UK-based Love Finance has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Selen Cagirgan as Credit and Risk head.

In her new role, she will oversee credit, underwriting and risk operations across the company’s lending division.

Cagirgan will work on the company’s credit strategy, enhancing risk controls, and putting in place frameworks intended to support business growth.

She has more than 15 years of experience in roles related to portfolio management, credit analytics and risk governance at various financial technology companies and banks.

Her previous positions include head of credit risk at Monzo Bank, where she contributed to the development of the bank’s credit risk systems.

More recently, she worked at LemFi as head of credit, establishing and expanding its lending operations over a seven-month period.

Commenting on the appointment, Cagirgan said: “Love Finance is changing how small businesses access funding, making it faster, fairer, and more accessible. I’m excited to join a team that’s pushing boundaries in business lending, and to use my experience to help more SMEs get the support they need to grow.”

Love Finance chief commercial officer Alex O’Malley said: “As we enter this crucial stage of growth, Selen’s hire strengthens our lending capabilities. Her experience and strategic approach align perfectly with where we’re headed as a business. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the Love Finance team.”

According to Love Finance’s website, the company has provided over $300m in loans to more than 7,000 customers.

In the previous month, Love Finance obtained £45m ($60m) through its initial debt financing agreement aimed at increasing the availability of business loans for UK SMEs.

The funding includes a £35m revolving credit facility provided by Paragon Bank, a lender listed on the FTSE 250, along with a £10m junior medium-term note programme arranged by LGB Capital Markets.