Santander joins BDLA amid growing institutional interest in specialist lending

By Bridging Loan Directory 20th May 2026

Santander UK has joined the Bridging & Development Lenders Association (BDLA) as an Associate Member.

The bank, through its Non-Bank Financial Institutions and Professional Services team, supports specialist lenders across the bridging and development finance sector with banking, funding and risk management solutions.

Its decision to join the BDLA reflects the increasing institutionalisation of the short-term property lending market and the growing role of institutional funding within the sector.

The BDLA represents bridging and development lenders alongside funders, legal firms, valuers, technology providers and other professional services businesses operating across specialist property finance.

Adam Tyler, CEO of the BDLA, said:

“We are very pleased to welcome Santander as an Associate Member of the BDLA. Santander is a hugely respected name within UK financial services and its involvement reflects the continued evolution and growing maturity of the bridging and development finance market.

The fact that a major high street bank is actively supporting lenders in this space highlights the increasingly important role specialist property finance now plays within the wider lending market.”

Jon Bowring, Regional Managing Director at Santander Non-Bank Financial Institutions & Professional Services Team, added:

“We’re pleased to join the BDLA and support an organisation representing the bridging and development finance sector.

Santander works closely with lenders operating in this market and we recognise the importance of professionalism, transparency and sustainable growth as the sector continues to evolve.”