The Equity Release Council has continued its expansion with two senior hires for its new risk, policy and compliance team.
The team will help deliver the Council’s standards, according to the trade body, as it grows in line with consumer needs.
Jim Boyd, chief executive officer of the Equity Release Council, said: “The creation of a risk, policy and compliance team adds further weight to our role as a standards-setter in the later life sector, as we continue to evolve and revise our important standards.”
Kelly Melville-Kelly has been appointed as head of risk, policy and compliance, and has previously held regulated positions at Alliance & Leicester and Legal & General.
Ms Melville-Kelly said: “Working with the Council and its members to better support consumers will be a key focus of mine in the months ahead.
“I’m pleased to join the Council at such an exciting time of growth at the organisation and look forward to working with various committees to implement key initiatives going forward.”
Sue Read has also been appointed as risk, policy and compliance manager. Her background includes experience as a BDM, underwriter and adviser.
Ms Read commented: “Having been active in the equity release space for over 20 years, I am excited to come on board at this vital time to further reinforce the industry’s rigorous consumer protections.”
Members of the Council, which is a voluntary body, sign up to its statement of principles that include required customer outcomes, under which members are expected to provide “clear, transparent and impartial” advice.
The new senior hires follow the Council’s expansion last month when it appointed a business development and membership manager, and a public affairs manager.
Equity Release Council figures for Q3 2020 showed the market was beginning to show signs of recovery after lockdown, although activity was still down year-on-year.
chloe.cheung@ft.com
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