Safe Home Income Plans (SHIP), the equity release industry body, said that from 1 August, SHIP members will no longer accept any business from advisers who have not passed the appropriate lifetime mortgage exams, reports Financial Adviser (3/4/07). SHIP research shows that 723 people have taken and passed lifetime mortgages examinations since February 2007, taking the total number of those who have passed to 6742.
With more than 700 more applicants taking these exams over the next two months more IFAs will be qualified by the summer deadline.
Jon King, chief executive of SHIP, said: “It is very encouraging to see the increasing number of individuals who have taken the time to study for and pass the lifetime mortgage examination. “SHIP’s decision to make home reversion examinations compulsory for IFAs wishing to work with its members from April 6 2008 was taken as a further attempt to continue to improve standards in equity release advice available to consumers.
“With many exam options available we urge more advisers to register and take advantage of the opportunity presented by equity release.”
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