AOBP considers name change to reflect growing role

The event, which took place at the May Fair Hotel in London on Thursday 24th November, was open to members and non-members for the first time, with many taking the opportunity to hear the speeches and network with fellow finance professionals.

Simon Juniper, vice-chairman of the AOBP, said:

“A number of affiliates at all levels have asked the question; is it enough to be the Association of Bridging Professionals? Should we, in line with the developing market, expand our name and our reach to encompass the many products now on offer?

“It is likely that we will open this question up to the membership as a whole to gauge popular sentiment and act accordingly so please, get those suggestions ready.”

Further plans for the AOBP in 2017 also included improving the quality and scope of its membership, value-for-money, a technology update and the revival of its education programme, with both the April event and a summer roadshow highlighted as the platforms for delivery.

It was also revealed that the organisation has taken on three new lender members and received applications from eight in total in the last three months. The organisation now consists of 790 blue associate intermediaries, 23 executive committee and silver associate packager partners, 33 associate lenders and 22 affiliate associates.

Special guest speaker was Josh Valman, CEO at RPD International, who discussed innovation and how to put it into practice with an engaged workforce. Presentations were also delivered by Stephen Todd, Founder and Director at Valuation Audit Services and Adam Challis, Head of UK Residential Research at JLL.