Mark Smith Email & Phone Number

I am banking lawyer in the Finance team at Ward Hadaway, based in Leeds. I have dealt with a wide range of financing and banking matters for funders and borrowers and headed up the real estate finance group at a national law firm for many years.

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  Partner

  Ward Hadaway

  2013 - Present

  I have acted for a diverse range of lending clients including UK and non-UK banks, peer-to-peer lending platforms, building societies, insurance companies and funds as well as many borrowers both quoted and private. I have particular expertise acting for peer-to-peer lending platforms. I've advised a P2P platform in obtaining full approval from the FCA (one of the first platforms to obtain full authorisation from the FCA). I have also drafted platform terms and conditions including in relation to Innovative Finance Isas recently approved by HMRC. I have also acted for P2P platforms on the transactional and regulatory issues involved in a wide range of lending into the real estate finance sector. I have also acted for opportunity funds both in their capacity as funders and borrowers in relation to all types of real estate assets including hotels, student accommodation and retail investments. Another sector where I have a lot of experience is the social housing sector where I have acted for many leading lenders over the years and acted for one of the largest registered providers in relation to its varied funding arrangements with lenders to the sector.