He has acquired the 50% shares from Paul McGonigle, who co-founded Catalyst Property Finance with Chris in 2017, for an undisclosed sum.

The transaction involves Chris exiting Positive Lending, the master broker he co-founded with Paul in 2009.

Sam Freeman, partner at Laceys Solicitors advised Arlan Holdings, the acquisition company wholly owned by Chris, while Paul was advised by Charles Frank, partner at Keystone Law.

Commenting on the purchase, Chris said: “After spending over a decade as a specialist finance broker, I launched Catalyst by compiling everything I learned from working with other lenders, good and bad, to create a business I would have loved partnering with as an intermediary.

“I believe truly understanding the intermediary perspective and my broad experience of the market are key reasons as to why Catalyst has experienced the amazing growth trajectory to date.

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“Looking to the future, we will continue to serve short-term mortgage customers and intermediaries well, and we look forward to expanding to other areas of property lending over the coming months.

“I would like to thank Paul for his contribution to date and I wish him well for the future success of Positive Lending.”

Sam added: “It was brilliant to be able to work with Chris to help facilitate the next exciting stage of Catalyst’s growth and evolution.

“What the business has achieved already is a testament to Chris and all those involved and has taken a lot of hard work and expertise.

“Working with entrepreneurs and fast-moving businesses is a passion of mine, and Chris, Catalyst and this transaction were a joy to help.”

Catalyst Property Finance has provided over £250m of short-term funding to date and has a loan book exceeding £100m.

The business, which is being funded by a combination of institutional and private capital, is set to launch into new markets later this year.