The lender has invested in the platform in response to intermediary feedback, aiming to reduce administration, improve transparency and deliver a smoother journey from quote through to completion.
The platform includes Credit Reference Agency data, electronic identification, e-signatures across all products and self-service broker account administration.
The lender has also introduced Quick Quote, which provides a free automated property valuation across England and Wales. Brokers will now receive an automated valuation model (AVM) alongside an instant lending decision, so they can know whether a case is likely to be approved before submitting a full application.
It eliminates the need for signed application documents before submission, with documentation now issued alongside the offer pack, to reduce administration and help applications progress faster.
The platform will be rolled out to intermediary partners over the coming weeks, supported by onboarding and training.
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Agnieszka Jouille, director of operations and strategy at Step One Finance, said: “This investment is a key part of our long-term strategy to enhance the experience of working with Step One while continuing to strengthen our operational capabilities. By delivering a more streamlined and intuitive origination journey, we are reducing friction for brokers, enhancing customer experience.
“The platform has also been designed to support consistent decision making, improve the quality of information captured and strengthen governance through the application process. This not only help us deliver better outcomes for customers and intermediaries but also supports greater consistency, transparency and alignment with our regulatory responsibilities.”
Neil Molyneux, director of sales at Step One Finance, added: “Every enhancement has been designed to make it easier for brokers to do business with us.
“We’ve reduced administration, improved transparency throughout the application journey and introduced a free automated property valuation at Quick Quote, giving intermediaries greater confidence that a case fits our lending criteria before they invest time completing a full application.”
In June, the firm surpassed £500m of total lending.