Afin Bank has appointed David Kenmir as an independent non-executive director.

Kenmir joins with more than 30 years of financial services experience and expertise to its board.

He spent more than 10 years at the Financial Services Authority (FSA), the forerunner of both the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), including a stint as the body’s chief operating officer.

He subsequently spent 14 years at PwC as a partner focussing on conduct and culture, in its financial services risk and regulatory practice.

The bank received its banking licence Authorisation with Restrictions (AwR) last month.

It has been established to support borrowers who struggle to secure funding from mainstream banks and lenders, such as foreign nationals living and working in the UK, particularly those from Africa looking for mortgages and will also cater to high net worth customers and self employed workers.

It aims to start lending next year through intermediaries as well as via a digital app and will offer residential and buy-to-let (BLT).

Afin Bank chief executive officer Jason Oakley says: “This is an important addition to what is already a highly skilled and experienced Board at Afin Bank. David’s knowledge and insight will be invaluable as we prepare Afin Bank for full launch next year.”

Commenting on his appointment, Kenmir adds: “I am delighted to be joining Afin Bank at the start of its journey, helping to shape a financial services provider that genuinely wants to do things differently and make mortgages accessible to a vital group of consumers who are currently poorly served in the UK.”