LMS has announced that Nick Chadbourne has decided to step down from his role as CEO.

He has led the conveyancing provider since 2016, playing a central role in transforming the business. Under the leadership, LMS said it has become a "technology leader" within the homebuying and selling industry, driving collaboration across key stakeholders, while maintaining a focus on improving customer outcomes.

Chief operating officer, Ian Robertson, who has been with the firm for two decades, will assume the role of interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor.

Castle Trust Bank has enhanced its buy-to-let proposition with the introduction of AVMs on eligible cases, helping to speed up applications and deliver greater certainty for brokers and their clients.

The use of AVMs will be available on standard residential properties, including houses and single flats, with a property value of up to £750,000 and a maximum LTV of 65%.

Through removing the need for a physical valuation on qualifying applications, the new process is designed to reduce delays, streamline the customer journey, and support faster decision-making for landlords and property investors.

Recognise Bank has unveiled a brand-new positioning centred around being ‘The Decisive Bank’, reflecting its commitment to helping brokers and SMEs secure faster lending decisions.

The new positioning follows a period of significant growth for the specialist lender, with its loan book surpassing £500m and customer deposits exceeding £600m.

The bank said the new brand reflects its relationship-led approach and commitment to providing straightforward lending decisions.

Mortgage Magic has announced that its secure portal is now live on the Microsoft Windows Store.

The AI-powered portal is built on the firm’s own proprietary AI, engineered for FCA-regulated mortgage advisers and introducers with bank-grade security.

Mortgage Magic said that the Windows Store certification process examines the app’s integrity, security architecture, and compliance with Microsoft’s published security standard before granting publication providing advisers, IT administrators and compliance team with independent confirmation that the secure portal meets the requirements needed.

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