LHV Bank launches into specialist buy-to-let market

LHV Bank has expanded its product offering into the specialist buy-to-let sector, in addition to its commercial real estate investment loans and trading loans to SMEs.

The Bank has also strengthened its SME lending business with the appointment of a new SME lending director and expansion of its relationship manager and underwriting teams.

LHV Bank has appointed Conor McDermott as its new director of SME lending who will also sit on the Bank’s executive committee. Conor has over two decades of experience in the commercial lending market, most recently as head of lending at Monument, where he was a strategic contributor to driving growth and cultivating client relationships.

Alongside the appointment of Conor McDermott, LHV Bank has expanded its lending team with the addition of two relationship managers, Savvas Nicola and Edwin Yamoah.

Savvas Nicola brings over 20 years’ experience in relationship management, origination and credit from Lloyds Bank and Metro Bank.

Edwin Yamoah brings a wealth of experience in commercial and corporate banking, having worked with diverse portfolios of businesses in Santander over 12 years.

Erki Kilu, CEO of LHV Bank, said: “Since gaining our banking licence in May 2023 and the inception of our SME lending activities, we have successfully increased our loan book to £70 million by the end of last year alone.

“Building on the momentum of our initial success, we have set ambitious targets for 2024. We aim to issue £200 million in new loans this year. Through new strategic leadership, talented lending teams in both London and Manchester and an extended product offering, we are well-positioned to support businesses driven by an entrepreneurial mindset.”