Lawrence Stephens is pleased to announce that we have been appointed to newly launched Afin Bank’s legal panel. 

Afin Bank was founded with a clear mission: to make it easier for underserved borrowers, such as people from diaspora communities living and working in the UK, to access mortgage solutions that truly meet their needs. 

For many of these customers, factors such as visa status or their UK credit history have created barriers to financial services. Afin Bank is changing that by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where customers feel valued and supported throughout their financial journey. 

In addition to serving foreign nationals with a valid visa to work in the UK, Afin Bank is also committed to supporting any borrower struggling to get a mortgage of because of their circumstances, such as the self-employed. With a deep understanding of the challenges many people face, the bank has developed practical, accessible solutions designed to make a real difference. 

Lawrence Stephens is proud to be partnering with Afin Bank to provide specialist legal support. The firm’s Real Estate Finance team will advise on a range of matters, including mortgage lending, property transactions, and regulatory compliance, ensuring Afin Bank and its clients receive expert guidance throughout the lending process. With a shared commitment to accessibility and innovation, this collaboration aims to deliver solutions that empower borrowers and support sustainable growth in the UK property market. 

Nicola Tunney, Chief People and Operating Officer at Afin Bank, explained: “Our mission is to empower underserved customers, whether they’re foreign nationals wanting to put down roots in the UK, or self-employed workers looking for a bank that understands their circumstances. We want to help more underserved borrowers secure a home of their own. 

“We’re proud to be working with Lawrence Stephens, whose Real Estate Finance team will provide expert legal support to both Afin Bank and our clients. Their experience and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we deliver accessible mortgage solutions to a broader range of borrowers.” 

Ann Ebberson, Head of Real Estate Finance at Lawrence Stephens, commented: “We’re excited to be working with Afin Bank, whose proactive and solution-led approach aligns closely with our own commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients. Their mission to improve access to finance for underserved communities is both timely and important, and we’re proud to support that vision. This a strong and valuable partnership in today’s evolving lending landscape.” 

Gregory Palos, Head of Financial Institutions Sector at Lawrence Stephens, comments: “We’re proud to be working alongside Afin Bank on their mission to make financial services more accessible to those who have traditionally been underserved. At Lawrence Stephens, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to own a home and build financial security. By combining our legal expertise with Afin’s inclusive and forward-thinking approach, we’re helping to remove barriers and support individuals and families on their journey to homeownership.” 

For more information on our Banking and Real Estate Finance solutions please click here. 

Lawrence Stephens have advised Blue Shield Capital on three completions in three weeks with a joint value of over £27 million.

The team, led by Director and Head of Banking Ajoy Bose-Mallick and Head of Real Estate Finance Ann Ebberson, also included Director Alex Edwards and Senior Associate Ashley Wright.

Blue Shield Capital is a publicly backed real estate finance firm, specialising in bridging loans across a broad range of property sectors within the UK market.

Deal one

We advised Blue Shield Capital on the successful completion of a £7.9 million senior facility, secured against a freehold office building located in the prestigious district of Fitzrovia, in London’s West End.

The 24-month facility, structured at 70% loan-to-value (LTV), supports the acquisition of the property and includes an additional £2 million advance to fund a comprehensive refurbishment programme. The works are aimed at repositioning the building as high-quality office space, capitalising on the continued strong demand for premium office accommodation in the West End.

The sponsor is an experienced operator with a proven track record of delivering successful projects across prime Central London locations.

Deal Two

The team advised Blue Shield Capital on the provision of a £14.5 million senior facility, secured against two freehold office buildings located in North London.

The facility refinanced an income-generating asset where the borrower has successfully enhanced rental income and secured permitted development rights. In addition, it supported the acquisition of a second vacant office property, offering strong redevelopment potential, with a planning strategy already in progress.

Deal Three

We advised Blue Shield Capital on the provision of a £3.2 million facility, secured against a fully-let retail site in Barking, East London.

The site, which has been owned by the borrower for over a decade, is now set to move forward with a major residential-led mixed-use redevelopment. The site was previously owned outright, and the funding gives the borrower flexibility as the project moves through the planning process.

Ajoy Bose-Mallick said, “We are proud to have supported Blue Shield Capital across a number of successful transactions, helping to deliver tailored legal advice that align with their strategic objectives. These deals reflect a strong collaborative approach and a shared commitment to unlocking value through thoughtful investment and development.”

These transactions highlight Lawrence Stephens ongoing commitment to supporting property owners and lenders with fast, flexible, and bespoke legal solutions.

For more information on our services and expertise in the banking sector, please click here.