<div class="flex-shrink-0 flex flex-col relative items-end">
<div>
<div class="pt-0">
<div class="gizmo-bot-avatar flex h-8 w-8 items-center justify-center overflow-hidden rounded-full">
<div class="relative p-1 rounded-sm flex items-center justify-center bg-token-main-surface-primary text-token-text-primary h-8 w-8">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="group/conversation-turn relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn">
<div class="flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3">
<div class="flex max-w-full flex-col flex-grow">
<div class="min-h-8 text-message flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 whitespace-normal break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5" dir="auto" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="3918e838-deb0-4568-aeee-d360b0320f7e" data-message-model-slug="gpt-4o">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light">
<p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.</p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

Finance Forum March 2023

<p class="MsoNormal">The UK specialist finance market has evolved significantly over the past decade. Bridging finance, development finance, commercial mortgages and structured real estate lending are no longer viewed as niche alternatives used only when mainstream funding is unavailable. They have become an integral part of the UK's lending landscape.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For borrowers, brokers and property professionals, the conversation has also changed. The question is no longer whether banks or non-bank lenders are better. Instead, it's about understanding which lender is best suited to a particular transaction.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whether funding an investment acquisition, refinancing a completed development or raising capital against an existing portfolio, today's borrowers have access to a far broader range of funding solutions than ever before. That diversity has strengthened the market and created greater flexibility for businesses operating across <a href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/sectors/real-estate-senior-debt/">specialist real estate finance</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Recent Bank of England data also highlights that corporate credit availability remained broadly unchanged during the first quarter of 2026, with lending conditions improving across businesses of different sizes. While credit conditions continue to be closely monitored, both banks and specialist lenders remain fundamental to supporting investment and economic growth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why banks remain essential to the specialist finance market</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Banks continue to form the backbone of the UK's lending sector. Their access to lower-cost capital, strong balance sheets and established governance allows them to provide competitive funding across a wide range of commercial lending scenarios.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For lower-risk investment properties, stabilised assets and traditional commercial mortgages, banks often remain the most appropriate funding option. They offer long-term certainty, competitive pricing and confidence for borrowers seeking straightforward lending solutions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beyond individual transactions, banks also play an important role in creating stability across the wider lending market. Their continued participation gives borrowers access to a broad spectrum of funding options, from senior debt and commercial mortgages through to stretched senior facilities and development finance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, banks are not designed to support every transaction.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Internal credit policies, regulatory capital requirements and stricter risk frameworks can make it more challenging to accommodate projects that involve complex ownership structures, transitional assets or compressed completion times.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is where specialist lenders increasingly complement the wider lending ecosystem rather than compete with it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why non-bank lenders continue to play a vital role</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the past decade, non-bank lenders have become one of the driving forces behind specialist finance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Rather than replacing banks, they have expanded the range of funding available by offering greater flexibility, faster decision-making and underwriting that focuses on the commercial merits of each transaction.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is particularly valuable within bridging finance, development finance and complex commercial lending, where borrowers often require bespoke funding solutions rather than standard lending criteria.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Non-bank lenders are often well placed to support:</strong></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Complex borrower structures.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Heavy refurbishment and asset repositioning.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Short lease or title issues.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Planning-led development opportunities.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Time-sensitive acquisitions.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Capital raises secured against existing assets.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Exit strategies based on refinance, phased development or open market sale.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Importantly, flexibility should not be confused with weaker underwriting.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many specialist lenders employ highly experienced credit professionals, underwriters and relationship directors with extensive backgrounds in banking, commercial lending and real estate finance. The difference is often not whether risk is assessed, but how it is assessed and structured.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Current market conditions are increasing demand for specialist lenders</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Today's lending environment continues to present challenges for both borrowers and lenders.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Office for National Statistics data published during 2026 showed construction output falling for the fourth consecutive three-month period, with private housing being one of the largest contributors to the decline. Rising build costs, planning delays, slower sales rates and refinancing considerations continue to affect development viability across many projects.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Against this backdrop, lender selection has become increasingly important.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For straightforward, lower-risk transactions, banks may continue to offer the most appropriate solution.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For transitional assets, refurbishment projects, planning-led developments or borrowers requiring greater flexibility, specialist non-bank lenders often provide funding structures better aligned to the realities of the transaction.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The strongest lending market is not one where one type of lender replaces the other. It is one where banks and specialist lenders operate alongside each other, each supporting different borrower requirements.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What borrowers and brokers should consider</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">For brokers, lender diversity creates better outcomes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Access to a wider panel of funding providers enables brokers to match borrowers with lenders whose appetite, structure and expertise best align with each transaction.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Likewise, borrowers should avoid focusing solely on the lowest interest rate.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Instead, lender selection should consider the wider commercial picture, including:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Speed of execution.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Certainty of funding.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Experience within the relevant asset class.