Insights

Christmas is a time to reconnect with friends and family you may not have seen for a while. It’s a time for celebration and joy, but also when many of us may evaluate what’s important to us, what changes we may want to make in our lives and how to protect what we have.

Mortgage advisers – and others who work in financial services – may understand what’s happening in the economy and how it relates to mortgages, equity release, pensions and investments. But many customers are anxious and vulnerability is spreading.

With the new Consumer Duty coming into play, green mortgages have become about meeting basic client needs. So how should you, as a mortgage adviser, approach client conversations to avoid costly mistakes?

Have you recently graduated or just left school? Perhaps you’re thinking about what to study at university? Whatever stage you’re at, if you like a challenge, working in a team and solving problems, a career in finance could be for you.

Given the cost-of-living crisis, it’s no wonder people are looking at how to cut their outgoings. But as a mortgage or financial adviser, you need to help your customers make the right decisions. Gordon Reid looks at how you can help customers stick with policies they may not think they need, but definitely do.

The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) new Consumer Duty states that advisers must “avoid causing foreseeable harm to retail customers”. But what does that mean for you as a mortgage adviser? And how will it influence the advice you offer during the current cost-of-living crisis?

The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) new rules are likely to be the biggest shake up of financial services since the Retail Distribution Review and the Mortgage Market Review. John Somerville, our Head of Financial Services, sets out what this means for mortgage and financial advice firms – and how to prepare yourself for a more consumer-led world.

In an increasingly fast-paced digital world, banking and finance professionals are discovering they need something to help them stand out from the crowd – particularly in their marketing and digital communications. A digital badge can help you do just that – whether you’re promoting your business or planning the next step in your career.

You may be an experienced mortgage adviser, but – with inflation and the cost of living continuing to rise – today’s mortgage market presents new challenges. Gordon Reid looks at the issues, how they impact advisers and how you can prepare yourself for what’s ahead.