MortgagesJun 30 2016

Society of Mortgage Professionals membership breaks 8,000

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Society of Mortgage Professionals membership breaks 8,000

Membership of the Society of Mortgage Professionals has broken through the 8,000 barrier for the first time.

Its head of professional development, Lee Travis said brokers are increasingly aware of the importance of raising standards and the value of being part of an evolving professional body, hinting that the society is planning important developments to enhance its proposition later this year, with a view to increasing membership growth.

In the meantime, arrangements are being finalised for a series of mortgage and protection roadshows during the fourth quarter, beginning in the north west at Haydock Racecourse on 4 October. Other venues in the East Midlands, Southampton, London and Belfast will follow.

“After enthusiastic feedback from members, each will feature seven separate sessions,” explained Mr Travis, “including the FCA returning by popular demand and a special focus on level 4 technical case studies”.

The SMP was created in 2005 by its parent body, the Chartered Insurance Institute, to provide focus and momentum for the professional development of all those working in the mortgage market, across lending, administration, advice, broking and associated support functions.

Mr Travis became head of professional development at the Personal Finance Society in November and was then confirmed as head of professional development at the SMP this January, replacing Gary Little, who left to take up a post in the mortgage distribution sector.

He moved across from work building the ranks of the New Model Business Academy for six years, with a mandate of digital training, higher certification and greater numbers of mortgage professionals.

In May, the SMP appointed Vishal Pandya as its new operations manager. He moved from seven years in the mortgage and protection market with HSBC and Lloyds to support Mr Travis’ plans.

At the time, Mr Pandya commented: “We are aiming to emulate the way the Personal Finance Society have extended their reach with consumers and to enhance our role on all fronts in the mortgage market.

“We are the only dedicated professional body for mortgage advisers and in the future will be looking to broaden our support, particularly in the protection and general insurance sectors.”

peter.walker@ft.com