Some of the biggest specialist lenders in the UK will be making their way to Wales next month for the country’s first financial services expo.
Top lenders in the second charge, bridging, commercial and asset finance sectors will headline the Specialist Lending Expo, which is taking place at the Cardiff City Stadium on May 14th.
This will be the first event of its kind in Wales giving financial intermediaries the chance to hear from and meet over 20 specialist lenders.
The day-long, free event, organised by Cardiff-based specialist lending packager Intelligent Loans, is sponsored by Interbay Commercial, Blemain Finance and West One Secured Lending. West One alone has lent in excess of £80m in the last year.
The specialist lending industry has exploded in the last year with many people not fitting the mainstream, high street lending criteria.
Over 200 delegates are expected to attend the event to find out more about the specialist lending market, hear from industry experts and learn about the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations affecting the sector.
Alongside the exhibition, visitors will have access to presentations from industry heavyweights and networking opportunities.
Intelligent Loans Director, Rob Coles, said: “This is the first event of its kind to be held in Wales with the idea developed as a result of regular introducer feedback.
“The specialist lending market is growing rapidly but there is a knowledge gap among our introducers so we felt there was a need for an event in Wales that showcased the sector and improved the profile of second charge, bridging finance and challenger banks lenders.
“Part of the reason why so many financial intermediaries are interested in attending the expo is to see and engage with some of the largest lenders in the country. Many of the clients our introducers advise do not fit High Street lending criteria.”
Duncan Kreeger, Director of West One Loans, said: “The specialist lending sector has never been so important to the UK’s financial landscape. With high street lenders failing to make a difference for the economy, bridging finance, second charge loans and commercial finance have become critical to funding the property market and businesses across the country.
“It was only natural that we would want to partner with Intelligent Loans and sponsor the inaugural Specialist Lending Expo, given our long standing relationship with Intelligent Loans, shared values and commitment to service.
“The scale of the event and its prestigious location are entirely in keeping with the importance of Wales’ contribution to the growth of the sector and we look forward to addressing the delegates and offering them an overview of the role bridging finance has played to date and insights into the sector’s future growth.”
Nick Jones of Blemain Finance added: “The Specialist Lending Expo is timely as lending markets continue to grow with customers in need of alternative financial solutions. Now has never been a better time to understand and learn more about how you can best serve your clients’ needs.”
Andy Reid, of InterBay Commercial, commented: “Through our partnership with Intelligent Loans we’ll demonstrate how the commercial mortgage market has evolved considerably over the last few years so that brokers can now access and harness the innovation and expertise available to provide their clients with informed and fast mortgage applications.”