Iain Banfield has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive and Chief Land Registrar of HM Land Registry. The announcement, made today, 24 July 2026, confirms Banfield in the top role following a successful tenure as Interim Chief Executive.
Mr Banfield is set to formally take on his new responsibilities in September 2026. He brings a wealth of experience to the position, having served as Interim CEO and Chief Financial Officer at HM Land Registry since 2019. His career also includes significant roles within the Department for International Trade, UK Trade and Investment, the Shareholder Executive, and the former Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
The appointment comes after a thorough and transparent recruitment process, ensuring a fair selection. Neil Sachdev, Non-executive Chair of HM Land Registry, expressed his delight at the confirmation, highlighting Banfield's extensive background and leadership qualities. Sachdev stated his belief that Banfield is the ideal candidate to steer HM Land Registry through its next phase of transformation, focusing on enhancing customer service, modernising operations, and supporting government objectives related to housing and economic growth.
In his own comments, Iain Banfield conveyed his enthusiasm for the role, having considered it an honour to serve as Interim CEO over the past year. He expressed his eagerness to collaborate with stakeholders across the property sector and within the organisation to continue the transformation journey. This includes further improving services for customers, fostering strong partnerships, and delivering lasting benefits for all involved.
A career civil servant since 2001, Banfield first joined HM Land Registry in February 2019 as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to that, he spent two and a half years at the Department for International Trade, initially as Deputy Director for Strategic Finance before becoming Acting Finance Director. His extensive experience in senior finance and leadership positions across government departments underscores his suitability for leading the vital public body.