Connect for Intermediaries now has over 100 Appointed Representative (AR) members.

The specialist buy-to-let and commercial mortgage network says it has received an influx of enquiries from advisers who are looking to join a specialist network to gain authorisation, rather than obtain the consumer credit permissions direct from the FCA, following the regulator taking over consumer credit.

Liz Syms (pictured), managing director at Connect for Intermediaries, said: “We have had a substantial increase in applications from commercial brokers who are looking for a fast, cost effective way to obtain the correct regulation. The FCA currently quote up to six months to be become directly authorised, where as a straight forward application to a network like ours could mean approval in just a matter of weeks.

“We have worked hard to build an extensive panel of lenders across buy-to-let, commercial, bridging and second charges, which gives our members access to a very bespoke panel for these specialist markets.

“We are looking to welcome all our ARs to our first network conference in February. Where we will be delivering up to date regulation knowledge and provide a day full of training from tax specialists and lenders in the buy-to-let, bridge and commercial markets.”