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Tag: Specialist Lending

L&G Mortgage Club Launches Specialist Academy for Buy-to-Let Mortgages
In this article:
L&G Mortgage Club has introduced a specialist academy aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of advisers in the buy-to-let mortgage sector. This initiative addresses the growing complexity of client needs in specialist lending, ensuring that advisers are well-equipped to provide informed guidance.

TL;DR: L&G Mortgage Club’s new academy will support 250 advisers, enhancing their expertise in specialist lending; this initiative is important for meeting the evolving demands of the buy-to-let mortgage market.

What is the Specialist Academy?

The L&G Mortgage Club’s Specialist Academy is designed to empower advisers by providing them with the confidence and practical skills necessary to navigate the increasingly intricate market of specialist lending. In its inaugural year, the programme will engage 250 members, including those new to the sector and seasoned advisers looking to deepen their knowledge.

Who is Involved in the Academy?

The academy’s development involved collaboration with the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF), platform partners, and 11 specialist lenders, including Together, which is the headline sponsor. Other sponsors include Aldermore, Pepper Money, The Mortgage Lender, and several others, all contributing to the educational resources provided to advisers.

What This Means for Buy-to-Let Mortgages

This initiative is particularly significant for advisers working in the buy-to-let mortgage sector. As the market evolves, the demand for specialist lending advice increases. The academy aims to raise awareness of the value of this advice, equipping advisers with the necessary qualifications, such as the Certificate in Professional Studies in Property (CPSP), to better serve their clients.

What Should Borrowers and Investors Watch Next?

Landlords and potential investors should monitor the outcomes of this academy closely, as a more knowledgeable adviser base could lead to improved service and advice in the buy-to-let market. As advisers become better equipped to handle complex cases, this could result in more tailored mortgage solutions for borrowers, potentially impacting lending criteria and rates.

Frequently asked questions

What types of advisers will benefit from the academy?

Both new advisers entering the specialist lending market and experienced advisers seeking to enhance their expertise will benefit from the academy.

How will this initiative impact the buy-to-let mortgage market?

By improving adviser knowledge and skills, the academy aims to enhance the quality of advice available to landlords, potentially leading to more tailored and effective mortgage solutions.
June 8, 2026
L&G Mortgage Club Launches Bridging Finance Academy
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Legal & General Mortgage Club has launched a new academy aimed at enhancing knowledge in bridging finance and specialist lending. This initiative is significant as it will provide 250 Mortgage Club members with access to a free programme that combines recognised qualifications with practical insights from leading specialist lenders.

TL;DR: The L&G Mortgage Club’s new academy will support 250 brokers in gaining qualifications in bridging finance; this initiative aims to raise awareness and improve education in specialist lending.

What is the L&G Mortgage Club Academy?

The L&G Mortgage Club Academy is a pioneering educational programme developed in collaboration with the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) and 11 specialist lenders. The academy will offer a blend of theoretical qualifications and hands-on learning experiences, focusing on bridging finance, which is becoming increasingly vital in the lending market.

Who are the key sponsors and partners?

Together is the headline sponsor for the inaugural year of the academy, alongside other notable supporters including Aldermore, Pepper Money, The Mortgage Lender, Bluestone Mortgages, InterBay, ModaMortgages, CHL Mortgages, Market Harborough Building Society, Paragon, Kensington Mortgages, and Vida Homeloans. This strong backing from established lenders highlights the importance of specialist finance education.

What does this mean for brokers in bridging finance?

For brokers, this academy represents an opportunity to deepen their expertise in bridging finance, an area that Clare Beardmore, director of mortgage club at L&G, describes as “advice-rich.” By participating, brokers can enhance their service offerings, ultimately benefiting their clients who may require specialist lending solutions. The focus on practical learning from experienced lenders will also equip brokers with the skills to navigate complex lending scenarios effectively.

What this means for borrowers and investors?

For borrowers and investors, the launch of the L&G Mortgage Club Academy is promising. As brokers gain enhanced knowledge and qualifications in bridging finance, clients can expect more informed advice and tailored solutions. This could lead to improved access to specialist lending options, which are essential for those looking to finance property purchases or renovations that do not fit traditional lending criteria. For more information on bridging finance, check out our bridging finance guide.

Frequently asked questions

What qualifications will brokers receive?

Brokers participating in the academy will work towards gaining recognised qualifications that focus on bridging finance and specialist lending, enhancing their professional credentials.

How will this academy impact the bridging finance market?

The academy is expected to raise awareness and improve education in bridging finance, leading to more knowledgeable brokers who can better serve clients in need of specialist lending solutions.
June 8, 2026
Quantum Mortgages Appoints Enefé to Lead Bridging Finance
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Quantum Mortgages has announced the appointment of Enefé as the new head of bridging finance, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion into the specialist residential sector. Founded in 2021 by Jason Neale, Quantum aims to provide flexible lending solutions for professional landlords and complex borrowers who often find themselves overlooked by traditional high street lenders.

