Afin Bank Joins Connect – Strategic Packager Partner for New Specialist Lender, Afin Bank
Connect for Intermediaries has joined the exclusive distribution panel of Afin Bank, a newly established UK specialist lender offering tailored mortgage solutions to underrepresented borrowers.
Afin Bank has secured full approval from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA). This gives them the authority to offer regulated mortgage products across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Their product range supports applicants whom high street banks often decline. This includes the self-employed, foreign nationals, diaspora borrowers, and clients with complex income or credit histories.
Afin Bank’s criteria reflect the reality of modern finance. They consider earnings from multiple sources, including contractor roles, retained profits, family support, or overseas income.
The collaboration with Connect allows mortgage advisers to access these flexible solutions through an approved distribution route. Connect’s network of advisers can now assist borrowers who are often excluded from mainstream lending.
Connect continues to expand its lender panel to meet the diverse needs of borrowers. This relationship presents new opportunities for advisers to serve clients with non-standard profiles in accordance with FCA guidelines.
Afin Bank Joins Connect – Exclusive Access to Inclusive Solutions
As a panel packager, Connect’s appointed representatives now benefit from direct access to Afin Bank’s highly adaptable residential and buy-to-let mortgage solutions. Products are tailored for:
First-time buyers and home movers
Remortgages and capital raising
Portfolio and first-time landlords—including those without UK property
Borrowers with as little as six months’ UK residency
Applicants using overseas deposits (AML-compliant)
Additional flexibility includes capital raising for business or investment purposes, credit repair, and case-by-case underwriting for non-standard income streams.
Jane Benjamin, Director of Mortgages, at Connect for Intermediaries
Shared Mission: Real People, Real Lending
Jane Benjamin, Director of Mortgages at Connect for Intermediaries, commented:
James Briggs, Intermediary Sales Director at Afin Bank
“We’re thrilled to welcome Afin Bank to our lending panel. Their commitment to real-life lending mirrors Connect’s long-standing belief that finance should reflect the diversity of modern borrowers. Our advisers now have access to a lender that embraces complexity—from overseas income to limited UK credit histories—without compromising on responsible underwriting.”
James Briggs, Intermediary Sales Director at Afin Bank, echoed this alignment:
“Connect stood out to us as a distributor with deep experience in non-standard cases and a genuine commitment to client-first solutions. We believe mortgages should be built around people—not just policies. Through our partnership with Connect, we can reach advisers supporting clients often left behind by high-street lenders.”
Afin Bank Joins Connect – Pioneering the Next Chapter of Specialist Lending
Connect’s new relationship with Afin Bank goes beyond a typical product release. It reflects a strategic decision in response to borrower needs.
As more applicants present complex circumstances, advisers need access to lenders who assess beyond standard criteria. That’s why specialist distribution is no longer a luxury. It’s now a requirement for competitive, compliant lending advice.
This step further supports Connect’s goal of increasing adviser options, improving lender communication, and expediting the funding process for clients with unique borrowing needs.
Over the coming weeks, Afin Bank will also offer FSCS-protected savings products. This strengthens its position in the UK market and supports a more comprehensive range of financial services.
If you are not yet a network member and would like to access Afin Bank’s products, we invite you to join our network.
