Volution portfolio company Habito, the award-winning digital mortgage broker and innovative home-buying service, has appointed Ying Tan as CEO. Tan, who has become a significant shareholder in Habito, has led this new investment which will power the next phase of the company’s customer offering and enable it to continue fusing its proprietary technology platform with its highly-acclaimed advice team.

Daniel Hegarty, Habito founder and former Chief Executive, remains supportive of the company and its strategy and has stepped down to focus on his advisory roles, investment portfolio and a new fintech start-up. Hegarty said: “Over the past seven years, we’ve been on a mission to make the process of owning and financing a home easier. Habito has helped more than half a million people with their mortgage needs and has doubled down on customer service during a period of great change and uncertainty in the UK housing market. Leading such a passionate, skilled and dedicated team during this time has been an honour. I’m tremendously proud of all that we’ve achieved together and I’m excited for all that the future holds for Habito. Ying is a mortgage industry titan and a phenomenal operator and I can’t think of a leader better suited to the role.”

Tan said: “I’ve admired Habito from afar since its launch in 2016 and I’m beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to take the company to the next level. With the cost of living biting, energy prices sky-rocketing and interest rates at historic highs, it’s more important than ever for UK mortgage-holders and first time homeowners to have access to the very best mortgage and home-buying advice. I’ve spent nearly 20 years in the industry and am passionate about delivering stellar customer outcomes and driving positive change within the mortgage market. 2023 is going to be another milestone year for Habito’s brokerage and I’m excited for all that’s to come.”

Tan founded mortgage broker Dynamo, formerly The Buy to Let Business, in 2006 and grew it to 200 staff before exiting to Connells in 2021. In 2020, Dynamo became the first mortgage club with exclusive access to Habito’s range of buy-to-let mortgage products. Tan has since invested in a number of fintech businesses including Propflo and Knowledge Bank, where he is currently non-executive chair. He has won over 50 industry awards both personally and for his businesses.

James Codling, Managing Partner of Volution added: “We’re delighted to be working with Ying. With his wealth of operational and industry experience he is well equipped to lead Habito in the next stage of its evolution. Dan has built an incredible business and brand that has established itself."

You can read more about the transaction here.