Triodos Bank UK has appointed Suraj Lakhanpal as its senior relationship manager to bolster its presence in the sustainable lending sector.
The bank is based in the Netherlands and operates across the UK, Germany, Spain and Belgium. It has financed green residential and commercial projects since 2007.
Lakhanpal will specialise in sustainable property at Triodos Bank UK and brings more than 20 years of experience in UK real estate finance. This includes supporting SME property developers and intermediaries in senior roles at Homes England, Nationwide and RBS, working across the residential, commercial and specialist sectors.
Lakhanpal and the wider team will focus on financing investment and developments in line with the bank’s sustainability criteria, which focus on residential and commercial properties that deliver positive environmental and social outcomes. This includes affordable and specialist care accommodation, new energy-efficient homes, and diverse, inclusive workplaces.
The team will assess proposals for new and existing properties, prioritising the repurpose of existing assets for decarbonisation and new-build projects with high sustainability ratings.
Lakhanpal (pictured) said: “Joining Triodos Bank offers me the chance to apply my property finance expertise within an organisation driven by environmental and social impact. I look forward to supporting clients who share our sustainable values and ambitions.”
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Simon Crichton, deputy director of business banking at Triodos Bank UK, added: “Property is central to meeting the UK’s climate targets and social needs. Now is the time to deepen our sustainable finance capability to accelerate support for impactful projects – from affordable, energy-efficient homes to decarbonising existing buildings.
“Suraj’s appointment strengthens our team, and we look forward to expanding our lending for impact across the UK.”