The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has appointed Sarah Cunningham as the trade body’s new head of compliance. Cunningham joins the Association at a pivotal time, bringing with her over two decades of experience across the financial services sector. Her leadership will be instrumental in guiding the NACFB’s compliance function as it continues to expand to support a growing intermediary-led finance community.

The compliance function under Cunningham’s leadership will play a pivotal role in helping NACFB Member brokers and Patron lenders navigate external challenges, including the FCA’s Consumer Duty, changes to the Appointed Representative (AR) regime, commission disclosure requirements, and navigating the regulatory perimeter.

Additionally, Cunningham will also oversee the continued development of the NACFB’s Assurance Consultation Process (ACP), which marked its 2,500th broker review earlier this year. The ACP is a cornerstone of the NACFB’s commitment to ensuring Members’ business integrity, regulatory adherence, and professional standards.

Cunningham’s extensive career includes roles at STAR Asset Finance and Rural Finance, where she served for three and a half years at each, and a seven-year tenure at MD Insurance. She has also held positions at GE Capital and UK Fuels. Further underscoring her outstanding contributions to the sector, Cunningham was also the recipient of the prestigious Excellence in Compliance for her work at STAR Asset Finance at last year’s Asset Finance Connect Awards.

Reflecting on her new role, Cunningham commented: “There is no other role like this. I’m excited by the opportunity to provide hands-on support to our growing network while working closely with brokers, lenders, and the regulator to drive positive, transparent change across the industry. The NACFB is uniquely positioned to make a real difference, and I look forward to helping our community navigate these evolving regulatory challenges with confidence.”

New NACFB CEO, Jim Higginbotham, said: “I have absolute confidence in Sarah’s insight, judgement, and ability to deliver. Having been my first hire in my previous role as Group CEO of a leading commercial brokerage, I’ve witnessed firsthand her transformative approach to compliance. Sarah has a deep understanding of both regulatory frameworks and the practicalities of supporting brokers in a fast-changing landscape. I am excited to see how she will apply her talents to support the NACFB community in the coming years.”