March 2018 Edition
Chairman's Foreword
By Adam Tyler, executive chairman, FIBA
Since the financial crisis of 2008 we have seen an unprecedented rise in the number of lenders across the UK. However, it is known that 80% of borrowers will still approach their local high street bank as the first port of call. While access to finance should not be a problem, awareness and confidence is still holding UK SMEs back from seeking the right kind of investment. How can we make a change to ensure that the overall UK economy benefits from this great business lending landscape?
Specialism just as vital for conveyancing
By Eddie Goldsmith, partner at GWlegal
The property market is ever-changing and increasingly unpredictable. The rules and regulations regarding many specialist property transactions have become more complex in recent times. Tax changes are seeing many - landlords, for instance - seek different avenues to make profit. Interest rates could be set to increase up to two times this year. And then there is Brexit, casting uncertainty over this all.
Legal brief
We asked Daniel Fireman, head of banking and real estate finance at Howard Kennedy, what the legal ramifications of an increasingly heated market could be. Here, he advises on five ways this could affect his profession.
Staying compliant under new SM&CR obligations
By Mark Greenwood, group regulatory policy manager, SimplyBiz
You are probably aware that the FCA is consulting on the extension of the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR) to all FCA-regulated firms.