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Appetite for complex transactions.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Flexibility of facility structure.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Confidence in the proposed exit strategy.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Quality of communication throughout the lending process.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">A lower headline rate may not always deliver the strongest overall outcome if delays or restrictive lending criteria jeopardise the transaction.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the last decade, the specialist lending market has matured considerably. What was once considered an alternative funding route has evolved into a sophisticated sector supported by experienced professionals, institutional investment and increasingly diverse funding lines.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why talent will define the future of specialist finance</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">As lending products become increasingly sophisticated, competitive advantage is becoming less about product alone and more about the people delivering it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Banks continue to require experienced relationship directors, credit specialists and real estate finance professionals capable of balancing commercial judgement with prudent risk management.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At the same time, specialist lenders are investing heavily in business development professionals, underwriters, portfolio managers and senior leaders who can support growth while maintaining underwriting discipline.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Within bridging finance and development finance particularly, experience matters. The ability to assess complex transactions, understand borrower objectives and make commercially balanced decisions can directly influence both lending performance and broker confidence.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Competition for experienced professionals therefore remains high.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many of the strongest candidates are not actively seeking new opportunities and are increasingly selective about leadership, funding capability, culture and long-term business strategy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Fintelligent's Perspective</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The specialist finance market is strongest when borrowers have genuine choice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Over the past decade, we've seen the market mature significantly. Challenger banks, specialist lenders, debt funds and traditional banks all play an important role in supporting different types of borrowers and transactions. Rather than competing directly, they each bring distinct strengths that help create a more resilient lending ecosystem.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From a recruitment perspective, one trend stands out above all others. The lenders continuing to grow are investing heavily in experienced people. Whether that's strengthening underwriting teams, expanding origination capability or appointing senior leaders, businesses recognise that sustainable growth is driven by the quality of their people as much as the quality of their funding lines.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As the market continues to evolve, attracting and retaining exceptional talent will remain one of the biggest differentiators between lenders that simply participate in the market and those that lead it.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Key takeaways</strong></h2>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Banks remain fundamental to the UK lending market, providing stability, scale and competitive funding for suitable transactions.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Non-bank lenders continue to expand the market by offering greater speed, flexibility and specialist underwriting.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Borrowers should choose lenders based on transaction suitability rather than headline pricing alone.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Strong lender diversity benefits brokers by providing greater flexibility across increasingly complex funding requirements.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The future success of specialist finance will depend not only on products and funding lines, but also on attracting and retaining exceptional talent.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why are non-bank lenders important to the UK real estate finance market?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Non-bank lenders play a vital role in the UK real estate finance market by increasing funding options for borrowers, brokers and intermediaries. They support transactions that may fall outside traditional bank lending criteria, including bridging finance, development finance, commercial mortgages, refurbishment projects and structured lending facilities. Their ability to assess complex transactions and provide flexible funding structures complements the role of traditional banks and strengthens the wider specialist lending market.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>When should a borrower consider a specialist lender?</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Borrowers may consider a specialist lender when a transaction requires greater flexibility than traditional bank lending can provide. This could include bridging finance, development finance, commercial real estate lending, capital raises, refurbishment projects, portfolio lending or transactions involving more complex borrower structures and exit strategies.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is the difference between a bank and a non-bank lender?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Traditional banks typically focus on lower-risk lending with standardised credit criteria, while non-bank lenders often specialise in more complex or time-sensitive transactions. They can offer greater flexibility across bridging finance, development finance, commercial mortgages and other specialist real estate lending solutions, with underwriting tailored to the specifics of each deal.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I think these are much more representative of Fintelligent's market and the audience you're trying to attract. Rather than sounding consumer-focused, they speak directly to lenders, brokers, intermediaries and professionals working across the specialist real estate finance sector.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Building high-performing lending teams</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The evolution of the specialist finance market has reinforced one important principle: lending businesses succeed because of the people behind them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whether you're a challenger bank, specialist lender, debt fund or intermediary, building the right team directly influences growth, credit quality, broker relationships and long-term performance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At Fintelligent, we specialise in recruitment across the UK real estate lending market, supporting specialist lenders, challenger banks, debt funds, family offices and intermediaries with permanent appointments across business development, underwriting, credit, operations, relationship management and executive leadership.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our market knowledge enables us to identify professionals who not only possess the right technical expertise but also align with each organisation's culture, ambitions and long-term strategy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you're looking to strengthen your team or would like to discuss hiring trends across the specialist finance market, we'd be delighted to start the conversation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a class="primaryBtn" href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/locations/">Get in touch here</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Interested in reading about why senior hiring in Real Estate finance?&nbsp;<a class="customLink" href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/meet-the-team/daniel-greenhalgh/">Daniel Greenhalgh</a> explains why trajectory matters.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a class="primaryBtn" href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/insights/blogs/real-estate-lenders-hiring-for-potential/">Read the article here</a></p>

