The Association of Short Term Lenders and the Financial Intermediary & Broker Association are set to launch a professional qualification for bridging and specialist lending.  

The two bodies are “a matter of weeks away” from debuting the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance programme, which they say will provide “a targeted education programme” for this part of the industry.  

The optional e-learning course — developed with the London Institute of Banking & Finance over 18 months — covers bridging, short-term finance, development finance and specialist buy-to-let. The programme ranges over 13 topics in total.  

Those who complete the modules will be awarded a London Institute of Banking & Finance digital badge and given Continuing Professional Development accreditation.  

ASTL chief executive Vic Jannels says: “We are just a matter of weeks away from officially launching the programme, but registrations are open now and we have already been really pleased by the number of people who have already signed up to take the qualification.  

“The Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance programme will provide advisers with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to high standards of customer service and competency, and is a major stepping stone in continuing to enhance standards and advance the reputation of our industry.” 

FIBA executive chairman Adam Tyler adds: “We have now signed off those learning materials and all that remains to be done are some final checks before we are able to launch this ground-breaking step for the specialist finance industry.”