Tag Archives: Finance

Appointments, Business, Finance and Banking, News from Wales

Swansea Building Society strengthens leadership at Cowbridge branch

Swansea Building Society has appointed a new Branch Manager at its Cowbridge branch. Christopher Rice, who joined the Society in April this year, brings with him more than 20 years of experience in financial services to the role.

Throughout his career, Rice has held senior sales and managerial roles at major financial institutions including Woolwich, Barclays, Northern Rock, Virgin Money, Seren Financial and The Money Partnership. His expertise includes leading teams, providing mortgage advice, and supporting clients and communities with their financial needs.

He replaces David Osterland, who has moved to manage the Society’s Portland Street branch in Swansea.

To mark his appointment, Christopher will be hosting a mortgage drop-in session at the Cowbridge branch on Saturday 8th November, where he will be available to meet members of the local community, answer questions, and provide information about the Society’s wide range of tailored mortgage products.

Commenting on his new role, Christopher Rice said:

“I am delighted to be joining Swansea Building Society and to be leading the Cowbridge branch. Having spent more than 20 years helping people with their financial journeys, I look forward to supporting our members in Cowbridge and the surrounding area, and ensuring they benefit from the personal and flexible approach that the Society is so well known for.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, added:

“We are very pleased to welcome Christopher to the Society. His wealth of experience in financial services, combined with his commitment to excellent customer service, make him an excellent fit for our Cowbridge branch. We are confident he will continue to build strong relationships with the local community and help the branch to thrive.”

The Cowbridge mortgage drop-in session on November 8th is open to all, with no appointment necessary.

News

Welsh Lender Event Celebrated as Major Success in Swansea

The Welsh Lender Event has been praised as a major success, uniting brokers, lenders, and key industry figures at the Swansea Building Society Arena on Wednesday, September 17. Attendees highlighted the event’s valuable networking opportunities and its role in strengthening collaboration across Wales’ financial services sector.

Held in Swansea for the first time – the event had previously only taken place in Cardiff – the Welsh Lender Event 2025 attracted mortgage professionals from across Wales and beyond. Attendees praised the calibre of speakers, the breadth of insights shared and the valuable opportunities to network with peers.

Hosted in partnership by Swansea Building Society, Monmouthshire Building Society, Principality Building Society and Hodge, the half-day conference featured an impressive line-up of keynote speakers and interactive sessions.

Paul Broadhead of the Building Societies Association (BSA) provided timely insights into the mortgage market, while Stephanie Charman of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) explored the future of mortgage advice. Gethin Davies from Yellow Brick Mortgages inspired the audience with a fireside chat on a charity initiative. There was a lively BDM session with short presentations and an interactive quiz that kept delegates engaged. And rounding off the agenda an inspiring session from psychologist and author, Jon Dunckley, around the importance of purpose and connection in life.

Alongside the packed programme, attendees enjoyed complimentary refreshments, raffle prizes, and the chance to take a guided tour of the Swansea Building Society Arena.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are delighted with how successful this year’s Welsh Lender Event has been. Bringing the event to Swansea for the first time has allowed us to showcase our city as a centre of excellence for financial services, while offering brokers and industry leaders the opportunity to come together, learn, and make connections that will benefit the sector for years to come. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are proud to have played our part in hosting such a dynamic and forward-looking event.”

The Welsh Lender Event has become an annual highlight in the industry calendar, and organisers have confirmed that plans are already underway for next year’s gathering.

Business, FInance, Pensions, South Wales, Wales

Quantum Advisory Prize winner announced as Swansea University student

A Swansea University graduate has been awarded the Quantum Advisory Prize in recognition of her use of mathematical and computational models to study cancer progression.

 

Swansea native Jessica Gaule, 21, graduated with a first class honours BSc Mathematics degree from the University this summer and has an interest in biomedical engineering, particularly the application of mathematics principles to address medical and healthcare challenges. Jessica was chosen as the recipient of the Quantum Advisory Prize for her outstanding final year project titled ‘Modelling Avascular Tumours and Treatments’.

 

The Quantum Advisory Prize is an annual award presented by leading pensions and employee benefits consultancy Quantum Advisory and celebrates mathematics students who have transcended throughout their degree. The award recognises the quality and ambition of their work and, as well as acknowledgement of their effort, recipients benefit from a financial grant to support them as they initiate their career.

