Paradigm Mortgage Services has announced a new strategic partnership with later life lending platform Air, designed to bolster support for directly authorised firms operating in the equity release and retirement mortgage market.
The agreement, unveiled today, will give Paradigm member firms access to Air’s referral services, training resources and technology tools, including its sourcing platform and the Air Academy, which provides structured education in later life advice.
Paradigm said the collaboration would enable it to further support advisers with “compliant, client-first solutions across all stages of the borrower lifecycle”.
Air offers a broad suite of services aimed at helping advisers deliver better outcomes for older borrowers. The firm has consistently called for the sector to become more mainstream, arguing that demographic shifts and rising financial needs in retirement demand more inclusive lending solutions.
Richard Howes, director of mortgages at Paradigm Mortgage Services, said the deal reflected the growing significance of the later life market.
“We know the later life lending space is growing significantly in importance for advisers and clients alike, particularly given the demographic and economic trends we’re all experiencing,” he said.
“For those firms who want to access this market and to grow their offering, we can now offer full access to Air and its vast range of resource and support services, including excellent commercial terms.
“We’re therefore very pleased to be bringing Air into the Paradigm partner fold. Their deep market knowledge, commitment to adviser education, and focus on positive customer outcomes make them an ideal fit for our members.”
The partnership is also designed to address the compliance challenges faced by firms operating in this specialist space. Air will work closely with Paradigm to offer tailored compliance and quality assurance solutions aligned to the specific risks of later life advice.
Will Hale, chief executive of Air, welcomed the partnership and said it would help advisers navigate an increasingly prominent sector.
“Later life lending has featured prominently in recent speeches from senior FCA representatives, with recognition of its importance in terms of supporting the needs of older customers as well as the role it can play in addressing some of society’s major challenges,” he said.
“With later life lending moving from a niche to a norm, and products having evolved significantly, it’s vital advisers consider all options and have a trusted route into the sector. Our team are here to help Paradigm firms realise the opportunity to deliver better outcomes for customers alongside unlocking the commercial value embedded within their businesses.”
He added that working with Paradigm on packaged compliance and assurance would ensure this growth could be managed “safely and sustainably”.