Strategic Growth in Bridging Finance

In his new role, Enefé will spearhead the development and execution of Quantum Mortgages’ bridging finance strategy. His extensive experience in the sector, particularly from his eight-year tenure at LendInvest where he served as bridging operations manager, positions him well to lead this initiative. The move comes as Quantum seeks to address the growing demand for tailored financial solutions in the property market.

Recent Developments at Quantum Mortgages

Quantum Mortgages has been actively scaling its operations, particularly since announcing its entry into the specialist residential market late last year. In February, the company appointed Hayley Jones as a business development manager, focusing on the South of England. This strategic hiring aligns with the company’s goal to enhance its service offerings and improve accessibility for borrowers who may struggle with conventional lending criteria.

The Impact on Borrowers

The current UK base rate stands at 3.75% as of April 2026, which influences mortgage affordability and borrowing costs. As lenders like Quantum Mortgages expand their offerings, borrowers may find more options available to them, particularly those with complex financial situations. For instance, a professional landlord seeking a bridging loan to finance a property purchase may benefit from Quantum’s tailored approach, which prioritizes understanding individual circumstances over rigid automated assessments.

As the market continues to evolve, Quantum Mortgages is positioning itself as a key player in providing essential financial solutions for those who are often underserved by traditional lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions
- What is bridging finance? Bridging finance is a short-term loan used to bridge the gap between the purchase of a new property and the sale of an existing one, often used by property investors and developers.
- How does Quantum Mortgages support complex borrowers? Quantum Mortgages focuses on providing flexible lending solutions tailored to the unique circumstances of professional landlords and complex borrowers, ensuring they have access to necessary funding.
May 11, 2026
Mortgage Strategy Announces Judging Panel for 2026 Awards
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Mortgage Strategy has unveiled its esteemed judging panel for the upcoming Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards 2026, in collaboration with Black & White Bridging. This panel comprises leading figures from various sectors of the mortgage industry, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the entries.

Meet the Judging Panel

The judging panel features a diverse range of professionals with extensive experience in the mortgage sector. Notable judges include:
- Paul Adams, Sales Director at Pepper Money
- Claire Askham, Head of Mortgage Sales at Buckinghamshire Building Society
- Jane Benjamin, Director of Mortgages at Connect for Intermediaries
- Beverley Bradford, Head of TSB Mortgage Intermediaries
- Stephanie Charman, Chief Executive of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries
- Jon Cooper, Director of Property Distribution at Aldermore
- Darren Deacon, Head of Intermediary Sales at Family Building Society
- Richard Deacon, Managing Director of Sales at Octane Capital
- Kate Fuller, Business Principle at Mortgage Advice Bureau
- Elizabeth Harris, Regulatory Director at Rockstone Compliance
- Dale Jannels, Chief Executive at OMS
- Vikki Jefferies, Market Development Director for Retail Distribution at L&G
- Rob Lankey, National Sales Director at Afin Bank
- Phil Leivesley, Director of Mortgages at LDN Finance
- Gareth Lewis, Deputy Chief Executive at MT Finance Group
- Rachel Lummis, Mortgage Advisor at Xpress Mortgages
- Nicholas Mendes, Mortgage Technical Manager & Head of Marketing at John Charcol
- Andrew Montlake, Chief Executive at Coreco
- Roger Morris, Group Distribution Director at CHL Mortgages and ModaMortgages
- Sam O’Neill, Bridging Finance Consultant at KIS Finance & The Bridging Finance Consultancy
- Nathan Reilly, Chief Customer Officer at Twenty7tec
- Jonathan Samuels, Chief Executive at Octane Capital
- Liz Syms, Chief Executive at Connect for Intermediaries
- Buster Tolfree, Managing Director – Mortgages, BTL & Bridging at UTB
- Maeve Ward, Intermediary Sales Director – Personal Finance at Together
- Sally Wright, Head of Distribution at Paragon
Impact on the Mortgage Sector

The Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards serve as a significant benchmark within the industry, recognising excellence in various categories such as product innovation, customer service, and overall business performance. With the current UK base rate set at 3.75% as of April 2026, the awards highlight how lenders and intermediaries are adapting to changing market conditions, including rising interest rates and evolving customer needs.

For instance, innovative products tailored for first-time buyers or those seeking to remortgage can be expected to gain recognition at the awards. As lenders strive to offer competitive rates and flexible terms amidst a challenging economic backdrop, the insights from this judging panel will be invaluable in shaping future lending practices.

Looking Ahead

The Mortgage Strategy Specialist Lending Awards 2026 will not only celebrate the achievements of industry leaders but also set the stage for future developments in the mortgage market. As the sector continues to evolve, the contributions of these judges will help illuminate best practices and inspire innovation.

For those interested in the latest offerings, be sure to check out our current mortgage rates for the most competitive options available.
May 9, 2026