HSBC UK has hired Emma Hollingworth as head of specialist lending.

Hollingworth has worked in the intermediary mortgage market for 29 years, most recently as managing director of AI-driven lender Mpowered Mortgages where she was responsiblie for overseeing the company’s inception, end to end delivery for customers and intermediaries and the development of an automated mortgage application process.

Hollingworth has also worked in mortgage advice, at various firms, including Quilter, SimplyBiz and Mortgage Advice Bureau.

In her new role she will be responsible for building and expanding the bank’s specialist lending proposition, initially focussed on its buy-to-let offering.

Hollingworth says: “I am looking forward to leveraging my expertise to expand and enhance our specialist lending proposition for our customers. It is an exciting opportunity to build on the banks strategic priorities and I am committed to ensuring our specialist lending team achieves new success – particularly in an area so crucial to the market.”

HSBC interim director of mortgage lending Andrew Matson says:  “We are delighted to welcome Emma to our team. Her extensive experience and proven track record in the mortgage market make her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that under her leadership, our specialist lending division will play a pivotal role in our continued success.”