Banks vs Non-Bank Lenders: Why Both Are Essential to the UK Specialist Finance Market

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Every lateral partner conversation tends to begin with the same question:</h2>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>How portable is the book of business?</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="382" data-end="544">Whether a partner is said to bill &pound;2 million or &pound;10 million, the assumption is often the same. Hire the individual, inherit the clients and recreate the practice.</p>
<p data-start="549" data-end="581">The reality is far more complex.</p>
<p data-start="586" data-end="890">In legal recruitment, one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding lateral partner hiring is that a book of business simply transfers with the individual. In practice, client relationships, institutional work and platform capability all play a significant role in determining what is genuinely portable.</p>
<p data-start="895" data-end="1263">Industry research from Thomson Reuters highlights that <a href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2023/01/The-Changing-Paradigm-of-Lateral-Attorney-Hiring-White-Paper-Client-Sense-1.pdf">successful lateral hiring depends on far more than headline revenue</a>, with firms increasingly focusing on long-term strategic fit, effective integration and client relationships. Understanding what is genuinely portable can be the difference between a successful strategic hire and an expensive disappointment.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What does a portable book of business actually mean?</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">A book of business is not a balance that transfers from one firm to another. It is a network of relationships, and only part of that network belongs to the partner personally.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some clients are loyal to the individual and will follow them regardless of where they practice. Others are loyal to the firm's brand, panel position, international reach, conflicts capability or wider platform. Those relationships often remain with the firm, regardless of the strength of the personal relationship.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many clients sit somewhere between the two. They may eventually move with a trusted adviser, but only after internal approvals, panel reviews or once existing matters have concluded.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There is also another factor that is often overlooked. A meaningful proportion of a partner's billings may not be truly portable because the work originates elsewhere within the firm or depends on institutional relationships rather than individual client ownership.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The most productive lateral conversations are those where partners can clearly explain, client by client, which relationships are genuinely portable and which rely on the wider platform. The conversations that disappoint are often the ones built around a single headline revenue figure.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why books of business rarely transfer in full</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Even where client relationships are highly portable, they rarely transfer immediately.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Conflicts checks can prevent work from moving altogether. Panel appointments may take months or even years to renegotiate. Existing matters often need to conclude before clients consider instructing a new firm.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Timing also plays a significant role.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The period between resignation and joining a new platform is often when relationships become most vulnerable. Former firms naturally seek to retain key clients, while new firms may not yet have the infrastructure or approvals required to onboard work immediately.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a result, books of business rarely transfer in full and almost never at the pace many firms initially anticipate.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Recent reporting from <a href="https://www.thelawyer.com/lateral-hires/">The Lawyer </a>has highlighted how firms are placing greater emphasis on long-term integration and strategic growth when assessing lateral hires, rather than relying solely on headline billing figures.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When firms guarantee financial performance from day one without accounting for this transition period, expectations can quickly become misaligned with reality.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why practice area matters in lateral partner hiring</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Not every practice area behaves in the same way.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Some disciplines are built around individual relationships, allowing partners to carry a larger proportion of their client base between firms. Disputes and certain areas of fund formation can often fall into this category.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Other practice areas are fundamentally different.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Structured finance, derivatives, securitisation and many areas of capital markets depend on far more than an individual partner. They rely on specialist associates, technical expertise, regulatory capability, operational infrastructure and the ability to deliver highly complex transactions across multiple jurisdictions.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In these environments, clients are not simply buying access to an individual lawyer. They are buying access to an entire platform capable of delivering sophisticated legal advice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A single lateral hire may bring strong client relationships, but without the surrounding infrastructure those relationships can become difficult to convert into sustainable revenue.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is why successful practice builds within highly technical areas are rarely achieved through one appointment alone. They are usually supported by carefully planned team hires and long-term investment in the wider practice.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why platform matters as much as the partner</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Successful lateral hiring is rarely about finding the biggest individual.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It is about understanding whether the receiving firm provides a compelling reason for clients to move.