National Private Lenders Association Launches the NPLA Watchlist to Advance Industry-Wide Risk Controls for Real Estate Lenders

MARLBORO, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The National Private Lenders Association (NPLA) today announced the launch of the NPLA Watchlist, a searchable, members-only risk-intelligence program designed to help lenders, brokers, and service providers identify high-risk counterparties before funding. The NPLA Watchlist identifies individuals and entities that leading credit providers will not engage with—or will consider only after heightened due diligence—to protect capital and uphold credit standards. Accessible through a secure, login-protected portal, the NPLA Watchlist enables authorized users to search for names and entities and receive matching results.

“The industry asked for a tool that plugs into intake and pre-funding. This is that tool,” said Jonathan Hornik, Esq., Executive Director of the NPLA and Managing Partner of Private Lender Law. “Members can search a name or entity, see whether a watchlist match is present, and apply heightened diligence—while keeping submissions confidential and contributors anonymous.”

As private real-estate lending scales, the volume and velocity of transactions naturally increase exposure to counterparties that may not meet participating credit providers’ standards. A searchable, centralized Watchlist helps surface elevated-risk names before closing, supporting pre-funding protection that reduces avoidable losses, repurchases, litigation, and operational disruption. By giving authorized users a fast, confidential way to check for matches, lenders can make earlier, clearer decisions about non-engagement or heightened review—preserving capital and keeping legitimate deals moving.

The Watchlist also drives operational consistency across a rapidly growing industry. It complements existing KYC processes, title/settlement verification, valuation review, and closing standards—creating a common control that aligns with members’ internal policies. That alignment translates into cleaner portfolios and stronger confidence from capital partners and rating-sensitive stakeholders, ultimately improving market acceptance and supporting sustainable growth.

The NPLA is proud to provide this tool and to work with participating companies that are helping move the industry forward with shared standards, practical controls, and a stronger foundation for responsible expansion.

The NPLA Watchlist is available to NPLA members who accept program terms, including confidentiality, permitted-use restrictions, and designation of authorized users. Organizations interested in participation can contact the NPLA’s Managing Director, Amy Kame at: [e-mail].

About the National Private Lenders Association (NPLA)
The NPLA is the leading trade association for the private real estate lending industry, advancing standards through advocacy, education, and events.