Renaissance Asset Finance appoints new Head of Credit and Risk

Renaissance Asset Finance (RAF), a subsidiary of the private and commercial bank Arbuthnot Latham, has appointed James Werts as Head of Credit and Risk, bringing with him over two decades of experience.

James spent several years at PCF Bank working on board-level credit, block funding, and compliance for the bank’s media and broadcast brokerage subsidiary, Azule, as the Credit Director. At PCF Bank, James also managed the entire PCF Bank’s underwriting team as the Specialist Underwriter Manager, supporting and spanning its consumer business and bridging specialist finance divisions across a loan book of over £400m.

Commenting on his new role, James said, “Having brokered deals into RAF over many years, it is a genuine delight to join what I already know to be a friendly, professional, and talented team. My experience as both a broker and a lender provides me with vital first-hand knowledge as to what each side of the relationship needs. This will help attract and underwrite good quality business as efficiently and commercially as possible.

“We are passing through another challenging macroeconomic period but having seen the benefit that established relationships can have, and the ability to take a long-term stance brings, I feel we will be able to thrive and adapt in a sustainable and positive manner.”

Mark Lester, Managing Director, Renaissance Asset Finance, commented, “I am delighted that James has joined Renaissance Asset Finance. He brings considerable experience amassed over a successful career in banking. This will be vital in our aims to grow our proposition and strengthen our relationships with our brokers, partners and clients.”