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That includes factors such as:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">A strong reputation within the relevant practice area.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Complementary services and adjacent practice groups.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Appropriate conflicts positions.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">International capability where required.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The capacity to deliver work at the level clients expect.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">The strongest platforms recognise that they are not simply hiring a partner. They are investing in the conditions that allow that partner's relationships to flourish.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Without that platform, even an exceptional lawyer may struggle to recreate previous success.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</h2>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What successful lateral partner hires have in common</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The most successful partner moves tend to share several characteristics.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The firm has a genuine commercial rationale for making the hire beyond headline revenue.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The partner has a realistic understanding of which relationships are likely to move, how long that process may take and what support is required to make the transition successful.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The firm also commits to building around the appointment.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That may involve recruiting senior associates, adding another partner, investing in business development or strengthening complementary practice areas. Rather than expecting one individual to recreate an established practice overnight, successful firms recognise they are building for the long term.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By contrast, unsuccessful lateral hires often begin with unrealistic expectations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">An inflated view of portability, insufficient investment in the surrounding team and an assumption that a practice built over many years can be replicated through a single hire frequently leads to disappointing outcomes for both the firm and the partner.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This reflects wider industry thinking. Thomson Reuters notes that successful lateral hiring depends not only on identifying the right individual, but also <a class="customLink" href="https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/legal/forum-spring-2022-effective-lateral-hiring/">on effective integration, realistic performance expectations and long-term investment in the appointment</a>. Firms that underestimate these factors often struggle to realise the full value of a lateral hire.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Key takeaways</strong></h2>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">A partner's book of business is rarely as portable as headline billing figures suggest.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Client relationships are influenced by both the individual lawyer and the wider firm's platform, infrastructure and reputation.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Practice area has a significant impact on portability, with highly technical disciplines often requiring broader team investment.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Successful lateral hires are built on realistic expectations, strategic planning and long-term commitment rather than headline numbers alone.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The most successful firms evaluate not only the partner they are hiring, but also whether their platform genuinely supports clients making the move.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What is a portable book of business?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">A portable book of business refers to the proportion of a partner's client relationships and revenue that is likely to move with them when they join another law firm. It is rarely equivalent to total historical billings, as many relationships depend on the wider firm's platform, reputation or institutional connections.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Why do lateral partner hires fail?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Lateral partner hires often fall short when firms overestimate how much work will transfer, underestimate the time required for clients to move, or fail to provide the infrastructure needed to support the partner's practice. Unrealistic expectations around portability are one of the most common causes of unsuccessful lateral moves.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</h3>
<h3 class="MsoNormal"><strong>What should firms assess before hiring a lateral partner?</strong></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">Beyond headline revenue, firms should evaluate which client relationships are genuinely portable, how dependent the practice is on wider teams and infrastructure, whether there are conflicts or panel considerations, and whether the firm's platform provides a compelling reason for clients to follow the partner.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Considering a strategic partner hire?</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Whether you're launching a new practice area, strengthening an existing team or assessing the commercial viability of a <a class="customLink" href="https://www.law.com/americanlawyer/">lateral partner move,</a> success depends on far more than a headline billing figure.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At Fintelligent Legal, we support law firms with strategic partner and senior leadership appointments across the UK. By combining market intelligence with a deep understanding of practice dynamics, we help firms make informed hiring decisions that support sustainable long-term growth.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you're considering your next strategic hire, we'd be pleased to discuss your plans.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a class="primaryBtn" href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/meet-the-team/james-noble/">Contact James Directly here</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a class="primaryBtn" href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/sectors/legal/legal-usa/">Read our Recent Successful Placements here</a></p>

