Bank names lending director; network announces four promotions
Two firms – Hampshire Trust Bank (HTB) and Rosemount Financial Solutions – have announced strategic leadership appointments as part of their ongoing expansion efforts.
Specialist mortgage lender HTB has appointed Alexia Evans (pictured left) as lending director within its development finance team.
Evans brings over 12 years of experience in real estate finance, covering residential, commercial, and hotel lending. She previously led the UK hotel lending strategy at Mizrahi-Tefahot Bank, overseeing investment, development, and value-add projects.
Her addition comes as HTB continues to grow its presence in development finance, responding to increasing demand for relationship-led funding on planning-led and complex schemes.
“HTB’s understanding of the day-to-day challenges SME developers face, and the way it builds funding around real project needs, is what drew me to the team,” Evans shared. “Whether it’s planning, timelines or delivery risks, the team brings a level of pragmatism that makes a real difference. I’ve spent my career working on projects that require flexibility and structured support, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the Bank’s continued growth.”
Evans is also active in promoting diversity in the industry through her involvement in Women in Property and by mentoring early-career professionals. Her appointment follows a series of recent hires in HTB’s development finance unit, aimed at strengthening regional coverage and specialist expertise.
Meanwhile, Rosemount Financial Solutions (IFA), a mortgage, protection and financial planning network, has promoted four team members into senior roles following a period of sustained growth.
Zac Bawa (pictured right) and Jacob Bawa have stepped up from business executive roles to become sales director and operations director, respectively. Anne Sykes has been appointed strategic adviser manager, while Callum Wilkinson takes on the role of strategic relationship manager.
The promotions come on the back of a record-breaking 2024 for Rosemount, which saw revenues rise 25% year-on-year. Growth was fuelled in part by a 33% increase in protection business. Over the last five years, the company has recorded a 56% revenue increase.
During the year, Rosemount also expanded its adviser base, welcoming 31 new advisers and bringing total numbers to over 130. Eight new staff members joined across compliance, admin support, and software development.
“A key factor in Rosemount’s growth in recent years has been the family feel we have established, ensuring that everyone – from internal staff to our adviser members – feel valued and enjoy the opportunities to develop their skills,” said Ahmed Bawa, chief executive of Rosemount Financial Solutions. “The results speak for themselves, and we will continue to support all of those within the Rosemount family to reach their potential.”
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