365 Finance is now making decisions on complete applications within three hours as it further strengthens its underwriting credentials.

It comes as the specialist SME lender recently hired George Visser as its new chief risk officer. The firm assigns at least two underwriters to review each application, with decisions made within three hours of receiving an application.

The firm works with more than 100 commercial finance brokers as well as directly with sole traders and SMEs.

Scottish Friendly has appointed Scott McNeill as its new CFO.

He currently works as chief actuary at the financial mutual, and will succeed Alan Rankine, who has decided to step down from the role.

As part of Scottish Friendly’s established succession planning, McNeill will become CFO of the future merged organisation between Scottish Friendly and OneFamily.

Stonebridge has launched a new app, My Mortgage Partner, designed to support its members stay connected with their customers from application through remortgage.

Available to Stonebridge members, the app gives ARs a digital presence, helping them support borrowers during the mortgage journey. It allows customers to upload documents, message their adviser, track key milestones and access useful financial education from smartphone, tablet or desktop.

Once the mortgage completes, the app continues to support the relationship by displaying details of the customer’s mortgage and counts down to the end of their current deal, as well as providing details of their protection and GI policies.

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