 

Jessica said: “I’m really grateful to receive this award, as the recognition means a great deal after a challenging but rewarding final year of my degree.

 

“My long-term goal is to explore a career in biomedical engineering, and I plan to undertake a master’s in this field, with the possibility of progressing to a PhD in the future. I intend to use the prize money to support my education; enrolling in short courses in biomechanics and purchasing textbooks in preparation for my MSc degree.”

 

Professor Gibin Powathil, Department Head of Mathematics at Swansea University, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed working with Jessica and am pleased to see her achieve this special award. Her project focused on the spatial modelling of cancer progression, where she extended existing models and conducted several computational studies inspired by recent research papers. She also developed a cancer growth model using an agent-based modelling approach within the CompuCell3D framework, which was both novel and original.

 

“Jessica carried out the project independently, and the ideas and extensions she implemented were entirely her own. With some additional work, many of these contributions have the potential to be developed into original research results.”

 

Stuart Price, Partner and Actuary at Quantum Advisory, said: “We are proud to work with Swansea University and support mathematics graduates as they begin their careers. The quality of the students’ work is always very impressive, and Jessica’s project really stood out in terms of mathematic excellence and passion for the subject matter.

 

“We are thrilled to learn that Jessica will be using the financial element of the prize to progress her interest in this field further through education and wish her the very best for the future.”

 

Previous winners of the Quantum Advisory Prize include Bristol University graduates Muhammad Ridhwaan Korimbocus, Jayna Atool Vegad, Rafaelos Shokri, James Robb and Anna Wolstenholme, and Swansea University graduates Alissa Alicherova Kamilova, Elizabeth Carlsen, George Moore, Poppy Reffold, Benjamin Phelps, Gianluca Catania and Hal Peckett.

 

Gianluca Catania, who was awarded the prize in 2023, has since joined the Quantum Advisory team as an Investment Analyst and is working towards his investment qualifications.

 

Stuart Price added: “We were delighted to welcome Gianluca to our investment team. As a previous recipient of the Quantum Advisory Prize, it was a full circle moment for us! His talent and acumen shone through his prize-winning dissertation and he now has the opportunity to develop his skills and knowledge further as he progresses with us.”

 

Business, Sport, Swansea

Swansea Building Society renews partnership with Swansea City AFC for 2025/26 Season

Swansea Building Society has extended its partnership with Swansea City Football Club, continuing as the official back-of-shirt sponsor for the 2025/26 season. The Society’s iconic green logo will proudly feature on the home and away kits for the upcoming campaign.

This marks the latest chapter in a strong and growing relationship between the two Swansea institutions. As well as continuing its back-of-shirt presence on the home and away kits, Swansea Building Society will retain naming rights for the premium executive lounge at the Swansea.com Stadium – the Swansea Building Society Lounge – which is also set to undergo renovations ahead of the 2025/26 season to further enhance the matchday experience for fans and guests.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to the local community and a deep-rooted pride in the city. With both the Society and the Football Club boasting rich histories in Swansea dating back over a century, their collaboration celebrates and strengthens those local ties.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Swansea City into the 2025/26 season. It’s a privilege to see our iconic green logo back on the home and away kits, and to continue supporting the Club both on and off the field. Our relationship goes beyond branding – it’s about championing the city, its people, and a shared ambition for excellence. We look forward to the season ahead and to welcoming fans back to an even better Swansea Building Society Lounge.”

Lee Merrells, Head of Partnerships at Swansea City AFC, added:

“Our partnership with Swansea Building Society continues to go from strength to strength. We’re thrilled to see them remain as back-of-shirt sponsor across the home and away kits for the new season and to continue working with them on delivering a first-class experience in the Swansea Building Society Lounge. Their commitment to the Club and the wider community is unwavering, and we’re proud to have them alongside us once again.”

Swansea Building Society has a long history of serving the South Wales area, offering a range of savings and mortgage products since its founding as a mutual in 1923. With its headquarters in Swansea and branch offices in Mumbles, Carmarthen, and Cowbridge, Swansea Building Society has become an integral part of the community, embodying a personal, face-to-face approach that caters to the unique needs of its members.

