Well it has certainly been a busy start to the year! We have organised seven events so far in 2012 and we plan to continue our busy programme into the Summer. My own personal highlight was the Property Peak Challenge on 23 February when we had two teams involved in the charity run up the Heron Tower. It was very pleasing to hear that the APB was the top fundraiser on the night. As you will see from our events page, we have more events lined up for April, May and June and I hope to see you at one or more of those.
The APB Board is currently considering whether to change the name of the Association in recognition that times are changing.
In recent years, we have noticed that more of our new members are not employed by the banking sector but by other providers of debt such as mezzanine funds, bridging finance companies and insurance companies. Due primarily to regulatory change and the impact of Basel III in particular, the debt market is undergoing a huge period of transition with many of the traditional sources of senior debt no longer available. The increase in alternative sources of debt is continuing and specialist private equity backed debt funds are now appearing in the market.
As a result of all this change it is time for the APB to assess what is stands for and what direction it must take to remain an important voice in the industry. Our membership has grown to almost 400 now and we must seek to maintain our position as the property industry's key link with the finance sector. With this in mind we are considering a slight change to our name and branding to make it clear that we represent all debt providers and not just those from the banking sector.
By changing our name to the Association of Property Lenders or the Association of Property Financiers we think that we will appeal to the whole of the debt market and not just a part of it. The key issue is our common interest in financing commercial and residential property and the skills and experience required for that. Some of the new debt providers in the market even consider the word 'banker' to be tainted and to have negative connotations.
I would welcome members views on this topical subject. Please email me at president@the-apb.co.uk
Many thanks
Andrew
