BDLA appoints new legal advisor to the board

The Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) has announced the appointment of Jonathan Newman as legal advisor to the board.

He will advise the Board on legal matters, attend meetings and provide counsel in support of the ongoing growth, sustainability and responsibility of the bridging and development lending sector.

Jonathan is senior partner at Brightstone Law and has previously held terms as an elected member of the BDLA Board, with experience in legal and commercial matters relating to specialist property finance.

The BDLA says that the appointment follows a period of continued growth for the association, which now has more than 100 lender and associate members.

Jonathan will work alongside the current executive board, including Alan Margolis of Greymax Capital, Chris Taylor of Westcor International, Claire Newman of Masthaven Finance, Ray Cohen of Jackson Cohen, Roz Cawood of StreamBank, Sam Howard of Magnet Capital, and Tanya Elmaz from Together, as well as CEO Adam Tyler and non-executive chair Vic Jannels.

Adam Tyler, CEO of the BDLA, said: "I am delighted to welcome Jonathan as legal advisor to the board. He is highly respected across the specialist finance market and brings with him a wealth of experience, sound judgement and a deep understanding of the legal and commercial issues affecting our sector.

"As the BDLA continues to grow its role in representing members and supporting the wider market, it is important that the Board has access to strong legal counsel. Jonathan’s guidance will be invaluable as we continue to champion a sector that is sustainable, responsible and built on high professional standards."

Jonathan Newman commented: "I am very pleased to have been appointed legal advisor to the board of the BDLA. This is a sector that continues to grow, but it is also one facing increasingly complex legal and commercial challenges, from regulatory scrutiny to the rising sophistication of fraudulent activity.

"The role of the BDLA in supporting professionalism, responsibility and good governance across the market has never been more important. I look forward to working with the Board to help support the association’s work and the continued sustainable development of the sector."