The Association of Short-Term Lenders (ASTL) has announced that MJ Group has become the latest organisation to join as an associate member.

MJ Group provides independent valuations and property advisory services for international and national banks, challenger banks, bridging lenders, lending institutions, property funds, financial organisations, corporations and developers. Since its creation in 2006, the group has grown to become an adviser to more than 50 national and international lenders.

Firms that join the ASTL typically work in the bridging and secured loan sectors and provide short-term loans and mortgages, often ranging between six months to a year.

Members of the association must abide by a code of conduct which requires them to disclose costs and fees up front with no small print or misrepresentation of product offerings, and not charge non-refundable fees which could be perceived as being excessive.

MJ Group managing director, Robert Cohen, said: “We are proud of our reputation for high quality, informed and independent advice that has become a benchmark for best practice and industry standards. In the world of short-term mortgage lending, it’s the ASTL that sets the benchmark for lenders when it comes to high standards and customer focus.

“The recent launch of the Certified Practitioner in Specialist Property Finance (CPSP) programme, as a joint initiative between the ASTL, FIBA, and the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) demonstrates the crucial role the association plays in continuing to drive new standards of professionalism. As an organisation that shares many of the ASTL’s values and ambition, we are delighted to become an associate member.”

CEO of the ASTL, Vic Jannels, added: “I’m really pleased to welcome MJ Group as the latest professional organisation to become an associate member of the ASTL. Short-term lending is a vital cog in the property industry, providing a funding solution for a wide variety of circumstances, and it’s important that we work closely with other associated businesses, such as valuers, to ensure we continue to deliver the best possible experience for customers.

“This is why associate members are so important to the ASTL, and our growing membership reflects the increasing number of like-minded businesses that want to demonstrate a commitment to high standards.”

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