Business Expansion, Finance News, News from Wales

Swansea Building Society expands team to support continued record growth

Following its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking results, Swansea Building Society is strengthening its frontline team across its branch network and head office. The latest team expansion is part of the Society’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional service and supporting future growth across Wales.

The Society has welcomed nine new team members across a variety of roles in recent months, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional personal service while continuing to grow and invest in its future.

Among the recent appointments are Callum Curtis, who joins as Financial Risk Manager; Conor Harrison and Daniel Clifford, both taking on Mortgage Administrator roles at the Society’s head office; and Jaimee Walters, who has joined as a Manager’s Assistant, also based at head office.

Supporting the Society’s high street presence, Paula Johnson has joined the Portland Street branch as a Manager’s Assistant, while Christopher Rice takes up the position of Branch Manager in Cowbridge. Additionally, Kathryn Chadwick has joined the Mumbles branch as a part-time Cashier, with Sally Fuller and Hayley Barnes also appointed as part-time Cashiers at the Portland Street and Carmarthen branches respectively.

The appointments come at a time of sustained success for the Society, which recently reported its strongest-ever financial results at its Annual General Meeting. This growth has been driven by a continued focus on customer service, local decision-making, and a branch-based model that puts community first.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“Following another record year, we are delighted to have welcomed several new colleagues to the Society. These appointments reflect not only our ongoing growth, but our long-standing commitment to investing in our people and maintaining the personal, face-to-face service that sets us apart.

“Our branch network and head office teams are central to the Society’s success, and we are proud to continue strengthening those teams to support both existing and new members across South Wales.”

The Society, which has built a strong reputation for delivering tailored financial services and reinvesting into local communities, remains one of the few financial institutions still opening — not closing — branches. It continues to combine traditional service values with modern convenience through recent digital enhancements, including a new app and online savings platform.

Business, Finance and Banking, Finance News

Swansea Building Society launches new mobile app to give members more control and convenience

Swansea Building Society has officially launched its new mobile app, providing customers with a more convenient way to manage their savings and mortgage accounts at any time and from anywhere.

The new digital service marks a significant step forward for the Society, enabling customers to transfer funds between existing Society accounts, withdraw funds to nominated accounts (subject to account terms), and set and monitor personal savings goals. The platform also gives users access to mortgage information, secure messaging with the Society’s team, and the ability to manage marketing preferences and voting options for the Society’s AGM.

In doing so, Swansea Building Society becomes the first Welsh building society to offer a dedicated savings app — another milestone in its journey to deliver greater accessibility for members across Wales and beyond.

Initially launched via the web in early April, followed by an iOS release in May, the app is now also available on Android devices. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Security has been a core focus during the app’s development, which spanned 12 to 18 months. The result is a secure, easy-to-use service that includes biometric authentication such as Face ID and Touch ID. Throughout the development process, Swansea Building Society has aimed to provide a high-quality, secure user experience while maintaining the core values that set the Society apart.

While this new service offers convenience and flexibility for customers who prefer to manage their finances digitally, it is intended to enhance — not replace — the Society’s longstanding commitment to personal, face-to-face service through its branch network.

Nick Longar, Head of IT at Swansea Building Society, said:

“We developed the app and online platform using a phased approach to ensure everything met our standards for usability and security. It’s a major advancement for the Society, giving our customers access to their accounts in a way that suits their lifestyle — all while keeping their information safe and secure.”

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, added:

“This launch represents a pivotal moment for us as we continue to evolve to meet our customers’ needs. Our digital service complements the personal approach that has always been central to our ethos. With this latest development, we are proud to offer more choice, more flexibility, and even better service — without compromising on what makes us different.”

The launch of the new app and online service follows the Society’s fourth consecutive year of record growth.

The Society remains one of the few financial institutions in the UK that receives no wholesale funding or support from the Bank of England in the form of cheap funding. Its balance sheet is funded entirely by customer savings balances and its own capital reserves built up from retained profits over many years.

Business, Business Advice, Business Finance, Economy & Jobs News, Politics, South Wales

Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid comments on Spring Statement 2025

Gus Williams, interim CEO at Chambers Wales South East, South West and Mid, said:

“As expected, there was not much in terms of new announcements in the Chancellor’s Spring Statement today. The OBR forecasts highlight economic concerns already familiar to most businesses in Wales. Inflation concerns have not yet disappeared and there are worries about business and consumer confidence.

