Connect for Intermediaries has become the first network and packager on the new criteria search system Knowledge Bank.

Knowledge Bank provides advisers with the ability to search lenders’ criteria in seconds.

The arrangement means advisers using Connect will be able to search more than 18,000 different criteria across more than 43 lenders. All search results can be saved as a PDF or printed out; they will be automatically time and date stamped with the broker’s name and verified by lenders.  The results can then be saved as ‘evidence of research’ alongside product sourcing results, supporting a broker’s recommendation to their client.

Liz Syms (pictured), CEO of Connect for Intermediaries, said: “Technology plays an increasingly vital part for mortgage advisers and Connect is working hard to ensure that we remain at the cutting edge.  Our collaboration with Knowledge Bank will help our advisers to streamline the process of checking which lender allows which criteria, saving them potentially hours to spend with other clients and increasing their incomes accordingly.

“Connect advisers are in the unique position of also being the only brokers in the country to be able to search the criteria of a range of specialist mortgages.  These are currently being uploaded and will be live within the week.”

Nicola Firth, CEO of Knowledge Bank and its parent company Compass Systems, added: “Connect stands out as a packager and a network that constantly works to put its advisers at the heart of what they do. Knowledge Bank has also been designed to put advisers first and make their lives easier. It will help to give the advisers who use it an edge over their competitors by freeing up their time to see more clients, potentially increasing their profits and improving their compliance.

“With Connect for Intermediaries providing the criteria across a range of specialist lenders, this partnership with can only be hugely positive for everybody involved.”