The Later Life Academy has partnered with the Equity Release Council to launch a series of later life training events for advisers next year.
The programme, called Later Life Lending - The Big Picture, has eight regional events scheduled in the first half of 2019 and aims to develop adviser knowledge in the sector.
The events will address topics such as retirement interest-only mortgages and equity release, the importance of estate planning and lasting power of attorneys and the considerations of vulnerable clients.
The Later Life Academy was established in 2014 as a training organisation for advisers in the industry and attendees to next year’s events will receive continuing professional development (CPD) points.
Donna Bathgate, chief operating officer at the Equity Release Council, said the retirement landscape was becoming significantly more complex.
She said: "Whilst many of the changes are beneficial for consumers, such as more product options, we must ensure that the guidance and advice they receive enables them to navigate the numerous choices they are faced with.
"We’re delighted to be partnering with the Later Life Academy again to further strengthen the capabilities of the later life adviser market to meet this challenge."
High standards of advice were fundamental to creating both a safe equity release and wider retirement finance market that can deliver successful outcomes for consumers, said Ms Bathgate.
She added: "Combining The Council’s Standards and the Later Life Academy’s accredited training we can support the adviser market to become fully cognisant of the options available to consumers and give them the ability to adapt to changing consumer needs."
Stuart Wilson, chief executive of Answers in Retirement, said a "robust, well-trained advice process" was vital to move away from product silos.
He said: "If you are an adviser dealing with older borrowers this is an incredibly fast-moving sector and will continue to be so, but we must ensure advisers see the big picture to include the issues that are specific to this sector."
Dale Jannels, managing director at All Types of Mortgages, said: "This look great. Lending into later life is a huge part of what we do on a day to day basis and demand is increasing.
"Educating the consumer that they have options post 65 has a long way to go and as brokers we have huge opportunities ahead in all areas of this market, not just equity release. Any assistance in increasing knowledge, awareness and how to assist these types of customers should be welcomed."
rachel.addison@ft.com
