Sancus BMS Group, the niche asset backed, alternative lender, has announced that Graham Sheward will replace Michael Hennessy as Managing Director of Sancus (IOM) Limited in October 2019.
The appointment follows Michael Hennessy’s move from Managing Director to Chairman of the Company.
Graham will be responsible for leading the Company’s business strategy and growth and will be a member of the Group’s Executive Committee.
Graham has over 20 years’ experience of managing international financial services businesses across multiple jurisdictions including London, Guernsey, Ireland, Mauritius, Singapore, South Africa and the Isle of Man.
Graham moved to the Isle of Man in 1999 with NatWest Offshore and was subsequently Managing Director for both Zurich Bank International and Close Brothers Offshore Banking Division.
He returns to the Isle of Man after 8 years working in Mauritius, where he was Country Corporate Director for Barclays International Banking, implementing and managing the Barclays Africa Group cross-border lending strategy and more recently, over the past 4 years, as Managing Director for SGG Global (Mauritius) Ltd.
Graham explains: “The alternative finance market has an increasingly important role to play in meeting the financing needs of businesses, entrepreneurs and developers, especially in today’s economy. The opportunity to join a growing and dynamic team in this sector, with such strong lending principles and access to multiple layers of funding is very exciting.”
The Sancus BMS Group has provided in excess of £1 billion of funding to SMEs and entrepreneurs over the last four years. The business attributes this continued growth to delivering a fast and flexible range of asset backed lending solutions to its client with particular expertise in bridging and development finance, combined with a diligent, experienced management team.
Andrew Whelan, CEO of Sancus BMS Group said, “We are delighted that Graham has decided to join the business. His experience and background is of real benefit to the Group and will support our ambitious plans for growth. He has deep technical knowledge of the lending market and brings with him experience of lending across a range of jurisdictions.”
Andrew added, “I would also like to thank Michael for his commitment to Sancus during his tenure and look forward to him remaining close to the business in his role as Chairman.”
Graham concluded, “Sancus is committed to becoming a leading player in the asset-backed alternative finance market and I feel the current economic climate creates new opportunities for our clients and the Group. I am looking forward to being an integral part of the senior management team.”
