Paragon joins BDLA as associate member

Paragon Bank has become an associate member of the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA).

The specialist bank plans to move to full membership of the association after it has entered the bridging market, which it is preparing to do so for next year.

In preparation for its launch into the bridging market, the bank appointed Kate Cooper as senior bridging underwriter and Swaraj Dada as head of bridging credit, to build its new team.

The appointments come ahead of its wider launch.

On the bank’s associate membership to the BDLA, Sundeep Patel, commercial director for bridging at Paragon, said: “Paragon is entering the bridging market with a clear ambition and a long-term commitment.

“We want to set the industry standard for customer experience. Joining the BDLA before launch reflects our commitment to playing an active role in promoting professionalism and responsible lending across the sector.”

Also commenting on the bank’s membership, Adam Tyler, CEO at the BDLA (pictured above), said: “We welcome Paragon Bank as an associate member.

“Paragon is an established and respected lender, and its decision to engage with the Association before entering the bridging market demonstrates the importance it places on being part of the sector’s collective voice.”