Vic Jannels, chief executive of the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA), is to retire at the end of 2025 after six years in the role.
Jannels (pictured) took up the position in 2019, at a time when the association was still known as the Association of Short-Term Lenders (ASTL). His tenure has coincided with a period of significant growth for the organisation and the specialist finance sector more broadly.
Under his leadership, the BDLA has expanded its membership to nearly 100 organisations and launched several key initiatives aimed at raising standards, enhancing transparency and supporting regulatory engagement. During this time, the loan books of member lenders have grown more than threefold – from £4bn to close to £13bn.
“It’s been a real privilege to serve as CEO of the BDLA and I’m extremely proud of what we’ve achieved during my tenure,” said Jannels.
“We’ve launched the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance qualification, which has helped raise standards across the sector; we’ve worked closely with the sector as it has grown through regulatory and challenging economic periods; we’ve introduced the annual Bridging Market Survey in collaboration with Interpath Advisory; and we have now collaborated with SIRA in the development of a sophisticated early warning fraud platform that will prove a huge leap forward for short-term lending.”
He added that, after more than five decades in the mortgage industry, “it now feels like the right time to hand over the BDLA reins to someone new who can lead the Association in its next growth phase”. He will remain in post through the remainder of the year to support a smooth transition.
Alan Margolis, director of Greymax and a member of the BDLA executive committee, paid tribute to Jannels’ impact.
“Vic’s contribution to the BDLA and the wider industry cannot be overstated,” he said. “His leadership, energy and integrity have helped to shape the BDLA into the authoritative and respected organisation it is today. On behalf of the executive committee and our members, I want to thank him for his tireless service and dedication.”
Margolis added that the association is now focused on identifying a successor who can build on Jannels’ legacy and “continue to champion the interests of bridging and development lenders – especially in continuing the BDLA’s lead across fraud prevention, education and policy representation”.
No announcement has yet been made on the timing or process for appointing a new chief executive.
