Chetwood Bank appoints interim mortgages MD

Wrexham-based Chetwood Bank has appointed Alan Cleary as interim managing director of its mortgages division, taking over from Andrew Arwas as the bank enters the next phase of its growth.

Alan brings more than 30 years of experience in specialist lending, including co-founding Charter Court Financial Services, which merged with OneSavings Bank in 2019. 

He has led brands including Precise Mortgages, Kent Reliance for Intermediaries and InterBay Commercial, and was appointed chair of Chetwood Bank’s mortgage advisory board in 2024.

Alan said: “The vision Chetwood Bank has for increasing funding into the buy to let market and working with brokers to help even more of their landlord clients persuaded me to come out of retirement, so I’m delighted to be able to step up and help steer the bank through the next stage of its growth journey.”

Alan’s appointment ensures leadership continuity within the mortgages division while the bank searches for a permanent successor. 

Alan will oversee ongoing operations and strategic initiatives, supporting Chetwood Bank’s continued expansion and reinforcing its position in the specialist lending market.

Paul Noble, chief executive of Chetwood Bank, added: “I’m delighted to announce that Alan has agreed to take over the reins of our mortgages division. 

“We’re fortunate to have such an experienced and safe pair of hands available to us while we look to appoint a permanent successor to Andrew.

“Andrew is one of Chetwood Bank’s original founders and played a crucial role in helping us expand from a small startup to the successful digital challenger bank we are today.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Andrew for everything he did during his time here and to say how grateful we are for his drive, determination and vision.”

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