Amanda Bryden to replace Duncombe as MD of Accord Mortgages

Yorkshire Building Society has appointed Amanda Bryden as director of distribution and incoming managing director of Accord Mortgages.

Amanda brings more than 25 years of mortgage and intermediary leadership experience, most recently with Lloyds Banking Group as head of Halifax Intermediaries and Scottish Widows Bank.

She has also held senior roles at HSBC, Santander and Coventry Building Society.

Jeremy Duncombe, who has led Accord since 2018, will work closely with Amanda to support a smooth transition before retiring at the end of 2026.

Earlier this year, YBS reorganised its Homes division to strengthen its broker offering. The new-look division brings together residential, buy-to-let and commercial lending under a simpler operating model.

Tom Simpson, managing director of homes, said: “Accord has built a strong reputation as a broker-focused brand, known for the expertise of its people, the accessibility of its underwriters and its willingness to assess individual cases on their merits.

“Attracting a leader of Amanda’s standing and experience is a clear statement of our intent. She will build on the strong foundations created by Jeremy and the Accord team, bringing deep intermediary experience and a clear mandate to grow while remaining true to what brokers value most.

“We will preserve the common-sense underwriting that sets Accord apart, combining expert human judgement with better tools to provide faster, more responsive service and relevant residential and buy-to-let propositions.

“I would also like to recognise Jeremy’s exceptional contribution. His continued support until the end of the year will provide continuity and ensure a smooth and orderly transition.”

Simon Watson, chief customer officer at Yorkshire Building Society, commented: “This investment in Accord’s leadership is a clear statement of our commitment to the intermediary market.

“We know what makes Accord distinctive: experienced people, strong broker relationships, accessible underwriters and common-sense underwriting. We intend to protect and strengthen those qualities while making it even easier for brokers to do business with us.

“Amanda joining the Homes senior leadership team brings considerable intermediary experience into the heart of our mortgage business. Working with Tom and the wider team, she will have a clear mandate to build on Accord’s strengths, accelerate its growth and ensure it plays an even greater role in the Society’s mortgage strategy.”

Amanda Bryden added: “Accord has a strong identity and a trusted reputation among brokers. What stands out for me is the quality of its people, its commitment to partnership and its determination to help brokers find solutions for their clients.

“My priority will be to listen to brokers and colleagues, use their insight to identify where we can make the biggest difference, remove unnecessary friction and develop propositions that respond to customers’ changing needs.”