Equity release’s very nature as a product means that the need to assess, identify and manage vulnerable customers is always of paramount importance. This webinar tackles this topic in depth, with an outstanding lineup of contributors.
We examine the FCA’s guidelines on consumer vulnerability and how these apply to the equity release market – including identification, monitoring, reporting and maintaining evidence.
We look at what advisers are doing to meet Consumer Duty’s requirements for working with vulnerable customers – and consider whose responsibility it is to do this, the adviser or the lender?
We consider ways in which vulnerable customers can be identified and how they can be monitored – along with what is likely to happen where firms fail to meet the regulatory requirements.
We include practical examples of certain vulnerabilities, and what should be done when these are identified.
This webinar is primarily for professionals involved in the equity release market – although much of the content will be valuable to others within other parts of the financial services sector. The webinar will increase understanding of this topic – and help improve firms’ practices in safeguarding vulnerable customers.
Speakers
Kelly Melville-Kelly
Kelly is the director of risk, policy and compliance, at the Equity Release Council. With over 25 years of specialised experience in the financial services industry, Kelly has led numerous risk and regulatory projects within the equity release and wider financial services sectors. Since joining the Equity Release Council in 2021, Kelly has collaborated with all stakeholder members to champion and promote the vision and values of the standards. Kelly will be chairing the webinar.
Carol Nuttall
Carol is the founder and head of Adlington Law. Adlington Law specialises in both private client and property law, especially equity release. Carol is also a member of the Equity Release Council and is committed to promoting the values of the industry and assisting in the development of the equity release sector moving forward. She is particularly concerned with protecting the interests of clients and ensuring vulnerable clients are catered for and advised with the care and respect they deserve.
Daniel Edmondson
Daniel is the national account manager at Advise Wise. He’s a dynamic figure in later life and tech and is at the forefront of innovation in the free-to-use later life sourcing platform. With a background in lending distribution, Daniel excels in leveraging technology to empower businesses and individuals. He is passionate about AI and emerging tech; driving discussions on technology's role in enhancing customer outcomes.
James Sudworth
James is a lifetime mortgage specialist adviser. Having previously worked at one of the largest specialist lifetime mortgage law firms in the UK, he now provides financial advice to clients who are looking to release equity from their property. Sitting on the Equity Release Council’s Risk and Conduct forum, and vice chair of the Adviser forum, James loves the challenge of enhancing standards across the whole of the later life market.
Andrew Gething
Andrew is the founder and managing director of MorganAsh. He is a highly successful entrepreneur who has taken an IT start-up through growth and profitability to successful acquisition and floated a private computer games company on the London Stock Exchange. Andrew is a structural engineer graduate, previously a Chartered Structural Engineer, and holds an MBA from Sheffield Business School. He is a recognised consumer vulnerability specialist and champion, is the driving force behind the award-winning consumer vulnerability management tool, MARS – adopted in the financial services, credit and utilities sectors.