"His expertise and enthusiasm will help us take the StrideUp proposition to even more brokers."
- Sakeeb Zaman, CEO at StrideUp
StrideUp has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Rizwan Ali as senior business development manager.
Rizwan has over 12 years of experience in Shariah-compliant finance. He previously held roles at Al Rayan and HBL Bank, where he was a senior relationship manager.
At StrideUp, Rizwan will work with brokers to deliver homeownership solutions for their Muslim clients whose faith requires them to avoid paying or receiving interest, however the lender's home purchase plan product is inclusive for all customers and equally attracts non-Muslims.
StrideUp's underwriting approach includes serving foreign nationals with just one year remaining on their visa, customers 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, commented: “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.”
Rizwan 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.”
