Co operative Bank Conveyancing Lender Panel Compliance Tool

COMPLETIONmonitor is web-based pre- and post-completion checklist for residential conveyancing lawyers. Supported by the CML and PI insurers such as AmTrust. COMPLETIONmonitor is a unique risk management tool.

This software assists the way you can demonstrate to lender panels that you are, and can remain fully compliant with their instructions, with automatic updates on Co operative Bank’s changes. Notwithstanding that using the tool is not a prerequisite for Co operative Bank , demonstrating you can remain up to date with Co operative Bank’s Handbook requirements is an excellent support to your panel application and, more importantly, safeguard your panel standing.

COMPLETIONmonitor generates real-time alerts, automatically produces SRA and CQS reports, and will enhance your firm's efficiency. In addition it is user friendly, cost-effective and, for some firms, results in a PII saving.

Find a Law Firm approved by Co operative Bank

Lenders often change their requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements from Co operative Bank are not guidelines, they are instructions from a client. As with many clients, instructions can change - and they do change, over time:

A Timeline of Policy Changes


Since 2008, Co operative Bank has made 598 revisions or additions to sections of their version of the CML Handbook.
That equates to a section change every 4.6 days. In total, 72% of the sections of P2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for Co operative Bank have been changed since 15/12/2008.

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Recent Changes Include

# Date Assoc. Changes Related To
10.10 04/04/2016 CML
holding the mortgage advance
16.3.4 04/04/2016 CML
Transfer of Equity
Co operative Bank plc requirements for approved lawyers as to whether Co operative Bank plc need to be sent the Transfer of Equity
16.5.3a 04/04/2016 CML
Deed of Variation
Co operative Bank plc requirements for conveyancing panel lawyers as to whether Co operative Bank plc need to be sent a Deed of Variation
17.2.1a 04/04/2016 CML
Redemption Payments
Where do solicitors and conveyancers send the discharge and repayment remittance in relation to Co operative Bank plc mortgages ?
4.3 04/04/2016 CML
Mortage valuation
Contact details at Co operative Bank plc for approved lawyers where assumptions stated by the valuer are incorrect
5.8.1 04/04/2016 CML
Freehold and leasehold owner of multiple flats
Co operative Bank plc panel lawyers clarification as to whether they accept security which comprises a building converted into not more than four flats where the borrower occupies one of those flats and the borrower or another flat owner also owns the freehold of the building and the other flats are subject to long leases?
6.13.1 04/04/2016 CML
Conveyancing Searches: Improvement or Repair Grants
Contact details at Co operative Bank plc for approved lawyers to used where Co operative Bank plc needs to be notified where property is affected by improvement/repair grant which will not be discharged.
6.14.3 01/12/2014 CML
notification of non-renewal/cancellation for buildings insurance policy
5.14.1 11/06/2012 CML
Leasehold Conveyancing
Co operative Bank plc approved lawyers leasehold conveyancing requirements : minimum unexpired lease term
6.6.3 11/06/2012 CML
Buy to Let Conveyancing
Co operative Bank plc approved lawyers requirements concerning receiving counterpart/certified copy tenancy agreements

Last update 21/03/2019

Common questions asked concerning the Co operative Bank Conveyancing Panel from members of the public

I would like to know the reason why all UK lawyers are not on the Co operative Bank Conveyancing panel?
Lenders point to the fact that solicitor-led fraud is thought to be responsible for millions of pounds of fraud every year. The removal of law firms off of lender panels started with the rise in mortgage fraud, which prompted a thematic review by the Financial Services Authority in 2011. Its outcome included recommendations for lenders to review their conveyancing panels, which kicked off a major policy change in the sector. It led to banks and building societies purging less reputable firms off their books
Our solicitor has uncovered a defect with the lease for the apartment we are buying. The seller’s lawyers have suggested title insurance as a workaround. We are content with insurance and will cover the costs. Our solicitor says that as he is on the Co operative Bank conveyancing panel he must be satisfied that the lender is happy with this solution. Who is the client here, us or Co operative Bank?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the potential for a conflict of interest, you and Co operative Bank are the client. A precondition to being on the Co operative Bank approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on Co operative Bank). The CML Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects will the lease so that Co operative Bank can be afforded the opportunity to check with their valuer as to the extent that the value of the property is affected . Should you refuse to allow your lawyer to make the appropriate notification then your lawyer will have no choice but to discontinue acting for you.
Having used your search tool I can't find the lawyer I was hoping to instruct as being on the Co operative Bank conveyancing panel. My lawyer has said that they are on the Co operative Bank approved panel. How can I be sure given that they are not listed on your directory?
Not all firms are yet listed on our lender panel search tool which is still relatively new. Law firms are listing on a daily basis and it is probably the case that your lawyer is on the Co operative Bank conveyancing lawyer and you should probably take them at their word. Please do feel free to suggest that they completing their listing on our site as it would only cost them £1 a month to list themselves as being on the Co operative Bank solicitor panel.
I was expecting to move into my dream home yesterday. My lawyer’s firm is on the Co operative Bank conveyancing panel but has moved offices 8 weeks ago and had not informed Co operative Bank of their new address. Co operative Bank is now refusing to release my funds as the information from the solicitors isn't correct.
This is as unusual as it is unlucky. The majority of lender Terms of Conveyancing Panel Appointment specifically oblige the solicitor to inform the lender of an address change. Your solicitor needs to treat this with the utmost urgency. Do speak with or register your concern with the senior partner (assuming he or she is not your direct lawyer). Most lenders would be reasonable in this situation and expedite the resolution of this issue. It may be prudent to enlist the help of your local Co operative Bank branch or your mortgage broker to see if they can help.
Do most lenders operate their own panel of solicitors?
Many lenders do operate a restricted conveyancing panel but a lot of lenders allow any solicitors to join their panel so long as they meet their criteria. Each lender sets their own criteria. For example the Co operative Bank conveyancing panel requirements are different to Co operative Bank’s conveyancing panel requirements.
Last month we had a mortgage agreed in principle with Co operative Bank. Solicitors have been appointed? How long does it take for Co operative Bank to send the offer to our conveyancer
There is no definitive answer here. Have Co operative Bank conducted the valuation? Have you advised Co operative Bank as your lawyers details and checked that your lawyer is on the Co operative Bank conveyancing panel? sometimes it can take as long as six weeks for a mortgage offer to be issued
The for formalities of my remortgage has taken place with a loan from Co operative Bank. Conveyancing was of an acceptable standard but I feel I should register my dissatisfaction about Co operative Bank. Who do I contact should I wish to lodge a complaint?
Almost all lenders have complaints procedures. Your first port of call should be one of the Co operative Bank branches or the Customer Services Department at Co operative Bank head office. Ordinarily complaints to Co operative Bank are sorted out effectively and efficiently. However if you are not satisfied that the matter is resolved you can write to the Financial Ombudsman Service at South Quay Plaza, 183 Marsh Wall, London E14 9SR with full details of your complaint.