Santander Panel Review
It was recently announced that up to 1000 firms are at risk of being removed from Santander’s Conveyancing panel on March 31st unless firms have become part of the CQS. A Santander spokesman was quoted as saying, “As part of the bank’s efforts to manage risks associated with mortgage lending, we are committed to managing our panel of Conveyancing providers. CQS provides a means of maintaining choice and high standards for our customers, while addressing those risks.”
A number of other high-street lenders have taken or are proposing to take a similar stance in connection with solicitors who are not part of the CQS.
Vincents are delighted to announce that, after rigorous assessment of the work undertaken by our Residential Conveyancing Department, the firm has been awarded the Law Society ‘kite mark’ of excellence and we are now part of the Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS). The CQS was introduced by the Law Society in order to promote and regulate best-practice in the home buying process, and is recognition of our Conveyancing Department’s diligence and dedication to providing a first class service.
The award comes at an opportune time, as more and more lenders are insisting that law firms must obtain CQS accreditation. Those solicitors who do not currently have CQS accreditation may face being removed from a lenders panel, and ultimately will not be able to act in matters involving that lender.
Malcolm Glynn, Head of Property Services said, “Having the accreditation not only allows our clients to be assured of the quality of our service, but ensures we can continue acting for our clients, whoever they chose as their lender.”