SDKA Confirms Four Promotions Across Underwriting and Operations
Market Updates

SDKA Confirms Four Promotions Across Underwriting and Operations

By Dr. Priya Sharma, Property Markets Analyst · 14 September 2026 · 2 min read

Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

SDKA Confirms Four Promotions Across Underwriting and Operations

Short-term specialist finance lender SDKA has announced a series of internal promotions, with Alex Swan taking the role of head of underwriting. Swan joined the business in May 2023 as an underwriter and has moved through the ranks to a senior leadership position, where he will oversee the underwriting function and help shape the future direction of the business.

Further Moves Across the Team

Chris Simpson, who has been with the lender as an underwriter since March 2025, has been promoted to the vacated position of senior underwriter. Josh Draper, who joined the business as a graduate underwriter in December 2024, is now an underwriter.

Sharon Penter, whose role has expanded since joining the business in September 2024, has taken the title of operations manager.

Lender Points to Growth Plans

Commenting on the appointments, SDKA managing director Kunal Mehta said the business looks ahead and plans for growth, and that to be in the best possible position to meet its targets it needs the best people and a widening remit of competitive short-term finance products.

Mehta said Alex, Chris, Josh and Sharon have played a pivotal role in the company's growth over the last few years, and that their progression reflects the strength of the team. He added that their experience and expertise will be invaluable as SDKA continues to grow and evolve.

What This Means for Brokers and Agents

For letting agents, inventory clerks and intermediaries working with short-term finance products, the reshuffle signals continuity within SDKA's underwriting function, with experienced internal candidates stepping into senior roles. Agents arranging bridging or short-term lending for clients may wish to note the new points of contact as the lender develops its product range.


Source: Mortgage Strategy
About the author
Dr. Priya Sharma
Property Markets Analyst

Dr. Priya Sharma writes The Property AI's data-led coverage of UK property markets — rental indices, sold-price trends, mortgage flows, and regional analysis. Articles bylined Dr. Sharma cite ONS, Land Registry, Bank of England, and primary research data.

PhD Economics. Specialises in: ONS Index of Private Housing Rental Prices, Land Registry data, regional rental analysis, mortgage approvals trends.

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