Last edited 03 Dec 2020

Council of Mortgage Lenders

The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) is a not-for-profit trade association for mortgage lenders such as building societies, banks and specialist lenders.

Full membership of the CML is available to lenders authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Members of the CML account for about 95% of residential mortgage lending in the United Kingdom.

The CML also has a number of associate members from industries linked to mortgage lending, including conveyancers, management consultants and lawyers. Associates receive the same benefits as full members.

This Council’s purpose is to encourage sustainable UK housing finance, promote a positive mortgage lending environment and represent the interests of mortgage lenders and of the industry as a whole. They act as the voice for the residential mortgages trade and undertake research into the housing market, the economy, and the wider legal framework for industry practitioners, policy makers and other key stakeholders. They publish reports, articles and newsletters, organise events and provide training and consumer information.

The CML publishes the 'Lender's Handbook' which provides instructions for conveyancers acting on behalf of lenders in residential conveyancing transactions. It is not mandatory for lenders to use the handbook, but lenders' instructions to conveyancers may instruct them in accordance with the handbook.