New Chief Executive Takes the Helm at HM Land Registry

Iain Banfield has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive and Chief Land Registrar of HM Land Registry, effective from September 2026. This follows his successful interim leadership in the role.

Since joining HM Land Registry in 2019 as Chief Financial Officer, Iain has demonstrated significant achievements, further enhanced by his prior experience with the Department for International Trade and UK Trade and Investment, as well as positions within the Shareholder Executive and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Appointment Following Rigorous Selection Process

The decision to appoint Iain was made after a thorough and transparent recruitment process. Neil Sachdev, the Non-executive Chair of HM Land Registry, expressed his enthusiasm regarding Iain’s appointment, stating, “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Iain as the new Chief Executive and Chief Land Registrar of HM Land Registry. His extensive experience, particularly during his time as both CFO and Interim CEO, positions him well to steer HM Land Registry through its next phase of transformation.”

Sachdev further acknowledged the dedication of HM Land Registry’s staff, highlighting their professionalism which has contributed to the organisation’s progress over the past year. He noted that he and the board are eager to collaborate with Iain and the entire team to build upon their successes.

Iain Banfield’s Vision for the Future

Upon his appointment, Iain Banfield shared his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “I am honoured to have served as Interim CEO over the past year, and I look forward to collaborating with everyone in the sector and within the organisation as we advance our transformation journey. Our focus will remain on enhancing customer services, fostering partnerships across the property sector, and delivering enduring benefits for all stakeholders.”

A Career Dedicated to Public Service

Iain Banfield’s career with HM Land Registry commenced in February 2019 when he took on the role of Chief Financial Officer. His prior experience includes two and a half years at the Department for International Trade, where he served as Deputy Director for Strategic Finance and subsequently as Acting Finance Director. Iain has been in the position of Interim Chief Executive and Chief Land Registrar since September 2025.

With a background as a civil servant since 2001, Iain has held various senior finance and leadership roles within government, including serving as Finance Director for UK Trade & Investment and positions in Finance Business Partnering and the Shareholder Executive.

Understanding HM Land Registry’s Role

The Chief Executive of HM Land Registry is a Senior Civil Service position filled through open competition. The successful candidate is appointed by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in this instance by Baroness Taylor on behalf of Steve Reed.

Iain is set to begin his official duties on 1 September 2026. Under his guidance, HM Land Registry will continue to safeguard land and property ownership worth nearly £9 trillion across England and Wales, a critical function that supports the property market, home buying, and the Government’s aspirations for housing and economic growth.

For further insights into Iain’s accomplishments as Interim CEO, highlights can be found in HM Land Registry’s recently published Annual Report and Accounts for 2025/26.

Contacting the Press Office

For media inquiries, please reach the Press Office at:

Trafalgar House
1 Bedford Park
Croydon
CR0 2AQ

Email: HMLRPressOffice@landregistry.gov.uk

Telephone: 0300 006 3365
(Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:30pm)

For urgent out-of-hours media calls (including weekends and public holidays), please call 07864 689 344.