Knowledge Bank recorded more than 6,800 changes to lender criteria during August, the highest monthly total so far this year, despite a seasonal slowdown in broker searches.
The criteria sourcing platform said broker search volumes eased during the month amid the August heatwave, although searches per broker remained higher than during the same period in 2025.
Lender activity moved in the opposite direction, with more than 6,800 criteria changes recorded during August and almost 6,000 new criteria areas added to the platform.
Knowledge Bank said it also has 22 lenders due to be added to the platform over the coming month, covering commercial lending, buy-to-let and bridging.
MAXIMUM AGE REMAINS TOP SEARCH
“Maximum age at end of term” remained the most searched-for criterion on Knowledge Bank during August.
Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor continued its rise from July and moved into third place among broker criteria searches.
Capital raising for debt consolidation also climbed the rankings, moving from 15th place in July to 10th in August.
Knowledge Bank said its lender insights data allows lenders to monitor what brokers are searching for, changes in demand and areas where criteria may be preventing cases from progressing.
Shane Chawatama, sales director at Knowledge Bank, said: “August always brings a seasonal dip in searches, particularly when we get the weather we had this year, but what is really encouraging is that searches per broker remain ahead of 2025. Criteria sourcing is becoming an increasingly embedded part of how brokers research and place cases.
“What really stands out this month, though, is the lender activity. More than 6,800 criteria changes in a single month is extraordinary, alongside just shy of 6,000 new criteria areas being added.
“We also have 22 lenders currently lined up to come onto Knowledge Bank across commercial, buy-to-let and bridging. That tells us lenders increasingly understand the value of making their proposition accessible to brokers while they are actively researching a case.
“The search data is equally interesting. Maximum age at end of term remains number one and was also the most changed area by lenders, while Joint Borrower Sole Proprietor continues to climb and capital raising for debt consolidation has jumped from 15th to 10th.
“Lenders now have greater access to this type of insight through Knowledge Bank. That creates an opportunity to react to changing demand much faster. Rather than waiting for anecdotal feedback to filter through, lenders can see what brokers are actually searching for and where demand is moving.
“That feedback loop between brokers, data and lenders is incredibly powerful. As the market continues to evolve, we believe it can help lenders adapt propositions more quickly while ultimately helping brokers find solutions for more clients.”
