Trade body now has 769 member firms
Legal services business Knights has joined the Equity Release Council, becoming the latest addition to the industry body.
With over 1,100 professionals across 26 locations, Knights offers legal and professional services to sectors including healthcare, aviation, and energy, as well as independent legal advice for clients seeking equity release.
The Equity Release Council now boasts 769 member firms and 1,831 registered individuals, representing all active UK lifetime mortgage providers alongside advisers, solicitors, surveyors, and other professionals involved in the equity release process.
Recent additions to the council include Smart Money People, a financial services review platform, and regulatory consultancy Square 4.
“We’re pleased to have Knights join the council, bringing with them in depth knowledge and experience of legal services,” said Jim Boyd (pictured left), chief executive of the Equity Release Council. “For the right person, equity release can be life changing, allowing homeowners to supplement their pension income, make home adaptations or even fund at home care.
“The requirement for independent legal advice for every customer, enshrined in council standards, has been a bedrock of the market for over 30 years and is integral to achieving high levels of customer satisfaction and low levels of complaints. We are therefore delighted to add Knights to the list of companies who by joining the council is committed to helping the industry grow and deliver good outcomes for customers.”
The Equity Release Council’s Q3 2024 market report revealed growth in both new plans (5,370) and total lending (£615 million), marking the first consecutive quarterly increase since the mini-Budget in autumn 2022. Boyd expressed optimism for 2025, citing falling inflation and improving market conditions as key factors for potential stability and strength in the later life lending sector.
“To ensure that customers make good sustainable choices based on their individual and often complex circumstances, it is vital that they receive expert legal advice from well trained and professional firms,” said Sally Peake (pictured right), partner at Knights. “We are therefore pleased to be members of the Equity Release Council as this allows us to keep on top of developments and ensure our team can provide the very best support for clients in later life.”
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