Networks should 'take greater control over conveyancing', says distributor

The distributor says far too many networks are paying lip-service to the conveyancing options they offer their appointed representative firms and should instead look to deliver a proposition which ARs can ill afford not to use.

At present, Broker Conveyancing says most networks either overlook their conveyancing services for ARs or promote external distributor propositions which offer the network very little. It says networks should instead look to white-label their own offering from a distributor and work to ensure every AR firm uses that proposition instead of going outside the network.

Broker Conveyancing believes there are many benefits for both networks and ARs by adopting this approach not least the fact networks are able to build in a higher fee level for both whilst still ensuring the client secures the cheapest pricing.  

A white label offering also delivers peace of mind when it comes to ARs dealing with solicitor firms given the distributor vets all its panel members to ensure they have a clean bill of health and are not involved in any fraudulent behaviour. Broker Conveyancing believes many networks are running a potential risk by allowing ARs to choose from the many thousands of solicitor firms available and have not been subjected to a strict due diligence programme.

Broker Conveyancing was launched last year to meet the specific conveyancing needs of brokers and their clients. The proposition has a number of unique features including radical pricing, a loyalty bonus, payment on exchange, an all-inclusive fee structure, ‘no completion – no fee’ arrangement, and ‘fall through protection’ on searches.  

Harpal Singh, Managing Director of Broker Conveyancing, commented:

“We read all too often about the significant pressures networks are under today particularly financial and also from a regulatory and fraud point of view. One area where networks could adopt a more forward-thinking strategy is within conveyancing where far too many firms are not informed or active enough. We have looked at a number of networks and they are often allowing their conveyancing proposition to wither on the vine allowing AR firms to do as they wish in terms of selecting solicitor firms, recommending a service to clients and securing income from the instruction. This is a major risk for any network and seems madness when there is the opportunity to white-label a system from a distributor like ourselves. Doing this not only ensures the network has much better control over conveyancing but should also cut down on the regulatory risk and deliver benefits to the bottom line. We are able to build into a system any number of preferences and options which means the network is truly in full control and will ensure they are able to get the most out of this potentially lucrative business area.”