The aim of The Specialist Lending Event is to help advisers boost industry acumen, product knowledge and enable strategic thinking for their business.
You can expect a packed agenda of presentations and panel discussions at any of our four event venues, which will help deepen your understanding and knowledge of the specialist parts of the market in which you currently operate or might consider in the future. The entire event also prioritises time for first class business networking between attendees, speakers and exhibitors in the specialist lending market.
Please email lizzie.finch@ae3media.co.uk if you are interested in attending our 2027 event.
09.35 – 09.55
The specialist lending landscape – market pressures, emerging opportunities and what comes next
09.55 – 10.40
Roundtable discussions
The roundtable discussions, hosted by our event sponsors, will offer advisers the opportunity to hear directly from lenders and providers on the latest developments shaping the specialist lending market, from emerging trends and regulatory changes to innovative products and evolving customer needs.
11.10 – 11.40
Working smarter: case study examples of using AI and technology to find opportunities and save time
11.40 – 12.25
Roundtable discussions
The roundtable discussions, hosted by our event sponsors, will offer advisers the opportunity to hear directly from lenders and providers on the latest developments shaping the specialist lending market, from emerging trends and regulatory changes to innovative products and evolving customer needs.
12.30 – 13.00
Panel discussion: Raising the bar – what excellence looks like in specialist lending
As the specialist lending market evolves, advisers must continually refine their technical knowledge, strengthen lender relationships and adapt to increasingly complex borrower needs. This session explores how established brokers can sharpen their expertise, improve case outcomes and make the most of opportunities across the specialist market.
14.10
Close of conference
09.35 – 09.55
The specialist lending landscape – market pressures, emerging opportunities and what comes next
09.55 – 10.40
Roundtable discussions
The roundtable discussions, hosted by our event sponsors, will offer advisers the opportunity to hear directly from lenders and providers on the latest developments shaping the specialist lending market, from emerging trends and regulatory changes to innovative products and evolving customer needs.
11.10 – 11.40
Working smarter: case study examples of using AI and technology to find opportunities and save time
11.40 – 12.25
Roundtable discussions
The roundtable discussions, hosted by our event sponsors, will offer advisers the opportunity to hear directly from lenders and providers on the latest developments shaping the specialist lending market, from emerging trends and regulatory changes to innovative products and evolving customer needs.
12.30 – 13.00
Panel discussion: Raising the bar – what excellence looks like in specialist lending
As the specialist lending market evolves, advisers must continually refine their technical knowledge, strengthen lender relationships and adapt to increasingly complex borrower needs. This session explores how established brokers can sharpen their expertise, improve case outcomes and make the most of opportunities across the specialist market.
14.10
Close of conference
14.15
Close of conference
09.35 – 09.55
The specialist lending landscape – market pressures, emerging opportunities and what comes next
09.55 – 10.40
Roundtable discussions
The roundtable discussions, hosted by our event sponsors, will offer advisers the opportunity to hear directly from lenders and providers on the latest developments shaping the specialist lending market, from emerging trends and regulatory changes to innovative products and evolving customer needs.
11.10 – 11.40
Working smarter: case study examples of using AI and technology to find opportunities and save time
11.40 – 12.25
Roundtable discussions
The roundtable discussions, hosted by our event sponsors, will offer advisers the opportunity to hear directly from lenders and providers on the latest developments shaping the specialist lending market, from emerging trends and regulatory changes to innovative products and evolving customer needs.
12.30 – 13.00
Panel discussion: Raising the bar – what excellence looks like in specialist lending
As the specialist lending market evolves, advisers must continually refine their technical knowledge, strengthen lender relationships and adapt to increasingly complex borrower needs. This session explores how established brokers can sharpen their expertise, improve case outcomes and make the most of opportunities across the specialist market.
14.10
Close of conference
09.35 – 09.55
The specialist lending landscape – market pressures, emerging opportunities and what comes next
09.55 – 10.40
Roundtable discussions
The roundtable discussions, hosted by our event sponsors, will offer advisers the opportunity to hear directly from lenders and providers on the latest developments shaping the specialist lending market, from emerging trends and regulatory changes to innovative products and evolving customer needs.
11.10 – 11.40
Working smarter: case study examples of using AI and technology to find opportunities and save time
11.40 – 12.25
Roundtable discussions
The roundtable discussions, hosted by our event sponsors, will offer advisers the opportunity to hear directly from lenders and providers on the latest developments shaping the specialist lending market, from emerging trends and regulatory changes to innovative products and evolving customer needs.
12.30 – 13.00
Panel discussion: Raising the bar – what excellence looks like in specialist lending
As the specialist lending market evolves, advisers must continually refine their technical knowledge, strengthen lender relationships and adapt to increasingly complex borrower needs. This session explores how established brokers can sharpen their expertise, improve case outcomes and make the most of opportunities across the specialist market.
14.10
Close of conference
Molo Finance
Website
Molo is a specialist mortgage lender for both UK and overseas customers. Since launching in 2018, it has led change in the UK mortgage market and processed over £2 billion in mortgage applications through its platform.
Molo’s mission is to make the mortgage experience more transparent and aligned with the needs of modern landlords, using technology to streamline key processes to support quicker, more consistent decisions.
The lender has won several awards including Best Online Mortgage Lender at the Lending Awards and Best Digital Mortgage Lender’.
