The Right Mortgage & Protection network has launched its Later Life Lending Network, specialising in later life lending and equity release.

Having already being in the field for over a year, the network will now offer specialist support and will provide training on equity release to its members, in order to help them enter the marketplace and achieve CAS status.

The network says it has strengthened its equity release support team in order to help train advisers to pass exams, provide specialist advice, and offer a dedicated helpdesk to its members. Supporting this will be the networks suite of products relating to later life lending, including; lasting powers of attorney and wills.

Martin Wilson, CEO of The Right Mortgage & Protection Network, said: “Our objective is to educate, train and help our members learn how to give appropriate advice in this exciting marketplace. Equity release lending passed £3bn in 2017, up 42% on 2016. As a network, we have acknowledged the increased role equity release plays within the retirement planning landscape and the breadth of options in the mortgage market. This is a really exciting opportunity for our members and we are delighted to be able to offer this support.”

Adam Stretton, managing director of The Right Mortgage & Protection Network, added: “We have put together a comprehensive training plan to ensure our members are fully trained in order to offer a more holistic approach and advise on equity release with confidence. We are committed to helping clients better understand what solutions are available to their borrowing needs and we see interest only maturities as an opportunity to prove the value of an adviser.”

The network is looking to have 20 authorised advisers by the end of February and 50 by the end June.