StrideUp has added to its sales team with the recruitment of Rizwan Ali as senior business development manager.
Ali (pictured) will work with brokers to deliver homeownership solutions via StrideUp’s home purchase plan product for their Muslim clients whose faith requires them to avoid paying or receiving interest.
With over 12 years of experience in Shariah-compliant finance, Ali previously held roles at Al Rayan and HBL Bank, where he was a senior relationship manager.
StrideUp’s proposition is designed to be fair and inclusive for all customers including non-Muslims due to its features and flexible approach to underwriting, which can serve many customers who may be overlooked by traditional high street lenders. This includes serving foreign nationals with a 15% deposit and one year remaining on their visa, those customers who are being supported by family and friends with gifted deposits, and those self-employed applicants where last year’s income is accepted.
Sakeeb Zaman, CEO at StrideUp, said: “Rizwan is a highly respected and innovative senior business development manager with extensive experience in fast paced and challenging environments. His expertise and enthusiasm will help us take the StrideUp proposition to even more brokers.
“Brokers require different permissions to advise on home purchase plans, but with StrideUp they can simply refer the client on to us, and we will take on the responsibility for providing compliant advice. This way, brokers can help clients secure the finance they need, providing a good customer outcome and still receive a procuration fee, meaning an additional income stream without having to add those permissions to their own business.”
Ali added: “I’m excited to join StrideUp, as it provides a competitive and flexible Shariah-compliant product range that can help serve the UK’s 4 million Muslims that require Islamic Finance options.
“The mortgage market at the moment doesn’t work for all aspiring homeowners and StrideUp empowers brokers to reach a new audience, helping Muslims to achieve their property goals with an ethical and Shariah-compliant product.
“StrideUp aims to do things differently, delivering a fresh perspective and inclusive way of supporting those buyers to achieve their aims, and I am looking forward to being part of the team that achieves this.”