A new year is always a good time to think about next career steps. Whether you want to move into a different area of advice, develop skills or expand your mortgage broker firm.
According to UK Finance, 2021 was a record year for mortgage lending. But this trend is not set to continue, says James Tatch, Principal, Data and Research at UK Finance.
"The outlook for the housing and mortgage markets over the next two years is for a return to more stable, balanced picture following the upheavals of the last two years.”
With less mortgage activity and possibly increased competition among brokers, how are you going to ensure you stand out from the crowd?
Keep on top of your continual professional development (CPD)
CPD will keep you updated on the market and industry issues. Having that broader picture will give you, and your business, an edge. Suitable mortgage CPD activities include:
- attending seminars, webinars and workshops
- studying for a relevant qualification
- listening podcasts
- absorbing technical updates
- internal training and e-learning.
Our additional study support materials for CeMAP can also count towards your CPD.
Advise on equity release
Demand for equity release is set to continue rising in 2022, with a growing market including ‘Gen-Xers’ according to some reports.
But equity release is complex, so it’s no wonder that – to advise on it – you need an additional qualification on top of CeMAP.
You can complete our Certificate in Equity Release (CeRER) in just six months. It’s a great way to develop your skillset and increase your professionalism. But most importantly, it will help you give your customers the best possible advice and service.
Advise on protection
The Covid-19 pandemic has increased demand for protection products. Consumers need to ensure that they – and their families – will be financially protected in the event of death, illness or disability.
You don’t need a dedicated qualification to advise on protection. But as consumers increasingly demand financial cover, a recognised qualification will help you prove your value as an adviser.
Our Certificate in Protection (CertPro) will help you develop specialist knowledge to better understand customer needs, so that you can advise on the different types of protection products more effectively.
Branch out into financial advice
You may be thinking about developing your career and moving into financial advice. Or, you may simply want a broader understanding of financial advice to improve your skills as a mortgage adviser.
Either way, by completing our Level 4 Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA), you'll qualify to become licensed to offer financial advice.
Deepen your mortgage industry knowledge
As the economy adapts to a post-Covid world, you may want to expand your knowledge of the mortgage advice process and specialist mortgages.
The Advanced Mortgage Advice (AMA) module will help you do this and put your knowledge and skills into practice. You'll also learn more about the value of consumer-oriented advice, sound communication and ethical behaviour. Add AMA to your CeMAP and you’ll be awarded the CeMAP Diploma.
Show your credentials
By studying another LIBF qualification, you’ll automatically become a Member of The London Institute of Banking & Finance while studying with us.
That means you’ll enjoy all the advantages of our membership package, which – if you’re actively advising – includes Certified Mortgage Adviser (CMA) status.
CMA status comes with a digital badge which you can display on your website, email signature and on your social media profiles. So as well as learning, you can demonstrate your professionalism to clients and colleagues.
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See our Mortgage Advice qualifications