finance.