Highlights from the 2025 later life lending summit

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Key insights and initiatives from Sheffield

The Later Life Lending Summit took place in Sheffield on 6 November 2025, bringing together experts from across the mortgage and later life lending sectors. The event focused on how the industry can work better together to support older homeowners.

Organised by the Equity Release Council in collaboration with the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), the summit introduced a new sector-wide initiative: “From Designing to Delivering the Future: From Summit to Shared Commitment.” 

The framework sets out practical actions to support needs-based advice, improve transparency and consumer understanding, and harness technology to support financial advisers.

Opening the Summit, Jim Boyd of the Equity Release Council and Stephanie Charman of the AMI explained how the framework was built, showed areas where work is already underway, and invited the wider later life lending sector to join the next phase.

With significant regulatory changes expected in 2026, the Summit emphasised the importance of the sector acting collectively and sharing knowledge to improve outcomes for older homeowners.

Launch of Safe Steps

Another major highlight of the Summit was the launch of Safe Steps, a new guidance hub from the Equity Release Council. This resource helps financial advisers respond to customer vulnerability with empathy, clarity and care.

Kelly Melville-Kelly, Director of Risk, Policy and Compliance at the Council, said:

“For some, later life lending is a positive step towards new opportunities; for others, it comes at a time of change or challenge. Safe Steps is about recognising those moments and responding with understanding and respect. Vulnerability isn’t a label. It’s a reminder that behind every decision is a person navigating their own circumstances.”

Safe Steps includes:

• Case studies and practical examples.
• Adviser prompts for consistent support.
• Shared learning across the later life lending sector.

It’s being shared with members of the AMI, reflecting a joint effort to improve awareness and raise standards. Stephanie Charman, AMI Chief Executive, added:

“Supporting customers in vulnerable circumstances is a collective responsibility. By sharing Safe Steps, we aim to raise awareness of vulnerability characteristics and suitable accommodations, while providing firms with practical tools to engage more effectively with their customers.”

Holistic support for later life lending

The summit explored how advisers can offer more joined-up support. With the Financial Conduct Authority’s Mortgage Rule Review prompting discussions on sustainable homeownership and economic growth, delegates focused on:

• Support for vulnerability customers – an issue of vital importance in later life lending.
• Adviser education and training.
• Specialist insights into sharing practical solutions on vulnerability, long-term care and technology.
• Knowledge sharing to help develop the next generation of later life specialists.

Why this matters for homeowners

For people aged 55+ considering equity release, the summit shows that advisers are increasingly equipped to handle complex or sensitive situations. With tools like Safe Steps, homeowners can feel even more confident their financial decisions will be supported thoughtfully and responsibly.