Molo is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ColCap Financial UK Limited.
Vida Homeloans
Website
Virgin Money has 6.6m retail and business customers across the UK, bringing the best of the Virgin brand to make banking better and enable customers to achieve their financial goals.
As part of Nationwide Building Society since October 2024, Virgin Money is a purpose-led organisation offering a range of straightforward, award-winning products including current accounts, credit cards, savings, investments, mortgages, pensions, loans and more.
Rewarding customer experiences are delivered through its digital channels, branches, contact centres and relationship managers.
Through the Virgin Money Foundation and key partnerships, the bank also delivers positive change in society as part of its progressive sustainability and ESG agenda. An inclusive and ambitious culture encourages around 7,000 colleagues to work in a healthy, flexible, and digitally led environment. It is headquartered in Glasgow with major offices in Newcastle upon Tyne and London.
Jason Berry is one of the most recognised and respected figures in the UK mortgage industry, with more than 35 years of experience spanning advisory, specialist lending, insurance and distribution.
He is currently group sales director at Crystal Specialist Finance, where he has played a pivotal role in the company’s award-winning growth and market leadership since joining in 2020.
Before Crystal, Jason held senior leadership positions at Platform Home Loans and Uinsure, building a reputation for driving commercial success, developing high-performing teams and creating strong industry partnerships.
Alongside his commercial career, Jason is co-founder of the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC), a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to improving mental health and wellbeing across the mortgage sector. Since its launch, MIMHC has grown to more than 400 signatory firms, reaching over 30,000 industry professionals and raising in excess of £150,000 to support wellbeing initiatives.
In 2025, Jason was appointed to the board of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries, further recognising his commitment to shaping a stronger, healthier and more sustainable future for the mortgage profession.
With over 20 years’ experience in financial services, predominantly in specialist lending, there’s not much Ryan hasn’t seen. Throughout his career, Ryan has been passionate about helping intermediaries find solutions for customers whose circumstances may be underserved by mainstream lenders.
In his role at Pepper Money as distribution director, Ryan leads the development and delivery of Pepper Money’s distribution partner strategy, working closely with mortgage clubs, networks and key distribution partners across the market. By building strong relationships and understanding the evolving needs of brokers and businesses, he helps shape Pepper’s proposition, service and support to ensure it remains relevant, accessible and inclusive.
His extensive market knowledge and commitment to understanding broker challenges help ensure Pepper continues to champion better outcomes for brokers and their customers.
His focus on collaboration, service excellence and continuous improvement has contributed to Pepper Money earning industry-wide recognition, including accolades such as Best Overall Lender at the Smart Money People Mortgage Awards.
Hiten has worked in property finance since 2008, building a strong reputation for insight, integrity and results. He leads both Mortimer Street Capital and its sister company, Visionary Finance – a well-regarded mortgage brokerage known for its reach across the UK and international markets. Together, the two firms serve a wide range of clients, from private individuals to large property companies and portfolio investors, across the full mortgage and real estate funding markets.
Hiten is a regular voice in industry media and was recently named a Change Maker at the British Mortgage Awards, recognised for his efforts in shaping a more inclusive and balanced sector.
With over 25 years’ experience in the financial services mortgage sector, Scott spent the majority of his career at Mortgage Talk heading up various divisions of the business.
He then joined Meridian Mortgages in January 2013, specialising in new build mortgages and working alongside some the UK’s biggest new homes developers.
He is now the Sales Director at Chartwell Mortage Services, where he has been since 2019.
Kunal’s passion for service and delivery stems from his previous career as a commercial airline pilot. With a strong personal interest in property investment and development, he founded SDKA in 2016 and the business has continued to grow under his leadership. He drives the team with a clear focus on supporting clients and enabling their business growth.
At SDKA, Kunal ensures that everyone is given a fair opportunity. When the team identifies genuine business acumen, they provide support regardless of experience, remaining open-minded and focused on potential rather than barriers.
Kunal finds it incredibly rewarding to see the value his team brings to clients – helping them expand their portfolios, strengthen their businesses and build long-term wealth.
Alison is passionate about developing strong client relationships while overseeing the servicing of loans. Working collaboratively with stakeholders and the wider SDKA team, she is responsible for effectively managing loan book redemptions.
With an extensive background in financial services – spanning roles from Bank Manager to Risk Manager and Commercial Relationship Manager, as well as experience in Portfolio Management – Alison brings the depth of expertise needed to manage a diversified portfolio for SDKA.
In her approach to portfolio management, Alison leverages her interpersonal skills alongside her problem-solving and planning abilities to build professional relationships. She thrives on working with clients to help turn their ambitions into reality and is genuinely passionate about nurturing the meaningful connections she forms with them.
Alex holds the position of Deputy Head of Underwriting and Head of AI, where he is responsible for structuring loans and guiding them through to completion. He provides support throughout the application process, ensuring all necessary documentation is in place. Having entered the specialist lending sector as a graduate, Alex has valued the opportunity to apply his logical mindset to decision-making across a wide range of deals.
In his work, Alex thrives on the analysis and practical reasoning that specialist lending demands. He appreciates moving beyond tick-box processes and instead applying clear, logical thought to each decision. Every application presents a unique combination of properties, borrowers, and circumstances – an aspect of the role that Alex particularly enjoys.
