HLPartnership, one of the UK’s leading mortgage and protection networks, has announced the appointment of Laura Havard as its new chief compliance officer, further strengthening the network’s executive leadership team.
Laura brings over 20 years of senior risk, compliance and governance experience gained across a wide spectrum of lenders, banks and insurers. She has held board-level and SMF-approved roles at organisations including Loan.co.uk and Reassured Limited, as well as senior positions with JD Williams Financial Services, Ocean Finance and PwC.
At Reassured Limited, the UK’s largest life insurance broker, Laura was chief risk & compliance officer, reporting directly to the chief executive officer and the chair of the risk and compliance committee. She managed the company’s risk and compliance functions and led the implementation of the FCA’s consumer duty. Her leadership was central to embedding a risk-aware culture and supported the strengthening governance across the business.
Most recently, Laura served as chief operating officer at Loan.co.uk, approved under SMF16 (compliance oversight) and SMF3 (executive director). In this role she was responsible for compliance and risk, partnering with the chief executive officer to deliver regulatory governance, supporting innovation and operational efficiency.
Christopher Tanner, chief executive officer of HLPartnership, commented: “Laura’s appointment is a significant addition to HLPartnership as we continue to grow our network and deliver outstanding support to advisers. Her track record across lenders, banks and insurers, combined with her leadership at Reassured and Loan.co.uk, brings a wealth of expertise that will help us maintain the highest governance standards while ensuring strong consumer duty outcomes for clients.
I would also like to thank Kay Leslie, who is leaving HLPartnership after more than four years as chief compliance officer. Kay has been instrumental in strengthening our compliance function, supporting advisers and guiding the business through a period of significant growth. We wish her every success for the future.”
Laura Havard added: “I am excited to join HLPartnership at a time of such opportunity and ambition. The network has built an excellent reputation not only for the strength of its adviser support and forward-looking innovation, but also for its commitment to delivering good outcomes for consumers. I look forward to working with the board, colleagues and members to ensure we continue to uphold the highest standards of compliance, maintain regulatory excellence and provide advisers with the confidence to thrive in a changing market.”