“Infrastructure and housing falls within the remit of the Welsh Government and like the rest of the UK, Welsh businesses support the prioritisation of simplifying the planning system but are keen to see the proof of this with spades in the ground. The industrial strategy and increased defence spending we hope will have a positive impact in Wales where the manufacturing and defence industries have a significant presence. Infrastructure investments are proven to boost economic investment, and channelling more spending out of the civil service and directly into infrastructure and increasing the amount of funding available to Wales is also welcome, providing the right projects are chosen.

“It is difficult to see any significant improvement in confidence and investment driving economic growth without capital investment led by the government. The government remains bound by fiscal rules that I would argue ignore the economic impact of borrowing to fund capital investments. Part of the problem has been the lack of any robust return on investment analysis on government spending.

“Consumer confidence remains hamstrung by a two-tier economy. The success of healthcare, welfare, and employment reforms will hang on whether they manage to improve overall employment and wage growth; this will be a big test over the next 12 months. The government has been clear that this is how it expects to be judged in the long term.

“Business owners are facing significant headwinds, the full impact of which we are yet to see. The economy could break out of these headwinds but the government will need to lead the way – just cutting spending will not change much, reform needs to achieve change.

“Global trade remains the government’s other major challenge. At the moment the government is trying to balance its relationship with the US and EU and whether events will force them off the fence one way or another remains to be seen. With domestic demand static, growth may be dependent on how the global trade environment now evolves.”

News

Admiral and FinTech West announce InsurTech partnership

Admiral has joined FinTech West as an InsurTech partner as they strive to develop further relationships and engagement within the South West.
This latest partnership secured by FinTech West is reflective of the growing influence of the representative body for fintech within the South West. It provides an exciting opportunity for the Insurtech community in the region, alongside its related talent pool, to build better connections with Admiral, a business consistently recognised as a Great Place to Work, and a FTSE 100 company.
The move comes as part of wider discussions across the insurance industry recognising the value of stronger local engagement in the region to help accelerate innovation. Admiral has ambitions to welcome new talent with Bristol and the South West a natural next step being such an epicentre of InsurTech capability.
Alan Patefield-Smith, Chief Information Officer at Admiral comments “This partnership is a great opportunity for us to tighten our connection to the InsurTech community in the South West of England, a region filled with cross-collaboration opportunities that can strengthen our industry, alongside a pool of talented people we can offer exciting careers to.”
Stuart Harrison, Founder of FinTech West adds: “A recurring theme emerging from those in the insurance industry has been greater regional engagement. We’re looking forward to collaborating locally to help increase engagement with Admiral across the region, ultimately supporting the acceleration of innovation in insurance for the benefit of the public UK-wide”.
This appetite for stronger regional insurance connections is also supported by UWE. They have announced a pool of financial support for a series of activities, kicking off with a round table discussion in April to bring regional industry experts together to help define how this is achieved.
Business News, Community News, Environment, News from Wales

Swansea Building Society expands tree-planting efforts to support local woodland

Swansea Building Society is strengthening its commitment to sustainability by planting over 800 native trees and shrubs at Penllergare Valley Woods. Taking place on Monday, March 10, and Thursday, March 13, 2025, this initiative supports local biodiversity and the restoration of this cherished woodland.

A team of 28 Swansea Building Society staff members took part in the initiative over the two days, which also included the clearance of invasive non-native plant species such as rhododendron and laurel. This effort follows the Society’s contribution during its centenary year in 2023, when it planted 100 trees, including sessile oak, rowan, and hazel, to support wildlife and increase biodiversity in the valley.

The Penllergare Trust, a registered charity formed in 2000 by local volunteers, is dedicated to maintaining, restoring, and conserving the historically and ecologically significant Penllergare Valley Woods. Spanning 275 acres, the site serves as a crucial green corridor linking the ecologically rich Gower Peninsula to the rest of Wales, while also providing a valuable natural space for the community.

The estate is maintained by a dedicated team of over 100 volunteers alongside a small staff team. Their efforts were nationally recognised in 2016 when they received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The Trust is further supported by the Friends of Penllergare organisation, which raises funds through memberships and fundraising activities.