The Portability Myth: What Really Happens When a Partner Moves Law Firms

<h1><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Episode 21 - Tuesday 30th June</span></h1>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>Auction purchases, capital raises and planning bridge finance continue to demonstrate lender agility.</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">This week's transactions highlight continued demand for specialist funding solutions across auction acquisitions, capital raises and planning-led development finance.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">As market conditions remain competitive, lenders continue to support experienced property investors and developers with facilities that prioritise speed, flexibility and clearly defined exit strategies. Whether funding an auction purchase, unlocking capital for a new acquisition or bridging a development through planning requirements, specialist lenders continue to demonstrate their ability to structure finance around individual project needs.</p>
<p>Below are three of the standout transactions from this week's market activity,&nbsp;followed by <a class="customLink" href="/meet-the-team/owen-nayar/">Owen Nayar's</a> commentary on the key trends emerging across the real estate lending market.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4><a class="primaryBtn" href="/tuesdays-top-transactions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">View Latest Episode here</a></h4>
<h4><a class="primaryBtn" href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/request-a-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Request a Call here</a></h4>
<p>___________________________________________________________________________</p>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2><strong>MS Lending Group</strong> supports Stratford auction purchase with &pound;320,000 bridging facility</h2>
<h3><strong>Transaction Overview:</strong></h3>
<p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Lender:<strong> </strong>MS Lending Group</span><br><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Facility: Auction Purchase &amp; Light Refurbishment</span><br><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Loan Size: &pound;320,000</span></p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd"><a class="customLink" href="https://mslendinggroup.co.uk/">MS Lending Group</a> completed a &pound;320,000 first charge bridging facility at 85% of the purchase price to support the acquisition of a vacant residential property purchased at auction in Stratford, London.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">The borrower, an experienced portfolio landlord with a property portfolio valued at approximately &pound;9 million, will undertake light refurbishment works including a new kitchen, bathroom, flooring and internal redecoration. The works are expected to complete within two months before the property is let and refinanced onto a longer-term investment facility.</p>
<p>Having successfully completed several previous transactions with MS Lending Group, the borrower was able to move quickly with confidence in the lender's ability to deliver within the auction timescales.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<h3>Deal Team:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a class="customLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alec-lawrence-7a410814b/">Alec Lawrence</a>, Relationship Manager, MS Lending Group.</li>
<li><a class="customLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-williams-2b74391a5/">Tobias Williams</a>, Underwriter, MS Lending Group.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>___________________________________________________________________________</p>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>TAB completes &pound;259,000 capital raise in just 12 days.</h2>
<h3><strong>Transaction Overview:</strong></h3>
<p>Lender: TAB<br>Facility: Capital Raise Bridging Loan<br>Loan Size: &pound;259,000</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd"><a class="customLink" href="https://tabhq.com/">TAB</a> completed a &pound;259,000 first charge bridging facility within just 12 days to support an experienced property investor with an end-of-development capital raise.</p>
<p>The funding released equity from an existing asset, allowing the borrower to proceed with an onward investment opportunity without delay. Structured over a nine-month term at approximately 70% loan-to-value, the facility provided the flexibility required to meet a demanding timescale while maintaining a clear exit strategy.</p>
<h3>Deal Team:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a class="customLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristofer-d/">Kristofer Day</a>, Senior Business Development Manager (Scotland), TAB.</li>
<li><a class="customLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-k-04533035/">Donna K.,</a> Managing Director, DMK Finance.</li>
<li><a class="customLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuran-singh-olak-bb84312a3/">Kuran Singh Olak</a>, Commercial Broker, DMK Finance.</li>
</ul>
<p>___________________________________________________________________________</p>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<h2>District &amp; County Investments delivers &pound;2.95 million planning bridge for Liverpool regeneration scheme.</h2>
<h3><strong>Transaction Overview:</strong></h3>
