Visibility & Opportunity by Design – Beyond the Job Title on 11th Feb 2026 hosted at HSBC
with the timely addition of the first Early Career Pathways & Apprenticeships Roundtable.
Early Career Pathways and Apprenticeships Roundtable.
The first roundtable discussion of its kind brought together industry bodies, leaders, partners and external charitable, educational and operational companies to discuss the growing need to attract younger, more diverse talent to the workforce with a clear focus on social mobility and sustainable incentives.
Hosted by BMPAN Co-founders Atlyn Forde and Aleka Gutzmore, the afternoon opened with testimonies from young people who have completed or are progressing through apprenticeships and early career roles. Their varied accounts grounded the discussion in real experience and reinforced the need for clear pathways and sustained support.
BMPAN has committed to leading the next phase of work, including building a practical framework to strengthen industry connections, track
engagement and support measurable progress.
Visibility & Opportunity by Design – Beyond the Job Title
Shauna Roper, Chief of Staff at HSBC, welcomed the guests to the first BMPAN event of 2026. In her inspiring opening remarks, Shauna highlighted the vital role of visibility, stating, “When we start believing that a job title defines talent or that hierarchy equals capability, we limit our thinking before the opportunity has even begun.” She stressed that this mindset can lead to overlooking potential, depth, experience, and creativity. “Visibility can feel complicated, especially if you’ve ever felt hyper-visible,” Roper added.
A thriving community with a sense of purpose
The evening buzzed with energy, featuring two panel discussions, assisted networking with a leadership bingo game, and ample opportunities for meaningful connections. It was invigorating to witness so many professionals and allies in the room, engaging openly and contributing to thoughtful discussions about visibility and opportunity within the financial services sector.
Events like this hold immense power because of the people in attendance. Your presence, questions, and conversations elevate BMPAN beyond a mere network, transforming it into a thriving community with a sense of purpose.
#BMPAN
Uncover the captivating narrative behind this movement and immerse yourself in the one-year milestone & developments that await on the horizon!
An Evening of Inspiration:
Pride, Power & Purpose
On 23 October, more than 100 dedicated professionals came together at Lloyds Banking Group HQ to joyfully celebrate the first anniversary of the Black Mortgage Professionals & Allies Network (BMPAN). This inspiring community-led initiative is passionately committed to enhancing equity, representation, and inclusion within the UK mortgage and financial services industry.
BMPAN’s Mission and Vision
BMPAN’s mission is to build a thriving and supportive community for Black professionals in mortgages and financial services, and their allies. The network provides a safe space for networking, learning, career progression, and leadership development. BMPAN is working toward an ambitious yet achievable vision.
A Tribute to the Past
Our mission is rooted in the Pan-African movement. A movement that began in London in 1900 with Henry Sylvester Williams, a Trinidadian lawyer and activist, and one of the fathers of Pan-Africanism. The principles are simple and powerful:
- Unity — bringing people of African descent together against injustice.
- Solidarity — strengthening bonds across the diaspora.
- Empowerment — building cultural consciousness to drive change.
And that’s how we got the “PAN” in BMPAN.
