RBS- First Active Conveyancing Lender Panel Compliance Tool

Lexsure’s COMPLETIONmonitor is web-based pre- and post-completion checklist for property lawyers. Supported by the CML and PI insurers. COMPLETIONmonitor is a unique risk mitigation tool.

This system facilitates the way you can demonstrate to lender panels that you are, and can stay fully compliant with their instructions, with automatic updates on RBS- First Active’s changes. While using the tool is not a prerequisite for RBS- First Active , demonstrating you can stay up to date with RBS- First Active’s Handbook requirements is a helpful support to your application to their lender panel and, just as importantly, safeguard your panel standing.

The system creates real-time alerts, automatically produces compliance and CQS reports, and will improve your firm's efficiency. In addition it is user friendly, cost-effective and, for many firms, results in a PII saving.

Find a Law Firm approved by RBS- First Active

Lenders frequently vary their requirements. The UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook requirements from RBS- First Active 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, RBS- First Active has made 181 revisions or additions to sections of their version of the CML Handbook.
That equates to a section change every 15.1 days. In total, 49% of the sections of P2 of the UK Finance Lenders’ Handbook for RBS- First Active have been changed since 15/12/2008.

To find out more about lender panel compliance,

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Recent Changes Include

# Date Assoc. Changes Related To
14.2.1 28/12/2017 CML
Post Completion Conveyancing
Where should conveyancing panelfor The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active send the title deeds and documents following completion?
16.1.1 28/12/2017 CML
Title Documents
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active details for requesting Title Documentation
17.1.1 28/12/2017 CML
Redemption Statements
Contact details at The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active for approved lawyers to request redemption statements .
5.7.1b 02/12/2016 CML
Freehold Flats
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel lawyers clarification as to whether they lend on freehold flats
5.19.1 19/07/2016 CML
Shared Ownership and Shared Equity
Contact details at The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active for approved lawyers for lending on affordable housing, shared equity and shared ownership and where relevant The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active requirements.
16.3.1 31/05/2016 CML
Transfer of Equity
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active clarification as to whether they have a standard form of Transfer of Equity/Deed of Covenant?
6.7.1 12/02/2016 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active approved conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes
6.14.1 30/11/2015 CML
Building Insurance
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel lawyers additional requirements concerning building insurance
6.7.1 25/09/2015 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active panel conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes
6.7.1 25/08/2015 CML
New Build Conveyancing
The Royal Bank of Scotland plc First Active approved conveyancer requirements for New Build Conveyancing : Home Warranty Schemes

Last update 19/01/2020

FAQs : The RBS- First Active Conveyancing Panel from members of the public

What is the rationale as to why all UK lawyers aren't included on the RBS- First Active Conveyancing panel?
Before the recession most lenders had an appetite for risk which was higher than today. The Financial Services Authority in 2010 conducted a thematic review into mortgage fraud which concluded: know the conveyancing solicitors that you are dealing with. Consequently, lenders have regularly sought more information from law firms about their operations and the individuals who work for them and set certain criteria such a completing on a minimum number of transactions. Many firms that have been excluded from lender panels have 100% healthy track record, no complaints and no claims and didn't just 'dabble' in conveyancing. Such firms were never going to meet the criteria of volume of transactions the lenders required.
Our lawyer has uncovered a legal deficiency with the lease for the apartment we are purchasing. 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 RBS- First Active conveyancing panel he must check that the lender is happy with this solution. Are we the client or is RBS- First Active?
The short answer to your last question is that, notwithstanding the potential for a conflict of interest, you and RBS- First Active are the client. A precondition to being on the RBS- First Active approved panel is to comply with the CML Handbook requirements (last updated for this lender on RBS- First Active). The CML Handbook conditions require your lawyer to disclose issues such as defects will the lease so that RBS- First Active 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.
Your search tool is useful but there are many lawyers listed near Middlesbrough on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel. Can you recommend a specific firm on the RBS- First Active approved panel?
We are not in the business of recommending one firm above another as the right firm for you depends on where your priorities lie. For example you may require a local firm with local knowledge or you might be looking for the low cost conveyancing. We recommend that you speak to 3 or 4 lawyers listed before you make your choice..
I am buying a new build flat and getting a mortgage with RBS- First Active. Can I do my own conveyancing?
Leaving aside the complexities and merits of DIY conveyancing you will have to appoint a solicitor on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel to look after their interests. Most people therefore find it easier to let the solicitor act for them and the lender. Furthermore there is minimal cost savings to made in you doing to conveyancing for yourself and another lawyer conducting the conveyancing for the lender. Please feel free to use the search tool to find a lawyer on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel in your location.
Is there a list of RBS- First Active panel conveyancers on the Council of Mortgage Lender’s Website?
No. There is no such tool on the Council of Mortgage Lenders or Building Society Association websites. Very few lenders make their panel listings available online.
We expect to receive a DIP from RBS- First Active this week so we know how much we could potentially offer as otherwise we are dependent on web based calculators (which aren't taking into account credit checks etc).Do the RBS- First Active recommend a solicitor on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel, or is it better to go independently
You will need to appoint solicitors independently although you'll need to choose one on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel. The solicitor represents both you and the RBS- First Active through the process.
I can not work out if my mortgage offer requires a lease extension . I have called RBS- First Active on numerous occasions and told it wasn't a problem and they would lend. My solicitor - who is on the RBS- First Active conveyancing panel- telephoned and was told not they would not lend in accordance with their CML Handbook minimum lease term requirements. Who do I believe?
As long as the conveyancer is on the RBS- First Active panel she or he must comply with the CML Handbook requirements for RBS- First Active. Unless your lawyer obtains specific confirmation in writing that RBS- First Active will go ahead your lawyer has no choice but to refrain from exchanging contract and committing you to the purchase. We would suggest that you ask RBS- First Active to contact your lawyer in writing confirming that they will accept the remaining number of years left on the lease.