Charity Bank is delighted to announce the addition of two new Non-Executive Directors, Yashmin Harun BEM and Prashant Solanky.
Their wealth of experience and commitment to social change will significantly enhance the bank’s strategy, which is driven by social impact and aims to address societal challenges.
Yashmin Harun BEM is the founding Chair of the Muslimah Sports Association (MSA), a charity that aims to empower Muslim women through sports. Yashmin also serves as an Independent Non-Executive Director at British Fencing, an elected Director at the London FA, a member of the FA National Game Board, an FA Council Member, and Chair of Frenford and MSA WFC. She has been appointed by the GLA as a trustee for London Sport. With over 20 years’ experience in banking, Yashmin currently works for SMBC BI and has recently completed her Master’s in Global Public Policy. Her most recent awards include the Asian Woman of Achievement Award for Sports and The National Diversity Award in 2023. Yashmin has also been appointed to the Islamophobia Taskforce group led by Kick It Out and Baroness Syeda Warsi.
Yashmin shares her excitement about her new role: “I am excited to join Charity Bank’s board and contribute to its mission of using banking as a force for good. I am excited to bring together my experience in sports and banking, which demonstrates the power of community and the significance of strategic investment. I look forward to leveraging this perspective to support Charity Bank’s impactful efforts, especially in promoting diverse and inclusive communities.”
Prashant Solanky is a change-maker with extensive experience in urban housing and infrastructure. His expertise spans social enterprise, housing, and loan and grant funding. At the Greater London Authority (GLA), he leads investment strategies for affordable housing in North-East London, part of the Mayor’s £4bn programme. Prashant’s prior role at Reall (formerly Homeless International), involved leading investments into social enterprises across Africa and Asia to accelerate their growth and impact. He has also spent several years working alongside NGOs and local communities in India to establish social enterprises and networks that advocate for and deliver more equitable housing and infrastructure in cities. He serves on the board of Architecture Sans Frontieres, promoting co-designed equitable cities, and his leadership in projects across the globe underscores his commitment to sustainable, inclusive communities.
Prashant articulates his vision for his new role: “It’s an honor to be part of an organisation that demonstrates how funds sensitively invested can build sustainable enterprises and promote social equity. I am excited to contribute my experiences with social enterprises and funding, as Charity Bank looks to further deepen its impact and scale within communities around the UK.”
Alan Hodson, the Chair of Charity Bank, warmly welcomes the new directors: “I am delighted that Yashmin and Prashant have agreed to join the Charity Bank board. Their experience and perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to develop and implement our impact led strategy.’’
These strategic appointments reaffirm Charity Bank’s commitment to fostering positive social change and using banking to empower communities. The bank seeks to strengthen charities and social enterprises, fill gaps in finance provision, and build resilience and capacity. It also aims to grow its ‘green lending’ portfolio, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability.