New AI-driven platforms are set to reshape the UK mortgage sector as brokers face intensifying regulatory scrutiny and operational strain.

With the Financial Conduct Authority consulting on the future of advice-free mortgages and Consumer Duty enforcing higher compliance standards, advisers are under pressure to streamline their workflows while maintaining quality of service.

In 2024, more than 85% of UK mortgages were broker-arranged, yet the average adviser spends over 14 hours a week on manual tasks and duplicated data entry, eating into time available for clients and compliance.

As the FCA explores loosening the requirement for formal advice in certain mortgage cases, brokers are turning to automation in a bid to protect both their relevance and profitability.

The latest response comes from JammJar, a UK-based startup backed by Haatch and FSE Group, which today launches what it claims is the first AI-native platform tailored to the mortgage advice profession.

Developed in collaboration with advisers, JammJar promises to eliminate some of the most time-consuming aspects of a broker’s day — including phone call transcriptions, CRM updates, and compliance administration.

RISK OF BEING LEFT BEHIND

“There’s a real risk that brokers get left behind as the market digitises,” said Karl Griffin (pictured, left), founder and chief executive of JammJar.

“The firms that adopt smart, purpose-built AI tools will be the ones who grow, stay compliant, and deliver better advice — without burning out.”

Among early adopters is Mortgage Select (SW) Ltd, which specialises in new-build mortgages. Its director of mortgages, Felicity Chappell, said the platform had transformed day-to-day operations.

“Before JammJar, our process was really admin-heavy. In New Build, speed is everything — but we were juggling spreadsheets, multiple systems, emails and phone calls, and passing cases between team members just to keep up,” she said.

“As soon as one of our advisers finishes a call, the AI writes up the Fact-Find — automatically and accurately, without anyone typing a word.”

The result, according to Chappell, is “no more delays, no manual notes, no blank forms emailed back and forth, and no more chasing missing data”.

NETWORK RESPONSE

Connect for Intermediaries, one of the largest networks in the country, is also piloting AI tools across its operations. Chief executive Liz Syms, who also chairs the Society of Mortgage Professionals, said the firm is deploying AI to assist with document analysis, compliance reviews and meeting transcription, while maintaining a structured and secure framework for adoption.

“Early feedback has been promising; record-keeping processes are quicker, and advisers now benefit from deeper client understanding thanks to AI-generated summaries and notes,” she said.

“Our approach to AI is structured and responsible. We operate under a defined AI policy, use a secure team ChatGPT account, and run all document handling via BOX through API connections to safeguard data.”

Connect has also established an internal ‘AI Champions’ group to identify further opportunities where automation can help improve efficiency and the customer experience.

Industry consultant and former AMI boss Robert Sinclair welcomed the development, highlighting the importance of aligning innovation with consumer protection. “Combining quality advice with clever technology is what will begin to differentiate firms in the next five years,” he said.

“The journey has begun — keeping everyone included and their information safe will be the gold standard.”

WAITING LIST

JammJar is now accepting new firms onto a waitlist, with advisers already using the platform reporting improved oversight and faster case progression. Griffin said the firm is committed to enabling brokers to serve more clients without compromising the human element of advice.

“This isn’t about replacing the adviser — it’s about making space for better conversations, better records, and better outcomes,” he said.

“We’re equipping brokers with the tools to scale and serve more clients — and we hope to also help lenders innovate and open up access to homeownership through more diverse products that meet the needs of underserved would-be homeowners.”

Pictured (L-R): JammJar founders Karl Griffin and Chris Underhill