Black & White bridging makes pair of key appointments
29 April 2025
Specialist lender Black & White Bridging creates new Asset Management Team
Black & White Bridging (B&W) has added Aurora Baja and Toyin Ibrahim-Igbo to the newly formed Asset Management Team, led by chief investment officer David Tropp.
The short-term finance provider says the new appointments will help it refine its lending and portfolio strategy and processes, as well as manage its risk appetite.
Aurora joins B&W following almost three years at Simple Bridging UK, where she worked as an operations manager. Aurora previously helped scale a lender from a £5 million portfolio to one of over £20 million, leading on process optimisation, compliance, risk management, and team development. Aurora will be responsible for everything between post completion and redemption of a loan, reporting into CFO David Tropp but also working closely alongside chief operating officer Damien Druce to improve operational efficiency.
On joining B&W she said:
“Whether it's launching new products, refining workflows, or ensuring investor funds are safeguarded, I’m all about making operations smoother, smarter, and more profitable. I can’t wait to get started and add to the company’s growth in the coming years.”
Toyin brings almost 25 years of credit risk experience to the role, having worked in a number of credit and real estate positions. He joins from Alternative Bridging Corporation, where he spent nine years as an asset manager, managing a portfolio of development, commercial and regulated bridging and term mortgages worth circa £350 million, from completion throughout the life of the loans. Toyin will also report into David Tropp and be responsible for checking conditions, chasing repayments and will act as the main point of contact for the borrower after completion until the loan is fully redeemed.
Toyin added: “I’m very pleased to be joining B&W during this stage of the company’s journey. I’ve seen the business flourish from afar, and the team’s vision impressed me. I’m looking forward to adding to B&W’s output and ultimately, assisting borrowers with their loans.”
Damien Druce, B&W’s chief operating officer, said:
“We are looking to achieve critical mass, and our rapid expansion has enabled us to bring in top talent like David, Aurora and Toyin, who can add immense value to the team, not least with the aftercare of loans post-completion. The scale achieved so far has been exciting, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
