Mercantile Trust has become the latest lender to join the Association of Short-Term Lenders (ASTL).

Mercantile Trust is a specialist bridging and buy to let lender and part of the Norfolk Capital Group of companies, which has been providing financial solutions for more than 30 years.

In bridging finance, Mercantile Trust offers loans up to £500k, although it can consider larger deals on referral. It has specialist propositions to suit both light and heavy refurbishments and also offers a range of micro bridging loans up to £49,999.

Maeve Ward, director of commercial operations at Mercantile Trust, said: “At Mercantile Trust, we offer a common-sense approach to lending decisions and are committed to providing excellent customer service. Our business is built on integrity and accountability, with the aim of building lifelong relationships with intermediaries and clients, and this genuine approach to delivering the best possible customer outcomes aligns closely with the principles and ethics of the ASTL.

“So, we are delighted to become members of the association and look forward to working together with other members to promote good practice and sustainable growth in the bridging market.”

Vic Jannels (pictured), CEO of the ASTL, added: “I’d like to welcome Mercantile Trust as the latest lender to join the ASTL. Our growing membership means that we now represent the vast majority of recognisable brands in the short-term property lending market. And, with every new member to join our ranks, the volume of our voice and the strength of our influence increases. This means we are even better positioned to promote the sector, engage with policy makers and uphold standards.”