The Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) chief executive Vic Jannels has announced he will retire from his role at the end of the year.

Jannels was appointed as chief executive in 2019, when the association was known under its former name, the Association of Short-Term Lenders.

Since then, he has played a pivotal role in shaping its influence and relevance across the bridging, development, and specialist property finance sectors.

Under his leadership, the BDLA has grown its membership to nearly 100 organisations and introduced several initiatives.

During this period, the loan book size of lender members has increased from £4bn to nearly £13bn and continues to grow.

Commenting on his retirement, Jannels says: “It’s been a real privilege to serve as CEO of the BDLA and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved during my tenure.”

“We’ve launched the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance (CPSP) qualification, which has helped raise standards across the sector; we’ve worked closely with the sector as it has grown through regulatory and challenging economic periods; we’ve introduced the annual Bridging Market Survey in collaboration with Interpath Advisory; and we have now collaborated with SIRA in the development of a sophisticated early warning fraud platform that will prove a huge leap forward for short-term lending.”

“Given all of this and, having spent more than 53 years in the world of mortgages, it now feels like the right time to hand over the BDLA reins to someone new who can lead the Association in its next growth phase. I look forward to supporting the transition during the remainder of the year.”

BDLA executive committee member and director of Greymax Alan Margolis adds: “Vic’s contribution to the BDLA and the wider industry cannot be overstated. His leadership, energy and integrity have helped to shape the BDLA into the authoritative and respected organisation it is today.”

“On behalf of the Executive Committee and our members, I want to thank him for his tireless service and dedication.”

“We are committed to finding a successor who can build on Vic’s legacy and continue to champion the interests of bridging and development lenders – especially in continuing the BDLA’s lead across fraud prevention, education and policy representation.”

In June, BDLA announced that new bridging loan completions totalled £2.8bn in Q1 2025.