Equity Release

We have been providing advice to clients in the equity release market since 2003.  Our clients have included both new ventures and existing providers.  They have appreciated our deep and critical knowledge of the sector, the risks involved and the regulatory requirements.

The equity release market in the UK comprises both lifetime mortgages and home reversions.  We have advised clients with one or both product types.  In addition, we also have considerable knowledge of the annuity market, which often is the source of funding, including in recent years developing the business plans and pricing models for a life insurance client.

We have a detailed understanding of the current approach of the FCA and PRA to the market and our Managing Director has long been involved at a professional level, including refereeing actuarial papers about the market and its products.  One of the significant features of roll-up lifetime mortgages is the no negative equity guarantee and how this should be modelled.

If you are considering entering the market, we can assist you with a wide range of matters including the preparation of business plans, identifying potential investors and funders, the administrative requirements, product design and pricing.  We can also guide you through the regulatory compliance issues and the requirements of the Equity Release Council’s Statement of Principles.

Whilst funding for lifetime mortgages in recent years has largely been from life insurance companies with annuity portfolios, there are some alternative sources of funding and we believe that the asset class is potentially attractive to a wider range of investors.  We are able to provide advice on funding for both new portfolios and refinancing existing portfolios.  For existing portfolios, we are also able to provide advice on restructuring for Solvency II matching adjustment purposes and assist with your governance arrangements.