Local independent financial advisors accepted by regulatory body

Thompson Jenner Financial Services is pleased to announce that it is one of the first independent financial services advisory firms based in Devon to have been accepted as members of the Equity Release Council.

The Equity Release Council is the industry body for the equity release sector. Born from an expansion of the remit of SHIP (formerly Safe Home Income Plans), the Equity Release Council represents the providers who work in the equity release sector.

Managing Director, Neil Sear, said “We are very pleased that the firm has received this prestigious recognition. The Equity Release Council now represents all major participants in the equity release market, providing a voice for the sector, as well as setting standards and safeguards which protect and reassure consumers.”

A major focus of the Equity Release Council’s work is to ensure that products are safe and accessible for consumers. Each member of the Council that provides equity release products is signed up to the Equity Release Council’s Code of Conduct, which puts in place a number of safeguards and guarantees. This means that people who use equity release products offered by Equity Release Council members can have confidence in the products they use and the information they receive.

Neil went on to say “As members, we are committed to the Council’s Code of Conduct, as well as using only providers who also sign up to the code. We already have a lot of experience in the marketplace and have been advising on Equity Release mortgages for over 10 years. We also have very strong links with local solicitors who recommend clients to us on a regular basis.”

Equity Release plans allow you to release tax-free cash from your home as a lump sum, as regular income or a combination of both to boost your finances in retirement. The two main types of plan available are lifetime mortgages and home reversion plans. You can normally apply for equity release from the age of 55 upwards. The people who are likely to benefit are those who have cash tied up in their homes and don't wish to move. The older you are the more that you can generally borrow. Some schemes offer a drawdown facility where you are given a maximum borrowing limit.

Financial Planner, Philip Dalley, who is an accredited Chartered Insurance Institute financial advisor in Equity Release, said “Due to an extended period of low interest rates on savings and changes too many company pension schemes, equity release has grown in popularity. However, many people have been confused and have not been sure if it is right for them. It’s vital to seek the best independent advice when considering Equity Release, which is tailored to individual circumstances. Our aim is always to ensure that our clients fully understand what is being arranged and any potential implications. The Equity Release Council Code of Conduct sets strict criteria to which members must adhere, offering further reassurance to anyone considering this as a way of releasing capital.”

Neil Sear concluded, “As well as being accepted as members by the Equity Release Council, last year we were awarded our Statements of Professional Standing by the Chartered Insurance Institute, which is a requirement for all advisers to continue to advise from this year. We will remain fully independent to ensure our clients have advice and access across all areas of the market place with a full range of transparent charging options.” www.tjfs.co.uk