This will be available through Mastercard’s Business Bonus Scheme rewards programme to help SME businesses save on everyday expenses through cashback or points on purchases.
Business owners will be able to access Habito’s mortgage advisers for free, whether they are buying a home, refinancing, or investing in a rental property.
It will allow the reward scheme’s members to explore their mortgage options through the brokerage’s platform, receive personalised help from advisers and access solutions to suit their circumstances.
The firms said this partnership reflected their respective commitments to making financial services work better for small businesses.
Ying Tan, CEO of Habito, said: “We couldn’t be more excited to partner with Mastercard to support the UK’s business community. Running a business is hard enough. Your mortgage shouldn’t be. SME owners deserve smart, reliable advice that just works, without the stress or the sales pitch. That’s exactly what we’re delivering with this partnership.”
The changing role of the Bank of Mum and Dad
Sponsored by Aldermore
Equity Release Group partners with StepChange
Equity Release Group has partnered with debt charity StepChange to become its exclusive equity release and later life lending advice partner.
Clients of StepChange will gain access to the group’s advice service, Equity Release Supermarket, including its technology and whole-of-market advice.
This is expected to help and guide people with their financial options.
Mark Gregory, founder and CEO of Equity Release Group, said: “We’re proud to partner with StepChange. They have a wealth of experience in supporting people to deal with their debt problems, making a difference to people’s lives on a daily basis.
“The partnership will enable us to greatly support those in a financially vulnerable situation, by enhancing StepChange’s range of solutions to customers. Our smartER platform also gives people the flexibility and empowers them to research different later life lending options in their own time before speaking to an adviser.”
He added: “As well as our passion for excellence, StepChange’s customers will benefit from our advanced digital capabilities through our advice process, such as our fully integrated digital fact find and product confirmation letter.
“Both are built using robust technology, providing enhanced usability and simplified user-facing functionality, as well as heightened regulatory factors to take compliance and consumer duty beyond the required guidelines, significantly assisting a potential vulnerable customer.”
Vikki Brownridge, CEO of StepChange, said when it developed its strategy for 2025-30, it established that the Equity Release Group was “best placed to provide our clients who need to access equity release products with the best outcomes and the widest range of services that meet their needs”.
She added: “ERG has substantial experience in the later life lending market, as well as access to a wide range of broader later life lending products. This, combined with their size and a digitally enabled, multi-channel journey, makes them the ideal organisation to help our clients achieve the best outcomes.”
Gregory said: “Our aim is always to push for greater accessibility and make it easier for people to explore and access all later life lending solutions. This partnership will allow for a broader product range and greater transparency for consumers in terms of comparing the market, the rates, the features and much more.”
