United Trust Bank (UTB) has promoted David Masters to the role of associate director – intermediaries within its property development division as it continues to expand its support to broker and debt advisory firms. He has worked in the real estate finance industry since 2017 with lenders including Hampshire Trust Bank and Oblix Capital. Masters joined UTB in 2022 as a manager in the property development division, working with housebuilders operating in the Midlands and supporting their activities with a range of property development finance solutions. As part of the role, he will alongside the property development relationship team and will seek opportunities for UTB to increase collaboration with intermediaries.

Barclays has made further cuts to its mortgage range products. The biggest cut has been made to the lender’s two-year purchase fix, which has been cut from 4.01% to 3.79% at 75% LTV with a £899 product fee. Other highlights include the launch of its new two-year fee-free purchase product, which start from 4.05% at 80% LTV, while its new Great Escape two-year remortgage product starts from 4.46% at 80% LTV with no fee. On its purchase and remortgage range, Barclays’ five-year 60% LTV product has been reduced from 3.99% to 3.95% at 60% LTV with a £1,999 fee.

AJ Bell has appointed Jeremy Mugridge as its new marketing director. After starting the role formally in October, he will work closely with the product and sales teams to lead the development, implementation and management of the marketing strategy for AJ Bell’s existing advised products, including AJ Bell Investcentre, AJ Bell Custody Solutions and the recently launched AJ Bell Touch. Mugridge brings over 25 years of industry experience to the role, having previously worked at Quilter, Cofunds and Aegon.

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