Welcoming over 120,000 visitors each year, Penllergare Valley Woods is an essential recreational and conservation area that has received multiple accolades, including the prestigious Green Flag Award.

Swansea Building Society, with branch offices in Mumbles, Swansea, Carmarthen and Cowbridge, was founded as a mutual Building Society in February 1923. The Society’s principal objective has always been the provision of loans secured on residential property for the use of customers. These loans are funded by personal savings deposited in a variety of savings accounts offered by the Society. The Society is one of only three remaining mutual Building Societies in Wales and the only Building Society or Bank with its headquarters in South West Wales.

Alun Williams, Chief Executive of Swansea Building Society, said:

“We are proud to build upon our previous efforts to enhance biodiversity at Penllergare Valley Woods. Planting 800 native trees and tackling invasive species will help preserve this historic and ecologically vital landscape. As a mutual organisation, we are deeply committed to supporting our local communities and their natural environments. We hope our contribution will make a lasting difference for both wildlife and visitors alike.”

Lee Turner, General Manager of the Penllergare Trust, added:

“The support from Swansea Building Society is invaluable in our mission to protect and restore Penllergare Valley Woods. Their ongoing commitment helps us create a healthier ecosystem by introducing native trees and tackling the challenges posed by invasive species. We are incredibly grateful for their dedication to conservation and the local community.”

Finance and Banking, News

Nera Capital Surges past $100m in Investor Returns, Setting New Standard in Litigation Finance

Litigation finance powerhouse Nera Capital has hit a major milestone, exceeding $100 million in investor repayments – solidifying its reputation as a top-performing player in the industry.

The firm’s achievement highlights its long-standing proven track record in the litigation funding market, setting it apart with a strong focus on delivering tangible returns as opposed to just funds deployed.

Since its inception in 2011, the firm, which has offices in Manchester, Dublin and The Netherlands has carved a reputation for its rigorous and disciplined investment strategy, ensuring not just funding for claimants but also consistent, risk-adjusted returns for investors.

The company has played a pivotal role in supporting a range of high-profile cases, spanning mass tort litigation, financial Mis selling, personal injury claims, and commercial disputes.

Nera’s model has consistently demonstrated an ability to generate value for investors while supporting claimants in complex legal battles.

Its financial success is directly linked to backing high-value legal claims effectively. A standout example is the firm’s involvement in a major hernia mesh claim, which comprised thousands of individual cases in the United States.

Many of these claimants suffered severe complications from defective mesh implants, including chronic pain, infections, and organ damage. Nera’s funding enabled victims to pursue justice and secure compensation, highlighting the tangible impact of litigation finance in ensuring accountability and restitution.

Director Aisling Byrne commented: “This milestone is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to both investors and claimants.

“Our ability to generate strong returns while funding impactful cases sets us apart in the industry. We are not just funding litigation; we are helping people achieve justice while ensuring our investors benefit from well-structured, high-value opportunities.”

Beyond mass tort litigation, Nera has successfully funded a diverse range of personal injury claims and commercial cartel disputes. Amongst these, it is supporting two major European anti-trust cases, with settlement values exceeding €20 billion. These cases are projected to drive record-breaking returns for Nera and its investors, marking a further significant milestone in the litigation finance market.

These cases exemplify Nera’s strategic selection of litigation investments, ensuring not only a positive impact on claimants but also robust financial returns for investors.

While many funders emphasise the amount of capital deployed, Nera differentiates itself by focusing on actual investor returns. Its approach prioritises careful case selection, risk assessment, and active case management to ensure that investments yield positive outcomes.

The company says its ability to generate strong returns stems from its data-driven approach to case selection and risk management.

Building on this success, Nera Capital is poised for further growth. With a new $75 million fund set to launch soon, the business remains committed to identifying high-value litigation opportunities that align with its proven investment framework.

Aisling concluded: “Surpassing $100 million in repayments is a testament to the firm’s disciplined investment strategy and commitment to delivering on promises. This milestone reinforces Nera’s position as a market leader that prioritises performance and reliability over mere capital allocation.

“This achievement highlights our dedication to delivering real value to our investors. We are proud of our track record and excited for the future as we continue to drive growth and set new benchmarks in the industry.”