LifeSearch, one of the UK’s leading protection advice specialists, has partnered with Snoop, the free money management app that helps users track spending, cut bills, and manage their finances in one place.

The partnership continues LifeSearch's push to reach consumers who might otherwise overlook protection insurance altogether, embedding cover into the financial tools and platforms people already trust and use daily.

Snoop users will now have direct access to life insurance quotes through the app, with the option to buy a policy online through a LifeSearch-powered journey. Anyone needing advice or with more complex queries will be directed to LifeSearch’s team of specialist protection advisers.

BPL, an independent credit and political risk insurance broker, has launched BPL Surety, a new business line designed to support corporates and financial institutions seeking solutions for global guarantee requirements.

Surety provides an alternative to traditional bank guarantees or standby letters of credit (SBLCs), with insurers providing guarantees on behalf of corporates to support contractual or commercial obligations.

Simon McClean has joined Afin Bank as head of treasury and regulatory reporting, bringing over 35 years’ experience of financial services to the specialist lender and savings provider.

McClean joins from FCMB Bank, where he was head of treasury, and has previously held senior treasury roles, including responsibility for regulatory reporting, at The Bank of London, Wesleyan Bank, Al Rayan Bank and Commerzbank.

He will oversee the continued development of the bank’s financial strategy as it grows its loan book and deposits from savings accounts, along with responsibility for Afin’s regulatory reporting requirements.

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