United Trust Bank (UTB) has appointed Andrew Ferguson as its commercial director for its recently merged mortgages, buy-to-let (BTL) and bridging division. He will take 35 years of experience to the role, having held senior roles with a range of specialist lenders, including Foundation Home Loans, Axis Bank and most recently as managing director for BTL at West One Loans. In his new role, Ferguson will report to UTB’s managing director for mortgages, BTL and bridging, Buster Tolfree, overseeing the sales team and working to help drive growth alongside its 2026 transformation plans.

Vernon Building Society has launched a new joint borrower sole proprietor (JBSP) product range to support buyers who struggle to meet income requirements on their own. The range allows for up to four applicants’ incomes to be considered to support mortgage affordability, with the non-occupying borrowers, usually being close family members. As a result, its five-year JBSP fix starts from 4.69% and 5.09% at 80% and 90% LTV respectively, with a free valuation of up to £1,000 and no fee. Furthermore, its two-year discount rate starts from 4.69% at 80% LTV and with a £499 fee.

Atom bank has completed a £5.7m commercial mortgage, its largest ever deal in Scotland, to support a Scottish-based property company. The loan relates to properties in two major cities in Scotland, one in the central belt and the other in the highlands. Both properties provide high-quality office, multi-storey and multi-occupation facilities. Atom was able to provide a flexible approach in terms of lending against market value and at a higher loan-to-value. Pathway Commercial Finance played a key role in ensuring the transaction was completed within expectation and with no issues arising.

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