RBS- First Active Conveyancing Panel Information

The information on this page is designed to keep solicitors and licensed conveyancers abreast of latest requirements changes by RBS- First Active and to assist in remaining on the RBS- First Active Approved Solicitor Panel.

RBS- First Active Solicitor Panel: Recently Asked Questions

Are RBS- First Active Conveyancing panel solicitors obliged to disclose incentives?
RBS- First Active’s answer to this question can be found at section 6.4.4 of their CML Part 2 requirements

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A recent SRA survey reveals that 76% of solicitors have been removed from a lender conveyancing panel. RBS- First Active and other lenders have restricted their panel over the years. Why?
In operating open conveyancing panels, lenders such as RBS- First Active face a number of fraud and negligence risks. While there is no authoritative source of data on lender exposure to solicitor–led mortgage fraud, anecdotal evidence from lenders indicates exposure on individual cases are often in the millions of pounds. The National Fraud Authority estimates that £1bn per year is lost in mortgage -related frauds in total, which is seen as a conservative estimate.

These risks are exacerbated by the lack of a comprehensive set of data on all conveyancing firms (which, for the avoidance of doubt, would include solicitors and conveyancers across the UK) which is in a readily accessible format. Currently, lenders vet the suitability of their panel firms against a variety of disparate, incomplete and potentially inaccurate sets of information. One top 5 lender pointed out to us that it is almost impossible to track individual fraudsters who move from firm to firm, especially where they are no longer registered or no longer hold a valid practicing certificate.

RBS- First Active and other lenders are in varying stages of reviewing their approach to vetting firms on their conveyancing panels, to ensure their ongoing exposure to unsuitable firms is reduced. There is also regulatory impetus on lenders to ensure that they have satisfactory oversight of their third party panels, including a due-diligence process.

Who do building societies include on their Conveyancing Panels?
In the same way that there is a unique RBS- First Active conveyancing panel most building societies, operate a conveyancing panel for solicitors and other conveyancers that the lender will instruct. Terms and Conditions and criteria for inclusion on a building society conveyancing panel vary from lender-to-lender. Having CQS accreditation may be a requirement. Institutional lenders, such as a building society, is a client and is entitled to instruct the solicitor or conveyancer of its choosing (who, in turn, is free to accept or refuse instructions). Therefore, if lender and borrower cannot agree which solicitor or conveyancer should represent them jointly, they would usually proceed on a separate representation basis. The BSA have not published the equivalent of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook Part 3s.
Are there any specific RBS- First Active conveyancing panel requirements in respect of Transfer of Equity Conveyancing?
RBS- First Active approved solicitors are bound by the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook instructions relating to Transfer of Equity. These are set out in Section 16.3. First, your firm must approve the form of Transfer of Equity (which should be in the Land Registry's standard form) and, if RBS- First Active require, the deed of covenant on their behalf. You will need to check RBS- First Active CML Part 2 conditions to see if RBS- First Active have standard forms of transfer and deed of covenant. Please note that this requirement can change from one transaction to another so do check! Second,When drafting or approving a transfer, you should bear in mind that: although the transfer should state that it is subject to the mortgage (identified by date and parties), it need give no details of the terms of the mortgage; the transfer need not state the amount of the mortgage debt. If it does, the figure should include both principal and interest at the date of completion, which you must check ; there should be no statement that all interest has been paid to date. Further obligations are set out in the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook which have to be followed by all firms on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel
I am a sole practitioner firm on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel. How can we advertise our firm as specialists in conveyancing in Hendon authorised to act forRBS- First Active?
13 borrowers attempt to locate a solicitor on the RBS- First Active panel every 4 weeks in Hendon. The lenderpanel directory service team who will show you how your firm can be identified by those searching for conveyancing in Hendon.
Our firm had their RBS- First Active panel membership terminated but we have not yet been given a reason as to why. I am completing a CQS application form what details do I need to put forward?
In this situation please clarify on the form what steps you have taken to find out the reasons behind cancellation of your RBS- First Active panel membership. In particular please provide details if you have received communications from the lender. E.G. before revocation of your panel membership did you receive any letters or calls from the lender advising you as to their reasons?
Our practice is on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel and all set to complete a remortgage within the next few weeks. I dont have a Legal Charge for the client to sign. Who do I contact at RBS- First Active to obtain duplicate documents?
You should communicate with RBS- First Active to obtain standard documents. The The Council of Mortgage Lenders Handbook includes an individual question for banks to establish who to contact to obtain standard documents. RBS- First Active in their Part 2’s state:
Please remember to disclose your RBS- First Active solicitors panel number.

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Average number of days to register title including a charge in favour of RBS- First Active
This information relates to purchase only and not remortgages.
YearDays*
2024 [no data]
2023 [no data]
2022 [no data]
2021 [no data]
2020 [no data]
2019 [no data]
* Data aggregated from sources including COMPLETIONmonitor