Folk2Folk names new boss to succeed Roy Warren

UK peer-to-peer lending platform Folk2Folk has appointed Kawai Chung as chief executive, taking over from managing director Roy Warren who is retiring.

Warren, who has held the role since 2019, will join the board as an independent non-executive director in January 2026.

Chung joins with more than 20 years’ experience in financial services and asset-backed investing, having held senior leadership roles at challenger banks, private equity firms, and investment managers, including SilverRock Financial Services, which is now part of GB Bank, Intriva Capital, and ARA Venn.

He specialises in capital markets, SME lending, and structured finance, and has a track record in scaling lending businesses and building investor confidence.

Since launching in 2013, Folk2Folk has deployed more than £780m in property-backed loans to small businesses across the UK.

It has delivered six consecutive years of profitability under Warren’s leadership.

“Roy has steered Folk2Folk through a transformative period, delivering consistent profitability and embedding the values that set this business apart,” said Tim Sawyer, chair of Folk2Folk.

“We’re grateful for his leadership and pleased we’ll continue to benefit from his insight and experience on the board. At the same time, we’re delighted to warmly welcome Kawai as chief executive. His depth and breadth of experience in financial services and alignment with our mission make him the right leader to take Folk2Folk into its next chapter.”

Chung said the business has “carved out a distinctive space in UK finance”.

“My focus will be on broadening our reach, building new investment opportunities, and continuing to deliver value for investors, while supporting regional businesses,” he added.

Folk2Folk also announced the appointment of Claire Richards as executive director designate, subject to Financial Conduct Authority approval. She is head of operations at Folk2Folk and has been with the company since 2018.