NACFB appoints Jim Higginbotham as chief executive
The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has appointed Jim Higginbotham as its new chief executive.
The chief executive role is being reprised after the departure of Graham Toy in 2020. Norman Chambers has been leading the organisation as managing director since then and will transition to the position of non-executive director on the NACFB board later this year.
Higginbotham joins from STAR Asset Finance where he was group chief executive and led the brokerage through a period of substantial change.
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He has previously held senior roles at Lombard, Barclays, and GE Capital, where he developed an understanding of asset finance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement across a variety of financial sectors.
“With over three decades of experience across all areas of commercial finance, I feel well placed to represent and deliver against the needs of our members and patrons,” Higginbotham said, in his first statement as chief executive. “Over the last ten years, the importance of the commercial finance broker in the UK’s financial ecosystem has continued to increase. For more and more UK SMEs, our members act as trusted business partners, unlocking access to the most appropriate finance solutions, independent of product or provider.”
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He continued: “As the regulatory and competitive landscape becomes ever more challenging, I want to ensure our members benefit from the best possible support to help them succeed and prosper. I also look forward to strengthening our partnerships with Patrons and ensuring the highest levels of professionalism and trust in our community. I’m excited to meet with the membership and listen to their views on how the NACFB can best serve the commercial finance community in the years ahead.”
Welcoming Higginbotham’s appointment, NACFB interim chair Adrian Coles said: “Jim was a standout choice for the NACFB board. His experience, leadership, and vision make him the ideal person to guide the Association into the future. We are confident that Jim will build upon solid foundations, confidently steering the NACFB whilst ensuring it remains at the forefront of the intermediated business finance sector. The board and I look forward to working closely with him as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
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