Trade body-backed specialist property qualification records first graduates

The scheme went live in May last year, having launched at the Association of Short Term Lenders conference in October last year and opened for registrations in March.

The programme is online and covers bridging, short-term finance, development finance and specialist buy to let.

It is a joint venture with the ASTL, Financial Intermediary and Broker Association (FIBA) and the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF).

Martin Reynolds, chair of FIBA, said: “It’s been nearly twelve months since FIBA, alongside ASTL and LIBF, started work on the creation of the CPSP modules, and we were delighted by the warm reception to the programme across the sector. Being part of the journey from the point of recognising the need in the market, through the design of its content and launch, to this stage of seeing the first candidates successfully complete the programme is hugely exciting, and I’d like to wish each of them sincere congratulations.

“I hope these success stories hearten those currently undertaking the training and encourages more specialist lending professionals to explore this relevant and rewarding learning.”

Jez Quinn of West One Home Loans, one of the successful candidates from the CPSP programme, added: “This was a great opportunity to increase my knowledge in areas I’m already exposed to daily but also learn about areas of lending I don’t currently get involved in, such as commercial term lending.

“Whether you’ve been working in specialist property finance for years, or you’re thinking about working in it in the future this course will give you all of what you need, including being recognised as qualified by an awarding body in an area that is largely unregulated.”

John Somerville, head of financial services at LIBF, added: “Developing this programme was a major milestone for the specialist finance industry – and it is with a great sense of pride that we’re able to recognise our first completers.

“We’re looking forward to awarding many more students their digital badges in recognition of successfully completing CPSP. The badges are a fantastic way to demonstrate their specialist knowledge and credentials to customers and colleagues alike.”

Vic Jannels, CEO at the ASTL, continued: “Our intention for this accreditation has always been that it should enhance the skill and knowledge used by advisers, lenders and other professionals associated with the short-term mortgage lending sector, with the ultimate objective of benefitting the end customer. The cooperation shown between the three parties has highlighted the value of working together towards an important common goal. I have no doubt that the enhanced, or re-energised, skill set will provide benefit for all concerned – and especially the end user.”