ASTL appoints new executive committee

The organisation was joined by Barton Bridging consultant Adrian Bloomfield, United Trust Bank commercial director Gavin Diamond and Amicus head of redemptions Emma Ryan.

It also reappointed last year’s members Masthaven Bridging Finance managing director Jon Hall, Hope Capital CEO Jonathan Sealey and Roma Finance director Scott Marshall to the team, working alongside chief executive Benson Hersch (pictured), who acts as a guiding figure.

The ASTL’s committee is voted in each year by the wider membership of the organisation. The chosen members are then appointed as directors to provide direction and decision making to the ASTL.

Hersch said: “The vastly improved reputation of bridging and short term is a testament to the achievements of the ASTL and the good work of our board members, past and present.

“This work will be ably continued by both our new executive committee members this year, starting with the ASTL conference which takes place in ten days’ time on 22 September.”

The ASTL was formed in 2008 and currently has 36 full members and 25 associate members after growing steadily year on year.

Membership requires all members to sign up to a code of conduct which includes treating customers fairly, a ban on charging commission and other payments perceived as being excessive and a requirement that all fees are openly disclosed.

ASTL’s conference will focus on ‘lending in an uncertain world’. Speakers will include Savills property analyst Susan Emmett, alongside economist Alan Capper, and Smith and Williamson tax partner Nick Cartwright.

Delegates will also hear from Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) mortgage sector manager Lynda Blackwell and Lord Daniel Finkelstein, the Times columnist and former adviser and speech writer for John Major and William Hague, who will deliver the keynote speech.