Kawai will replace Roy Warren who has been managing director at FOLK2FOLK since 2019.

Roy is retiring from the business and will join the board as an independent non-executive director in January 2026.

Kawai joins FOLK2FOLK with over 20 years’ experience in financial services and asset-backed investing.

He has held senior leadership roles at challenger banks, private equity firms, and investment managers, including SilverRock Financial Services (now part of GB Bank), Intriva Capital, and ARA Venn.

Commenting on his appointment, Kawai said: “I’m honoured to be joining FOLK2FOLK at such a pivotal moment.

“The business has carved out a distinctive space in UK finance, and I’m excited to build on that legacy.

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“My focus will be on strengthening our lending proposition, deepening our broker relationships, and continuing to deliver value for UK SMEs and their introducers.”

Tim Sawyer, chairman at FOLK2FOLK, said: “Roy has steered FOLK2FOLK through a transformative period, delivering consistent profitability and embedding the values that set this business apart.

“We’re grateful for his leadership and pleased we’ll continue to benefit from his insight and experience on the board.

“At the same time, we’re delighted to warmly welcome Kawai as CEO.

“His depth and breadth of experience in financial services and alignment with our mission make him the right leader to take FOLK2FOLK into its next chapter.”

The company has also appointed Claire Richards as executive director designate, subject to FCA approval.

Claire is head of operations at FOLK2FOLK and has been with the company since 2018.