Reflecting on the inaugural Later Life Lending Summit
Held in Sheffield on the 19 November, the inaugural Later Life Lending Summit successfully delivered on its promise to provide high-quality education and networking opportunities for professionals across the mortgage and later life lending sectors.
At the heart of the Summit was the acknowledgment of advisers’ pivotal role in delivering good outcomes in the new Consumer Duty era. David Burrowes (Chair of the Equity Release Council) opened the day before welcoming Robert Sinclair (Chief Executive of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries) to the stage to share his views on the market and how we can work together for better consumer outcomes.
Michelle Highman (Chair of the Equity Release Council Standards Committee) then welcomed Keith Richards (Chief Executive of the Consumer Duty Alliance), Charlotte Jackson (Head of Guidance Services and Customer Protection Strategy at the Money and Pensions Service) and Ken Rose (Ombudsman at the Financial Services Ombudsman) to discuss the challenges of Consumer Duty.
Following the initial speeches, the almost 250 attendees benefited from over five hours of structured CPD learning accredited by the LIBF as they took part in the three interactive sessions specifically designed to encourage meaningful discussion:
- Lender Lightning Talks provided the stage for providers to share insights with advisers as to the development of the market as well as how to better support customers.
- Advice in Action used case studies to encourage advisers to better consider customers’ needs and how different objectives impacted product choices.
- Designing the future invited a smaller number of delegates to consider some of the knotty challenges facing the industry around client communication, regulation, and the role technology might play.
Significant networking opportunities were also available during the day which provided the ideal platform for building connections and fostering collaborations that will shape the future of the sector.
The high level of engagement highlighted the industry’s collective commitment to fostering a more inclusive and responsive approach, ensuring that all advisers are equipped to meet the evolving needs of later life borrowers.
By bringing together diverse perspectives, the Later Life Lending Summit has set a benchmark for innovation, collaboration, and excellence in later life lending advice. As we reflect on its success, it’s clear that events like these are vital for driving positive change in our industry.
This milestone event aimed at advisers was delivered by the Equity Release Council in collaboration with the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries and supported by lead Sponsor, Adlington Law.
