Love Finance Appoints Former Monzo Credit Risk Director as Head of Credit and Risk

SME lender Love Finance has appointed former Monzo Credit Risk Director Selen Cagirgan as its new Head of Credit and Risk, as the Birmingham-based company continues to expand its leadership team.

Cagirgan brings over 15 years' experience across fintechs and financial institutions. At Monzo Bank, she built the digital bank's credit risk framework, and most recently served at LemFi where she launched and scaled the company's lending arm within seven months.

In her new role, she will lead Love Finance's underwriting, credit, and risk operations across its lending division, reporting to Chief Commercial Officer Alex O'Malley.

Strategic Responsibilities

Cagirgan will be responsible for shaping the company's credit strategy, strengthening risk controls, and developing scalable frameworks to support growth. She will also refine data-driven lending models and build new product risk structures as Love Finance continues to scale.

"Love Finance is changing how small businesses access funding, making it faster, fairer, and more accessible," said Cagirgan. "I'm excited to join a team that's pushing boundaries in business lending, and to use my experience to help more SMEs get the support they need to grow."

Leadership Expansion

The appointment comes alongside the hiring of Tina While-Cooper as Head of HR, Policy & Operations. Both hires reflect the company's continued investment in senior leadership as it scales operations.

"As we enter this crucial stage of growth, Selen's hire strengthens our lending capabilities," said Alex O'Malley, Chief Commercial Officer. "Her experience and strategic approach align perfectly with where we're headed as a business."

Love Finance, founded in 2016, has funded over £350 million in loans for more than 7,000 SMEs across the UK. The company combines direct lending and brokerage services, offering funding decisions in as little as four hours.

To find out more, visit: lovefinance.co.uk