The Role of the Principal of a Firm
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) expects principal firms to exercise effective oversight and supervision of their appointed representatives (ARs) to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and prevent harm to consumers and markets. Key expectations include: Pre-Appointment Due Diligence – Principals must conduct thorough checks before appointing an AR, assessing its financial stability, business model, and the […]
Understanding Undue Influence in Mortgages and Equity Release: The Etridge Protocol and Key Legal Developments
The Etridge Protocol and Key Legal Developments In the mortgage and equity release market, particularly where one party provides security for another’s borrowing, legal safeguards are essential to prevent exploitation or abuse. A central concern in these transactions is undue influence, where one person uses their position of power to persuade another to enter into a […]
Changes to the Do Your Own DIPs and Applications (DYA) Process
We have updated the DYA process to provide greater flexibility for advisers. Key Changes Experienced Adviser Approval: Any adviser who is considered experienced will now be eligible for DYA approval. Tenure-Based Eligibility: Advisers who have been with the network for more than two years may also be eligible, but this will be dependant on a review by compliance. No Automatic Approval: DYA approval is not granted […]
Staged Income | What Mortgage Advisers Need to Know
Staged Income – What Mortgage Advisers Need to Know In recent months, we have seen a marked increase in lender warnings issued to mortgage advisers regarding staged income cases, as well as instances of advisers being removed from lender panels. While panel removal can sound serious, it’s important to recognise that these situations are almost never due […]
Could your next large HMO case benefit from a free valuation?
Could your next large HMO case benefit from a free valuation? We know that large HMO and MUFB valuations can be complex and costly. So if you’re client is looking to keep upfront costs to a minimum, take a look at our range of products featuring free valuation options. HMO / MUFB product range: Reduced […]
New Regulated Bridging Product
We are excited to tell you that we have introduced our new regulated Bridging Product, designed to provide flexible and practical short-term funding solutions. Key Product Highlights: Up to 75% LTV on 1st charges and 70% LTV on 2nd charges, with loans starting from £20,000 and secured against the borrower’s primary residence (minimum property value £75,000) Term of 12 months […]
Refer home surveys with confidence! 12.5% Referral Comms
April marks the start of the new financial year, so now is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and get ready to make 2026 your most successful year for survey referrals yet! Give your clients the assurance they need when buying a home by recommending a thorough professional survey. A home survey is a key […]
What is a Vulnerable Customer?
A vulnerable customer is someone who, due to personal circumstances, is especially susceptible to harm when engaging with financial services. The FCA expects firms to identify, understand, and appropriately support such customers to ensure fair treatment and good outcomes. For further help and detail on how we can all work together to ensure customers receive […]