At the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA), we protect and promote the interests of our lender members and their customers. As the only trade association dedicated to bridging and development lenders, we give confidence to all parties who transact business with the sector, helping to raise standards and build growth in a sustainable, customer-focused market. We regularly engage with journalists, regulators and policy makers to raise awareness and increase engagement with the sector.
Formerly known as the Association of Short Term Lenders (ASTL), the association originally launched in 2008, and since then we have played an instrumental role in helping to grow the size and reputation of the bridging and development lending industry.
In 2023, we launched the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance (CPSP), following a joint initiative with the Financial Intermediary & Broker Association (FIBA) and the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF), and this represents a major stepping stone in continuing to enhance standards, increase professionalism and advance the reputation of the specialist finance sector.
This snapshot highlights the ongoing initiatives led by the BDLA, designed to address the evolving needs of our sector.
Funders – meet BDLA lenders:
The BDLA are working with a few large funders (including Shawbrook and United Trust Bank) who support some of our existing members, and other large funders that we would like to encourage to become members and support our lender members. Please watch this space as we hope to expand on this exciting venture, with other funders, quite soon.
BDLA – Working Party meetings run by member volunteers – for everyone’s benefit:
These include
At the BDLA, we have created a group of organisations with common interests, who all sign up to the association’s Code of Conduct and Membership Rules.
As an association, we have a number of objectives:
All BDLA members must commit to upholding and maintaining the standards and behaviours as set out in our Code of Conduct document.
The Code of Conduct requires members to:
There continues to be ever-increasing competition in the short-term lending space. BDLA membership distinguishes all its members as those that set the benchmark high for quality service and customer focus.
The BDLA is the only trade association that solely represents the interests of short-term property lenders, including bridging and development finance providers, receiving regular, favourable commentary in the press. This often includes mention of member firms and we offer the opportunity to co-author press articles for publication.
The BDLA agenda is always busy and fraud prevention remains high on the list of priorities. BDLA members benefit from group membership of the SIRA anti-fraud software, which provides a highly developed solution to fraud prevention, as well as preferential terms with National Hunter. For example, fees for National Hunter are charged per enquiry, which is more appropriate for smaller firms. The BDLA currently pays the one-off joining fee. There is also the opportunity to join fraud prevention meetings where members can discuss issues under strict ‘Chatham House’ rules.
At the BDLA, we maintain an ongoing communication with all key industry stakeholders. This has previously included dialogue with HM Treasury on the COVID-19 moratorium, access to court proceedings on defaults and the Stamp Duty Land Tax holiday deadline and extensions.
We continue to monitor and test regulatory and market issues which we believe may affect our members and we encourage active debate and support. We have and will continue to represent our sector with the FCA and HM Treasury and, wherever possible, we endeavour to work closely with NACFB, FIBA, AMI and the CML to encourage a collaborative and aligned approach.
Here’s a summary of some of the benefits of membership:
Executive Committee
Greymax Capital
Alan was originally with bridging pioneer Cheval Property Finance PLC after which he established and led the Bridging Department at United Trust Bank. Alan then worked at Masthaven Bank before joining Greymax Capital in January 2023. This is his third term as an BDLA Executive Member.
Office 0208 126 1888
Email alan@greymax.co.uk
Web https://greymax.co.uk/
Executive Committee
Shawbrook Bank
Executive Committee
Jackson Cohen Associates
Ray Cohen was elected to the BDLA Executive Committee in September 2021. Ray is founder and Director of Jackson Cohen Associates and can be contacted at ray@jacksoncohen.com
Office 020 8418 9964
Email ray@jacksoncohen.com
Web www.jacksoncohen.com
Executive Committee
The Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA)
Vic Jannels was appointed CEO of the BDLA in January 2020. Vic is also Chairman of Impact Specialist Finance Ltd and a director of One Mortgage System Ltd.
Office 07970 405642
Email vic@thebdla.org
Web www.thebdla.org
Executive Committee
The Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA)
Kay Woolley joined the BDLA in May 2008 as PA/Administrator to the CEO.
Office 07780 111 963
Email kay@thebdla.org
Web www.thebdla.org
Executive Committee
Scott Marshall – Roma Finance
Scott is the founder and managing director of Roma Finance with over 20 years experience in the specialist property finance industry. He is serving his fourth term as a BDLA executive member.
Email Scott.marshall@romafinance.co.uk
Web https://romafinance.co.uk
Executive Committee
Roz Cawood – StreamBank
Roz was elected to the BDLA Executive Committee in September 2024. Roz is also the Managing Director, Property Finance at StreamBank. Prior to her current role she held senior roles at Hope Capital and Masthaven Bank.
Email rcawood@streambank.co.uk
Web www.streambank.co.uk
Executive Committee
Sundeep Patel – United Trust Bank
Sundeep has over 20 years’ experience in lending across regulated and unregulated products. Industry recognition with multiple awards. Currently in charge of UTB bridging team.
Email SMPatel@utbank.co.uk
Web www.utbank.co.uk/
