Specialist lender West One has integrated a new criteria search tool on its website in partnership with Knowledge Bank, giving brokers faster access to its lending criteria across multiple product lines including bridging finance.
The move allows intermediaries to search West One’s criteria directly from the lender’s website using Knowledge Bank’s database technology, enabling advisers to quickly determine whether a case fits the lender’s requirements.
The new ‘Criteria Search’ function provides brokers with detailed responses based on specific borrower circumstances.
Searches typically return a clear answer of “Yes”, “Not accepted” or “Please refer”, alongside further explanation to help advisers understand how the case might be assessed.
By embedding the tool directly into its website, West One says brokers can now check criteria quickly without needing to leave the lender’s platform. Importantly, brokers do not need to hold a Knowledge Bank subscription to access the functionality through the West One site.
The criteria search covers West One’s full lending proposition, including bridging loans as well as residential, buy-to-let, second charge and commercial mortgage products.
EASIER TO NAVIGATE
Marie Grundy (main picture, inset), managing director of mortgages at West One, says the partnership was designed to help brokers place cases with greater confidence.
She adds: “We’re thrilled to partner with Knowledge Bank to make it even easier for brokers to understand our products and give them the confidence to place cases with us.
“The tool is remarkably innovative and I’m excited about the new opportunities brokers may be able identify for their clients where West One has a solution ready.”
The integration reflects a wider push among specialist lenders to make criteria easier to navigate as brokers increasingly rely on digital research tools to identify suitable funding options across the bridging and specialist mortgage markets.
