"While brokers can refer cases if they wish, expanding licence options remains a powerful way to diversify, increase revenue streams and achieve a competitive advantage."
National brokerage Just Mortgages has launched a new series of workshops to help self-employed brokers secure their equity release licence.
Three workshops will be available to existing brokers over the next three months and will be hosted by the learning and development team at Just Mortgages. The sessions will provide brokers with everything they need to acquire their equity release certification, and join almost 30 advisers who are currently licenced to offer equity release at Just Mortgages.
Each broker will also secure their own membership to the Equity Release Council, as well as gain access to ongoing training and a full suite of support. This includes resources such as fact find checking and support from specially licenced and authorised equity release area directors.
Just Mortgages became a member of the Equity Release Council earlier this year. The brokerage became authorised to advise on equity release more than four years ago and provides the facility to authorise existing equity release advisers, as well as a referral service for brokers across both employed and self-employed divisions.
Ashley Edwards, financial services director at Just Mortgages, said: “This year has been the busiest year yet for equity release at Just Mortgages, as more homeowners look to unlock capital within their homes to support themselves and their families. Of course, there’s much to consider and it may not be the right move for every client, making expert advice from a qualified adviser absolutely critical.
“The concerns raised by the FCA in its recent review of the later life market only emphasise this further. Our comprehensive training – in conjunction with membership with the Equity Release Council, ensures best practice and that the highest standards of advice are implemented from day one. We look forward to supporting more brokers in their journey to becoming fully qualified.”
Ben Allkins, head of mortgages and protection at Just Mortgages, added: “Our focus is to provide our brokers with the necessary tools and training to respond to the broad demands of the market. While brokers can refer cases if they wish, expanding licence options remains a powerful way to diversify, increase revenue streams and achieve a competitive advantage.
“With Consumer Duty now in force and the FCA’s recent review, equity release is a hot topic at the moment and quite rightly so. Ensuring later life clients receive positive outcomes has to be a priority for the entire sector. The workshops and training put in place by Ashley and team put brokers in the best possible position to help clients weigh up their options.”
