The Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance (CPSP) programme, launched as a joint initiative from ASTL, FIBA, and The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) earlier this year, has now seen its first group of candidates successfully complete their training.

In just under two months since its launch, a number of specialist lending professionals have achieved a pass grade in the e-learning programme, whilst new registrations for the course continue to grow.

The programme, which includes modules covering bridging, development finance, and specialist buy-to-let, was designed to provide a definitive and targeted education option for the specialist lending sector.

Martin Reynolds, cair of FIBA, said: “It’s been nearly 12 months since FIBA, alongside ASTL and LIBF, started work on the creation of the CPSP modules, and we were delighted by the warm reception to the programme across the sector. Being part of the journey from the point of recognising the need in the market, through the design of its content and launch, to this stage of seeing the first candidates successfully complete the programme is hugely exciting, and I’d like to wish each of them sincere congratulations.

“I hope these success stories hearten those currently undertaking the training and encourages more specialist lending professionals to explore this relevant and rewarding learning.”

Jez Quinn of West One Home Loans, one of the successful candidates of the CPSP programme, added: “This was a great opportunity to increase my knowledge in areas I’m already exposed to daily but also learn about areas of lending I don’t currently get involved in, such as commercial term lending.

“Whether you’ve been working in specialist property finance for years, or you’re thinking about working in it in the future this course will give you all of what you need, including being recognised as qualified by an awarding body in an area that is largely unregulated.”