FreeBen, an easy to use means-tested benefits calculator, is the most cost-effective product of its type currently available. Designed specifically for the equity release market, it enables advisors to give clients over 60 up-to-date information on their eligibility for benefits and how this would be affected by equity release. The FSA requires these factors to be taken into account when selling equity release products and recommends the use of specialist software for this purpose.
FreeBen has been launched by Maxine Harrison, the former operations director of general insurance provider Centrepoint Insurance Services, and her brother Kevin Wilkinson, a former IT specialist with telecoms operator Cable & Wireless. They set up Harwil Associates to provide products and outsourced solutions for the financial services sector. FreeBen is their first product.
Maxine said: “Equity release is growing in popularity but, as in other areas of financial services, compliance is increasingly an issue. The FSA recommends the use of specialist software like FreeBen but there was previously a very limited choice of products on the market.
“FreeBen is the most cost-effective product of its type currently available, providing advisors with greater choice, convenience and peace of mind.”
For further information see http://www.freeben.co.uk.