<p class="isSelectedEnd"><strong>Lender: </strong>District &amp; County Investments<br><strong>Facility:</strong> Planning Bridge Finance<br><strong>Security Value:</strong> &pound;2.95 million</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd"><a class="customLink" href="https://dcifinance.co.uk/">District &amp; County Investments</a> completed a &pound;2.95 million net bridging facility to support the continued regeneration of a brownfield development site within Liverpool city centre.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">The planning bridge enables the borrower to satisfy Building Safety Regulation requirements before transitioning onto a development finance facility. Once complete, the scheme will deliver more than 150 new apartments.</p>
<p>Having been approached under tight timescales, District &amp; County Investments completed the transaction just 14 days after credit approval, allowing the borrower to maintain momentum on the development.</p>
<h3>Deal Team:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a class="customLink" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-clifford-14404b10/">Michael Clifford</a>, Commercial Director, District &amp; County Investments.</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>___________________________________________________________________________</p>
<h2>What this week's transactions tell us about the market</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">This week's transactions reinforce several trends that continue to shape activity across the UK real estate finance market.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Auction finance remains a vital funding solution for experienced investors looking to move quickly on vacant or value-add assets. With competitive auction environments demanding rapid completion, specialist lenders continue to demonstrate their ability to structure facilities that combine speed with practical underwriting.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Capital raise facilities also continue to play an important role. Rather than simply refinancing existing assets, borrowers are increasingly using released equity to secure additional investment opportunities, helping them expand portfolios without relying solely on new sources of capital.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Planning bridge finance is also becoming increasingly significant as developers navigate more complex regulatory and planning requirements. Bridging facilities that provide funding while Building Safety Regulation obligations or planning conditions are discharged allow projects to continue progressing before transitioning onto longer-term development finance.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Across all three transactions, one theme remains consistent. Lenders continue to back experienced borrowers where there is a well-structured proposal, appropriate security and a clearly defined exit strategy.</p>
<div contenteditable="false"><hr></div>
<h2>&nbsp;</h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Why these Transactions Matter</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">Tuesday's Top Transactions showcases some of the most notable deals completed across the UK real estate finance market each week.</p>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">By highlighting completed transactions across bridging finance, development finance, commercial real estate lending and specialist funding solutions, the series provides brokers, lenders, developers and property professionals with valuable insight into current lending activity and evolving market trends.</p>
<p>More than simply reporting completed deals, each episode offers a snapshot of where lender appetite exists and how facilities are being structured to support increasingly complex borrowing requirements.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2>Have a Transaction Worth Sharing?</h2>
<p class="isSelectedEnd">If you've completed a notable real estate finance transaction and would like it featured in a future edition of <strong>Tuesday's Top Transactions</strong>, we'd love to hear from you.</p>
<p>Sharing successful deals helps showcase innovation across the market while providing valuable insight for brokers, lenders and property professionals following the latest lending activity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>To submit a transaction for a future episode, contact: Owen here:</strong></p>
<p><a class="primaryBtn" href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/tuesdays-top-transactions/"><strong>Submission Form</strong></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Want to discuss any of the details of this episode? Submit your details and Owen will be in touch.</p>
<p><strong><a class="primaryBtn" href="https://www.fintelligent.co.uk/request-a-call/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Request a Call here</a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Finance Forum March 2023

Register Your Interest Now!

Share this Blog

Register Your Interest Now!

Stay up to date with
our latest insights

We’d love to chat.
Get in Touch.

Finance Forum March 2023

Register Your Interest Now!

Share this Blog

Register Your Interest Now!

Stay up to date withour latest insights

We’d love to chat.Get in Touch.

Stay up to date with
our latest insights

We’d love to chat.
Get in Touch.