Cyber Risk Grows for Brokers
Reports of rising property-sector cyber attacks come as broker firms accumulate more sensitive customer data across sourcing platforms, lender portals, document stores and digital client journeys. The FCA’s recent enforcement activity also underlines the wider importance of integrity, governance and controls throughout financial services. AI can increase both productivity and exposure. Tools that summarise client […]
Funding Diversification Reshapes Specialist Lending
Pepper Money is exploring a Polaris securitisation containing residential and buy-to-let mortgages with both sterling and US dollar-denominated tranches. The specialist lender’s objective is to diversify funding sources and attract a broader investor base. Separately, commercial and bridging lenders are expanding propositions and funding lines, including TAB’s new £200m facility and Alternative Commercial Mortgages’ launch. […]
AI Surveying Moves Closer
Novello Chartered Surveyors has joined the Open Property Data Association while preparing an AI-powered platform intended to convert property inspections into structured digital data. The development points towards a more data-led property process, potentially improving how survey findings are recorded, shared and analysed across the homebuying journey. For mortgage advisers, better-quality and more standardised property […]
AI Needs Adviser Guardrails
The FCA says AI is becoming a trusted source of financial information for younger consumers: 56% of surveyed investors aged 18 to 40 said they trust AI tools, while four in five less experienced investors had used AI for investment help. Crucially, 44% mistakenly believed AI-generated financial information is regulated, and 32% thought compensation may […]
Mortgage Rate Repricing Accelerates
UK mortgage pricing is moving higher again, with Barclays raising 39 residential purchase products by 20 basis points, while Accord and TSB have announced increases of up to 40bps and 25bps respectively. CHL Mortgages, Moda Mortgages, Virgin Money and Clydesdale are also withdrawing or repricing selected ranges, including buy-to-let and product-transfer deals. For advisers, this […]