In his new role, Simon will oversee the bank’s lending portfolio, and will develop and embed the credit risk strategy, policies and procedures to ensure Ashman’s growth.

Based in the firm’s Birmingham head office, he will report to the bank’s chief risk officer, Lisa Fergus.

Simon brings over 25 years of financial services experience to the role, having previously worked at Barclays, GE Money, Deutsche Bank, Aldermore Bank, and Paragon Bank.

He joins Ashman from Al Rayan Bank, where he was head of credit risk.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon said: “I am delighted to be joining Ashman at a time when the need for a new approach is so clear in the UK.

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“Having worked at both large and established banks,  as well as challengers in the market over the last two decades, I have seen first-hand what is required to ensure the customer gets what they need — certainty, quick decisions and processes designed to help, not hinder, their own growth.

“I am excited to join a bank with this ethos at its core and look forward to embedding that culture in the years ahead.”

Lisa added: “Simon is a critical hire for Ashman, bringing incredible experience to the team that will ensure we can realise our growth ambitions in a way that prioritises the customer’s experience, while still maintaining a responsible lending approach.”

In recent months, Ashman has made a number of other key appointments, including Matt Cowan as chief financial officer and Neil Molyneux as senior relationship director.