BLEND Network, a fast-growing peer-to-peer property lending platform, has announced the appointment of property professional Paul Watson as head of origination.
The company said his arrival will help it better serve its existing clients, accelerating the acquisition of new borrowers, while also enhancing its due diligence capability for the benefit of its lenders.
The appointment and follows the company’s recent successful completion of a £10m funding round, including commitments from a number of leading global business figures.
BLEND Network is a peer-to-peer property lending platform which allows lenders to invest in property-secured loans. Private lenders are able to co-invest from £1,000 with very sophisticated high net worth lenders in the same deal, in a move that is leading to the increasing ‘democratisation’ of investing.
The business said it’s platform has delivered double digits returns to investors whilst also channelling money into affordable housing where there is a recognised lack of funding. BLEND Network has already lent £5m to 20 projects across Northern Ireland, Scotland and the North of England.
Yann Murciano, founder and CEO at Blend Network said: “We are delighted to welcome such an experienced property professional as Paul to our growing senior team. He has a breadth and depth of experience across real estate sectors as well as extensive regional expertise, which will significantly help us scale the business.
“His appointment will help accelerate our acquisition of new borrowers as well as enhance our capabilities to service both existing borrowers and lenders on the platform.”