Cambridge & Counties Bank names new chief risk officer
Leicester-based Cambridge & Counties Bank has appointed James Royle as its new chief risk officer (CRO).
He will take up the role in March 2025, reporting to CEO Donald Kerr, and succeeding Mike Hudson, who is stepping down to pursue non-executive director roles.
Royle most recently served as CRO at Recognise Bank, where he oversaw the management of various risk categories, including prudential, credit, operational, cyber and reputational risks.
Before, he spent nearly 23 years at HSBC, including roles as managing director and deputy COO in UK Commercial Banking, as well as head of risk for UK Commercial Banking.
Donald Kerr, CEO at Cambridge & Counties Bank, said: “We are, again, very pleased to welcome someone of James’ calibre and experience to the team. Risk management has continued to rise up the list of critical business responsibilities, and he and his team will play an intrinsic role in helping us deliver on our organisational goals and deliver excellence to our clients.
“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Mike Hudson for his incredible support in helping turn Cambridge & Counties Bank into the competitive institution it is today.
“Mike has been a terrific CRO over the past five years and has demonstrably improved the risk management framework as well as enhancing our relations with our regulators, among many others. He built out a strong second line team while at the same time being a great advocate of our growth plans. He leaves with my sincere gratitude and thanks for all he has done.”
In FY2023, the bank saw its highest-ever level of gross new lending, reaching £328m, a 6% increase from the previous year.
Total customer loan balances grew by 5% to £1.106bn, while customer deposits also rose by 5%, reaching £1.155bn.
