Advisers across Key Equity Release and whole-of-market arm The Equity Release Experts (TERE) can now provide advice and product recommendations covering all later life lending options, including lifetime mortgages, retirement interest-only (RIO) mortgages and residential mortgages, within a single appointment.
The enhanced service forms part of Key Group’s broader holistic advice approach, which begins by assessing a customer’s circumstances, priorities and future needs before determining whether borrowing is appropriate.
Advisers will also continue to explore alternatives such as using other assets or income, downsizing, changing plans and accessing specialist support on areas including debt, pensions, care funding and short leases.
The group said the new model would reduce friction in the customer journey while helping advisers identify and recommend the most suitable option directly.
To support the launch, advisers have undergone additional training covering different mortgage types, sourcing systems and an enhanced fact-find process. The model was developed through a pilot programme followed by a phased roll-out.
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Key has also partnered with Mortgage Brain to support the research of mortgage products not covered by its Air later life lending platform.
The launch builds on Key’s existing approach, under which all options were considered but customers were often referred to internal mortgage specialists or partner firms where appropriate.
Under the new model, advisers can research and recommend a broader range of products themselves.
Will Hale (pictured), chief executive of Key Equity Release, said: “This further evolution to holistic advice within a single advice appointment is, in our view, now essential in the later life lending market. It improves the customer journey, strengthens our advice, and supports better outcomes.
“Product innovation and the broad range of profiles among over-55 customers looking to access their property wealth, or manage mortgage debt, in later life means that product-siloed advice is a major risk to delivering consistently good customer outcomes.”
He added that customers “don’t think in product silos” and instead want solutions that best meet their needs through a smooth advice journey.
The move aligns with the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA’s) growing focus on holistic advice in later life lending and Key’s obligations under Consumer Duty.
