Retirement income specialist Age Partnership has launched a service aimed at assisting advisers complete their equity release qualifications and work with their first clients.
They do this by shadowing an Age Partnership adviser on client appointments, including preparatory work, sitting in on meetings, getting experience of the research process and attending follow up sessions.
There is no charge or commitment for advisers wishing to make use of the service and it is up to them how much of the process they sit in on.
It has previously been trialled with a limited number of Age Partnership’s referral partners, but is now being made available to anyone that is interested.
Simon Chalk, equity release technical manager at the firm, commented that by shadowing field-based advisers, others will see that if conducted properly, there is nothing to fear from getting involved in equity release.
“Everyone involved in equity release wants the same thing: serious market growth. For that to truly happen, it is critical that the sector attracts new business-writers and doesn’t simply look to encourage referrals alone.”
Adam Carnall, head of partnerships, called it a win-win situation for everyone involved.
“If an adviser takes advantage of this service and decides to offer equity release advice in future, we will have given them a helping hand in becoming the kind of well trained and experienced adviser that the industry needs.
“If they decide that offering equity release advice is not for them, they get to see our advice first hand which we will think will give them the confidence to refer business to us in future.”
Last week FTAdviser reported on the unintended consequence for equity release in summer Budget inheritance tax changes being the negative impact of passing on property wealth tax-free.
peter.walker@ft.com
