Hampshire Trust Bank has promoted Henry Manley-Cooper to deputy director of bridging finance.
The appointment strengthens the leadership of the bridging division at a time when Hampshire says short-term financing is playing an increasing role for investors and developers.
Manley-Cooper joined Hampshire Trust Bank just over a year ago as a senior underwriter at Acre Capital, where he was head of credit.
In his new role he reports to Alex Upton, managing director of specialist mortgages and bridging finance.
Manley-Cooper will work with Andrea Glasgow, sales director of specialist mortgages and bridging finance, in supporting proposition development, governance oversight and growth of the division.
In his previous positions at Acre Lane and before that at Aamore Capital, he gained experience in structuring complex residential transactions.
Upton says: “Bridging is used with greater intentions.
“Brokers are introducing it earlier in transactions to manage sequencing risk, create flexibility and align short-term financing with longer-term objectives.
“This evolution creates expectations. Speed remains important, but clarity of structure and administrative power are decisive.
“Henry brings commercial acumen and disciplined credit thinking. His appointment strengthens our ability to deliver structured growth while maintaining consistent standards as transaction complexity increases.”
Manley-Cooper said: “I am pleased to be taking on this role at a time when the bridging market is becoming more aware and integrated within wider financing strategies.
“Investors and developers are operating with greater intention, and brokers are advising within increasingly aligned capital plans.
“That requires lenders to provide clarity sooner and remain consistent as transactions evolve.”
He adds: “My focus will be on strengthening the alignment between underwriting, sales and credit, while continuing to develop a proposition that gives brokers confidence in complex matters.
“As short-term financing becomes increasingly embedded in long-term strategies, clear structure and consistent decision-making will be central to how we support the market.”