Financial Services Consultancy and Operations Specialist, Square 4, is the latest member of the Equity Release Council. Nationally recognised for helping firms navigate compliance, regulatory challenges, and operational improvements, they design bespoke solutions across a diverse and challenging regulatory agenda.

Square 4’s addition to the ERC’s growing network underscores their commitment to excellence,  acknowledged by the International Compliance Association, when they were awarded Compliance Consultancy Firm of the Year, 2024.

The firm’s tailored advisory, resourcing, and learning approach has made a significant impact across all sectors, including banking, insurance, investments, pensions, and equity release. Square 4 has supported many firms across the financial services spectrum to navigate regulatory and compliance challenges, following the implementation and post-implementation of the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) Consumer Duty.

Recognising that Consumer Duty represents the most significant regulatory change in the past decade, Square 4 have shown active dedication to supporting the industry through their comprehensive Consumer Duty Board Report Guide.  This vital tool is designed to help firms ensure all regulatory expectations, rules, and best practices are effectively considered, evidenced, and approved. This allows firms to not only comply with regulations but show they are committed to improving customer outcomes.

The latest official data published by the Council shows total lending increased by 15% to £577m in Q2 and new customers rose by 12% as customer confidence returns to the market.  The Council’s membership includes all active lifetime mortgage providers across the UK, Ireland and Canada, among more than 750 member firms which also encompass financial advisers, solicitors, surveyors and other professionals.

Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council, said:

“As the newest member of the Equity Release Council, Square 4 joins a number of consultancies that are committed to upholding the highest standards within the later life sector. Their decision to join the Council demonstrates the opportunity and continued evolution of the equity release sector that embraces innovation to deliver the best outcomes for customers.

“With a rapidly ageing society and significant levels of property wealth, later life mortgages can provide a path to a more comfortable retirement for homeowners via the untapped potential of housing equity.”

Matthew Drage, Managing Director at Square 4, said:

“Joining the Equity Release Council marks an exciting step for us as an organisation. While our core focus remains on supporting businesses to grow and thrive across the evolving spectrum of conduct, financial crime, and operational risk, we are eager to contribute to the important work of the Council.

“We believe that our expertise in compliance and operations will support firms to deliver great consumer outcomes, and will ultimately add value to the Council’s mission – to help more people responsibly unlock the value of their property. Ensuring the highest standards and best practices are upheld across the industry.”

ENDS

About the Council: The Council is the representative trade body for the UK equity release market. Plans that meet the Council’s standards come with five product safeguards: no negative equity guarantee; fixed or capped rates for life; the right to port; the right to make overpayments; and secure tenure for life. These safeguards are underpinned by mandatory independent legal advice which ensures the customer understands the risks and implications of the plan.

More information:

Visit www.equityreleasecouncil.com

Call Andy Lane and Libby Wallis at Instinctif Partners on 0207 457 2020

Email [email protected]