Nick Chadbourne talks to Modern Lender about leading transformative change in one of the UK’s most established and traditionally complex sectors: conveyancing. With over 20 years of experience in financial services, he brings deep insight into the challenges posed by legacy systems and fragmented processes. Under his leadership, LMS is moving beyond the conventional role of panel management and is actively collaborating with lenders, brokers, law firms, estate agents, and technology innovators to reimagine the home buying and selling journey. The mission is clear: to deliver a seamless, data-driven experience that centres on the needs of the customer.
A key milestone in this mission is the recent launch of National Property Transaction Network (NPTN) – a solution designed to connect the industry more intelligently, reduce friction, and drive a more transparent, data-enabled experience built entirely around the needs of the customer.
What’s exciting you most right now?
We’re finally reaching a real tipping point for digital transformation. With momentum from initiatives like the OPDA, DPMSG, and the government’s public support for reforming the home-buying process, we’re seeing an alignment across the industry that simply didn’t exist before. The opportunity to eliminate friction and deliver end-to-end visibility for customers is huge. What’s making that possible is smart data – when it’s used effectively, it’s the foundation for a more efficient, transparent experience.
What will your biggest focus be over these next 12 months?
Right now, I’m focused on creating a truly open-loop network. We’re working on the infrastructure that allows real-time, actionable data to flow securely and efficiently across all stakeholders – and most importantly, a better user experience for the customer. For me, it’s about accessibility and removing silos. If we can make those connections work in practice, we unlock serious value not just for the industry, but for people buying and selling homes.
Which industry buzzword are you genuinely excited about?
Interoperability. It may not be the flashiest term, but it’s one of the most important. If we get it right, we can finally eliminate duplication of effort, cut out unnecessary delays, and give control back to customers. NPTN is helping to shape the frameworks that will make this level of connectivity a reality. It’s a game-changer.
What’s one change that’s integral to progress?
Adoption. The technology is there. The data is there. What we need now is the confidence to use it. That means being willing to test, iterate, and move away from outdated processes that don’t serve the customer anymore. The NPTN Sandbox initiative is a fantastic start, and we are already experiencing appetite to engage directly from key stakeholders making the decision to move away from observation to participation.
What’s changing the game in 2025?
It has to be AI. As I shared recently, it’s not just about automating tasks, it’s about fundamentally improving how we work. AI allows us to unlock insights from complex data, make faster, more informed decisions, and deliver more personalised customer journeys. But it only works if we use it with purpose. At LMS, we’ve built a clear data and AI strategy, underpinned by strong governance and a commitment to responsible innovation. We’re not just chasing efficiency, but we’re focused on better outcomes, greater transparency, and futureproofing the process for everyone involved.
Do you have any final thoughts?
It’s never about technology for technology’s sake. Every decision we make and every product we build must start with the customer. It’s also about the people behind the process. Real transformation happens when we combine the right tools with the right mindset - empowering our teams, partners, and industry peers to drive meaningful change. If we stay focused on both the customer and the people delivering the experience, we won’t just streamline transactions, we’ll redefine what it truly means to own a home.
