Semi-Exclusive Launch | Direct Access to Afin Bank
We are pleased to announce the semi-exclusive launch of Network Direct Access to Afin Bank, now available to Connect Network members. Even within a strong specialist panel, certain cases require a more tailored underwriting approach, whether due to visa status, limited UK credit history, complex income structures or higher borrowing requirements. Afin has been built […]
New Criteria for a New Season
We’ve introduced a series of policy enhancements designed to give you greater flexibility, stronger affordability and broader customer reach. Here are four key updates to highlight: 5-Year Fixed WOERC on HLTV We’ve launched a 5-year fixed with no ERC option on our HLTV product (above 85% LTV), giving customers greater rate certainty while maintaining the flexibility Selina […]
2 year HMO and MUFB Limited Edition Options
We recently reduced our 2-year fixed rate options. Here’s what that looks like for HMO and MUFB products, all of which feature free valuations. Up to 75% LTV rates from 2.99% 3%, 5.5%, £1,999 and £3,999 fee options Up to 80% LTV rates from 3.54% £0, 3%, 5% and £1,999 fee options Find out more here Got […]
Zurich’s cancer definitions: ‘We cover more than advisers might think’
Critical illness definitions can appear complex – particularly when it comes to cancer – but advisers may underestimate just how broad Zurich’s cover is. According to the ABI, cancer remains the leading cause of claims. Zurich’s definition of “cancer – excluding less advanced cases” covers malignant tumours with uncontrolled growth and tissue invasion, excluding only […]
Structured Real Estate Proposition
Introducing our expanded Structured Real Estate Proposition across two dedicated teams 2025 was a landmark year for Structured Real Estate at Shawbrook which consisted of our largest-ever new-to-bank customer, with a £44m facility. Building on this momentum, we want to help you serve even more property professionals, offering large loans with interest-only facilities of up to 75% […]
A New Era of Buy-to-Let for Every Landlord
The world is the professional landlord is changing, and with that comes more innovation in who can become a landlord and how they build their portfolios and investments. Some choose to purchase and remortgage: In their individual names Through a limited company As an expat from an overseas territory As a foreign national living in the UK including those on […]
Paymentshield Offers Innovative Referral Option
Paymentshield’s Refer and Protect solution has the potential to transform how advisers manage their general insurance business. This innovative solution enables advisers to refer customers to Paymentshield’s own team of in-house experts if they don’t have time to offer advice themselves, while retaining full oversight of the sale. The launch of the referral service acknowledges that the combination of the Consumer Duty regulation and prevailing market conditions has resulted in a high level of […]
Controller DYA Process
Whilst using the Case Management team to submit your cases works great for most advisers, there are occasions where firms may want to take on the responsibility for ensuring the DIPs and Applications are submitted accurately and the case quality is maintained. Therefore, we have amended our process to allow certain Controllers or Advisers, to […]
The Benefits of having an FCA Number
Anytime an Appointed Representative (AR) joins Connect, they are given an FCA number, whether they conduct regulated activity or not. There are many advantages to this, which will benefit your business, your clients and us as a Network. Benefits for a Mortgage Adviser Legitimacy & Trust – Being an FCA authorised firm gives you credibility, showing […]
Navigating Mortgage Applications: The Critical Role of Compliance
As the sun shines longer and the summer months wind down, the real estate market typically sees a surge in mortgage applications. Many prospective homeowners aim to secure their new homes before the long, dark nights set in. With this seasonal uptick, lenders are ramping up their efforts, enhancing their systems and processes to streamline […]