Addressing the audience of policy makers, regulators, the media and broking and lending firms at the House of Commons launch, the AFB’s chairman, the Rt Hon John Gummer MP, said:
“The industry is going through a period of unprecedented change. With new pressures emanating from UK regulators and the European Commission, secured loan brokers need a trade body with extensive experience in effectively lobbying policy makers.
“As part of the Association of Independent Financial Advisers’ (AIFA) ‘family’ of trade bodies, which also includes the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), the AFB has access to an executive with extensive experience in campaigning for the best regulatory environment for their members. Both AIFA and AMI are held in high regard by regulators and policy makers and the AFB will directly benefit from the excellent reputation enjoyed by its sister associations.
“AFB is the standard bearer for the industry, campaigning to raise professionalism and putting consumers first. The more support we receive from the industry, the greater the weight we bring to the negotiating table. I would therefore urge all secured loan brokers keen to influence the debates on key issues such as: payment protection insurance; the Consumer Credit Directive; responsible lending; and the reputation of the industry, to join the AFB now so that their voice is heard.”
