Over 100 professionals gathered at Lloyds Banking Group HQ on 23rd October to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Black Mortgage Professionals & Allies Network (BMPAN) – a community-led initiative dedicated to improving equity, representation and inclusion across the UK mortgage and financial services industry.
Founded by Jeffrey Krampah-Williams, Aleka Gutzmore and Atlyn Forde (pictured), BMPAN began in 2024 with a single Black History Month networking event. The response from attendees sparked the development of an ongoing movement. Since then, BMPAN has delivered four events, built a thriving community of Black professionals and allies, and championed leadership and progression within the sector.
The anniversary event, centred around the theme “Power, Pride & Purpose”, kicked-off with opening remarks delivered by Rose St Louis, protection director at Scottish Widows and CEO of Cavendish Online, who reflected on the importance of allyship and industry-wide collaboration to accelerate inclusion.
The event proceedings hosted by Aleka Gutzmore, BMPAN co-founder and financial adviser at Moneysprite; featured a fireside chat and panel discussion exploring how Black leaders are using their influence to make a difference at work and in their communities. It also examined how professionals can stay rooted in purpose while navigating their careers authentically.
During the evening, BMPAN conducted a real-time audience poll to understand the depth of talent within its community. 63% of attendees have worked in the financial services and mortgage industry for over 10 years and 70% have been promoted while working in the industry.
Yet, despite this talent pipeline, Black professionals still hold a disproportionately low share of decision-making positions in the industry.
“The results highlight what we’ve known all along — there is no shortage of Black excellence in this sector,” said Jeffrey Krampah-Williams. “It’s time the industry truly recognised and invested in that.”
BMPAN is now working toward an ambitious yet achievable vision: to see 4% of leadership roles in the mortgage and financial services sector held by Black professionals — a reflection of the UK population.
Atlyn Forde, co-founder of BMPAN and head of engagement and inclusion at Pepper Money, commented: “We created BMPAN because we recognised the need for a safe, empowering space where Black professionals could connect, grow, and be visible. This anniversary event was a celebration of our progress and a powerful reminder of how much more we can achieve together.”
Aleka Gutzmore, co-founder of BMPAN, added: “We’ve built this network with love, grit, and commitment. But we can’t do this alone. The next chapter of our impact will be written by everyone who chooses to act.”
