Authorised

FCA authorises peer-to-peer bridging lender




Peer-to-peer (P2P) lending platform LandlordInvest has secured full authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

The buy-to-let (BTL) and bridging loans marketplace was granted regulatory approval following a 24-month application process.

LandlordInvest has now applied to HM Revenue & Customs to become an Isa manager capable of offering the Innovative Finance Individual Savings Account (IFIsa).

Only firms authorised by both regulators are permitted to offer the IFIsa product.

Filip Karadaghi, chief executive of LandlordInvest, said: “We are delighted to have reached this important milestone, ahead of many larger peer-to-peer lending platforms that are still operating under an interim permission.

“Full FCA authorisation means that we have proved to the regulator that we are able to meet its high threshold standards and have the appropriate regulatory and operational infrastructure in place.

“Our next milestone is to be able to offer the IFIsa, which we believe will benefit savers given the low interest rate environment and low returns.”

LandlordInvest expects to receive a green light from HMRC over the next few weeks and, if granted, will offer the IFIsa directly through its lending platform.

The firm will be looking to offer tax-free returns between 5-10% per annum.

“In addition to higher potential returns, the IFIsa is a valuable addition in a diversified portfolio, especially if it is not correlated with the stock markets, which our IFIsa would not be,” Filip added.

LandlordInvest offers BTL loans of between £30,000-750,000 for terms of up to five years.

Borrowers may also apply for short-term bridging loans with a maximum term of 18 months.

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