Silk Route Legal has joined the ASTL as an associate member.

It brings the total number of associates to 13.

Silk Route Legal is a boutique law firm based in the City of London. The firm acts for borrowers looking for short term lending. Through its membership the firm intends to work with lenders to fully understand their needs in order to ensure the quick turnaround that short term lending requires.

Benson Hersch, chief executive of the ASTL, said: “Silk Route Legal is a welcome addition that strengthens our associate membership. Its experience of working with borrowers will help broaden the knowledge and understanding of our membership and will help to ensure that funding reaches individuals and businesses when it is needed.

“Silk Route Legal’s experience with borrowers is sure to lead to constructive two way conversations with our lender members that will benefit both parties and ultimately those looking for short term funding.”

Nadeem Akhtar (pictured), partner of Silk Route Legal, added: “Gaining a greater understanding of lender needs is a big part of our reason for joining the ASTL.

“We work closely with our clients to secure necessary funds, often in very short timeframes. Our membership of the ASTL will enhance our relationships with the lenders and other partners key to the bridging process. We are looking forward to working together to become more aware and influence the market, for the benefit of our clients.”