GB Bank introduces dual legal representation

GB Bank has launched dual legal representation to deliver a more efficient and cost-effective process for eligible buy-to-let and bridging refinance applications.

The arrangement enables a single approved legal panel to act for both the borrower and GB Bank, reducing the delays associated with separate representation. 

Dual legal representation is available for standard buy-to-let and bridging property refinances where the total facility or group exposure is no more than £2 million. 

Borrowers and ultimate beneficial owners must be UK-based, including foreign nationals with UK residency rights, and dual legal representation is also available for those applications where title indemnity insurance is used.

The approved panel participating in the programme are Ward Hadaway, Lester Aldridge, Jury O’Shea and Harold Benjamin.

The introduction follows the launch of GB Bank's core product range earlier this year, giving intermediaries access to a range of off-the-shelf buy-to-let and bridging products.

Pankaj Thukral (pictured), chief lending officer and deputy CEO at GB Bank, said: “The legal process can be a source of delay for completing a refinance application and often, having separate firms acting for the borrower and lender adds an additional layer of co-ordination that a single firm could manage more efficiently.

“Introducing dual representation gives us a practical way to simplify that part of the transaction. By working with an experienced panel and setting clear eligibility requirements, we can offer intermediaries and borrowers a more streamlined route whilst maintaining the legal checks each case requires.

“We want improvements to our proposition to make a difference beyond the lending terms themselves and how a case moves from application to completion is central to the service we provide.”