ING announced that it is expanding its money management platform Yolt to France and Italy, allowing its French and Italian customers to manage their personal finances with a “one-stop” overview of their accounts with most UK banks and other features.

Yolt CEO Frank Jan Risseeuw said: “I’m really proud to see the rapid growth of our app in the UK and I’m probably even more excited about the expansion to more countries, as we announced today. Every day, we are doing our utmost to offer our users the best possible experience and I think that’s what makes the difference in this digital landscape. The fast growth of the number of users shows a digital platform such as Yolt can truly change the banking landscape.”

Yolt has also said that it plans to expand further across Europe in the coming years.

Masthaven ‘enhances’ long-term lending products

Specialist lender Masthaven has announced the “enhancement” of its long-term lending product range, with the launch of a first charge residential three-year fixed rate mortgage.

The lender has additionally introduced rate reduction within its but-to-let (B2L) and second charge offerings.

Masthaven managing director of mortgages Matt Andrews said: “We have always applied a common-sense approach to lending at Masthaven, which means we constantly review and update our product lines to ensure our customers benefit from competitive and affordable lending options. We work closely with our broker partners to make sure we are listening to the needs of our customers and our latest update and launch reflects our drive to offer competitive products.”

Foundation Home Loans updates loan size for HMO offering

Foundation Home Loans has recently improved its dedicated HMO offering, increasing the maximum loan size to both individuals and companies to £1m with a maximum LTV of 65%.

The product will continue to offer both 2 and 5 year fixed rate options, with no pricing differential for limited companies.

Furthermore, the lender has split the product into two categories; HMOs with up to 6 bedrooms will be offered with rates starting from 2.99% and large HMOs with up to 8 bedrooms will carry a new valuation fee scale and offer rates starting from 3.09%.

Foundation Home Loans commercial director Andrew Ferguson said: “As a specialist lender, we are always seeking ways to enhance our proposition. Feedback from brokers was very positive about our HMO range, but there was demand for a larger loan size. So, we have listened and delivered. Our HMO range is very competitive and the ICRs are no different to our other products.”

Masthaven Bank reaches over 10,000 savings customers

Masthaven Bank has announced that it has reached over 10,000 customers in its savings division, following the launch of its first savings product just over 18 months ago.

The specialist lender offer a flexible term saver account which allows customers to determine precisely the day in which their account will mature, with options ranging between 6 months and 5 years.

Masthaven chief operating officer Simon Furnell said: “Reaching this milestone is testament to our commitment to providing our customers with flexible products and personal service to meet their savings needs. We understand every customer has a unique set of circumstances, requirements and savings goals and are determined to respond innovatively with convenient solutions like our online maturity manager.

“We look forward to seeing our customer base increase further as we continually work to provide our customers with products and services that all help to improve the unique saving and banking experience with Masthaven.”

Atom Bank launches best one year fixed rate bond since February 2016

Atom bank has launched a new one year fixed saver paying 2.05% gross, which is the highest rate seen for almost two and a half years.

Savings Champion director Anna Bowes said: “Although this bond won’t be for everyone, as you have to apply via a mobile app, it is really encouraging to see Atom Bank pushing one year fixed rate bonds back above 2%.

“Since October 2016, best buy one year fixed rate bonds have increased by 46% - and this new rate from Atom Bank is now paying more than the best five year fixed rate bond option back in October 2016.”

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