Air pushes for customer-centric suitability reports in later life lending

Air, the later life lending platform, has launched a new suitability report designed to strengthen the way advisers present recommendations and to help clients better understand their options.

The move comes as the Financial Conduct Authority considers potential reforms to mortgage market rules following its recent Future of the Mortgage Market consultation. Among the questions raised was how advisers could provide more effective and holistic guidance in later life lending.

FOCUS ON CONSUMER DUTY

Air’s new report is intended to support advisers in meeting Consumer Duty obligations by making recommendations clearer and easier for clients to digest. The documents break down advice into shorter, focused sections using plain language, with a greater emphasis on personalisation.

The report builds on Air’s LIBF-accredited FactFind Learning Programme, developed with the Equity Release Council, and is designed to work seamlessly with the FactFind process.

Integrated with Air’s Writeroute system, it also removes duplication for advisers, ensures consistency, and enhances record-keeping.

BENEFITS FOR CLIENTS AND ADVISERS

According to Air, the suitability report aims to improve transparency, reduce the risk of misunderstanding, and support informed decision-making, particularly for clients in vulnerable circumstances.

Used alongside tools such as Air’s Navigator, it can show how all available options have been considered and explain the reasoning behind the final recommendation.

Ben Halhead, director of innovation at Air, said the development represented “a major step forward in later life lending advice delivering a stronger process for advisers designed for advisers”.

He added: “By breaking advice into shorter focused documents, clients can more easily digest important information leading to more informed conversations and greater confidence in the advice provided.

Clarity and reassurance are paramount to fulfilling the expectations of Consumer Duty and will be central to expected changes to the mortgage market regulatory framework.”

With more than 10,000 members, Air said the new report underscores its commitment to helping advisers deliver professional, consumer-focused advice in a sector where trust and understanding are critical.