How Aldermore puts purpose into practice

This article was produced in partnership with Aldermore

As the mortgage industry shifts toward more ethical and sustainable finance, brokers need lenders that align with these trends. Aldermore’s latest Report to Society makes it clear that it’s committed to supporting underserved customer segments, focusing on the big issues like ESG and DE&I, and leveraging data and technology to improve customer experience. Put simple, its long-term goal is sustainable growth by balancing financial performance with social responsibility. And at Aldermore, it’s more than just a corporate stance — it’s a strategic direction that directly benefits brokers and their clients.

With its beginnings as a challenger bank following a time of financial crises, Aldermore is now a fifteen-year-old veteran in the space. Even as a well-established and award-winning specialist bank, it has never lost sight of its initial purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives. That driving force is still at the heart of everything Aldermore does.

“As the report says, our purpose is to back more people to go for it, in life and business, and this extends beyond just the products and services we offer,” said Nicola Goldie, head of strategic partnerships and growth at Aldermore. “It’s in our DNA and embedded into our culture.”

A reputation for serving complex cases

Increasingly, brokers are seeking lenders that go beyond standard lending criteria and offer tailored solutions while supporting sustainable homeownership and community investment. Aldermore is stepping up to the challenge, with a strong focus on financial inclusion, diversity, and sustainability. The lender’s commitment to fair lending practices aligns with evolving broker and consumer expectations around financial inclusion and responsible lending.

Aldermore has built its reputation on serving complex cases — an area where many high-street lenders still fall short. For brokers, Aldermore remains a key lender for self-employed borrowers who struggle to meet traditional income verification criteria, first-time buyers with limited deposit funds or non-standard employment histories, and those with complex financial profiles, including credit blips.

As the housing affordability crisis shows no signs of easing, Aldermore’s flexible approach provides brokers with valuable solutions to help clients achieve homeownership in an increasingly challenging market. The bank’s lending strategy actively addresses these challenges, ensuring that more buyers can access competitive mortgage options despite barriers. Top initiatives include low-deposit mortgage solutions and affordability assessments considering a broad range of income sources such as self-employment, multiple income streams, and contract work.

“We’re a lender that understands the realities of modern homeownership challenges and is committed to making mortgages more accessible to those locked out of traditional finance,” Goldie explained. “Aldermore is leading the charge in diverse and inclusive lending, ensuring that borrowers from all financial backgrounds have access to homeownership.”

Integration of ESG initiatives and DE&I considerations

Recognizing the importance of ESG, Aldermore is not sitting on the sidelines. True to its innovative reputation, the lender integrates ESG into its core operations by taking a stance on climate action, engaging in sustainable lending, and increasingly focusing on community engagement. Recognizing the impact of managing its own carbon footprint and helping customers transition to greener choices, the lender is walking the talk and seeing the benefit of its efforts.

Encouraging energy-efficient property investments and financing environmentally conscious businesses is another way Aldermore is moving the needle on ESG considerations. The lender is also a loud and proud community supporter, engaging with its friends and neighbours via financial education and social mobility by partnering with charities and other local organizations.

In order to ensure a variety of perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and ways of thinking, Aldermore is also deeply committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, something Goldie is especially passionate about. With a focus on equal opportunities, Aldermore ensures fair recruitment, career development, and leadership representation. It has also turned its attention to employee networks, supporting underrepresented groups through internal communities and mentorship programs — all of which have been well-received.

“I am proud to say that Aldermore have ED&I at the heart of everything we do and have an excellent approach to supporting colleagues and communities,” Goldie said. “We’ve set a clear value proposition that ties in with our business strategy values and includes the behaviours we want to empower our colleagues to demonstrate to achieve our objective of creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, in addition to supporting colleague wellbeing.”

Underlying any ED&I effort is the embedding of core principles into the decision-making and policies of an organization. Aldermore has prioritized an inclusive culture that has room for everyone and celebrates the strength that comes with diverse viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. The lender doesn’t just support internally: Aldermore is dedicated to lifting those in the wider financial services industry as well through IMLA DE&I activity and a strong supporter of Working in Mortgages and DIFF.

Putting purpose into practice

For brokers, this presents a valuable opportunity to work with a lender that prioritises real-world lending challenges, helping more clients get the keys to their homes. From financial wellbeing and inclusion to climate impact, Aldermore stands out as a lender that’s adapting to the needs of modern homebuyers and the brokers who serve them.

In a market where affordability, inclusion, and sustainability are becoming dominant themes, Aldermore’s strategy makes it clear that its approach is not just about providing mortgages — it’s about supporting financially diverse borrowers, backing green housing initiatives, and ensuring that more people have access to homeownership, while creating a vibrant and diverse business from the inside out.

“The UK’s residential mortgage sector is changing, and we’re meeting that growing demand for flexible, inclusive, and sustainable lending solutions,” Goldie said. “If you’re looking to partner with a lender that supports specialist borrowers, backs community investment, and champions sustainability, Aldermore is one to watch.”