The FSA has expanded the information on its website for firms wishing to apply to vary their permissions.
As part of its drive to make it easier to do business with, the FSA has made enhancements to the frequently asked questions section to aid firms involved in mortgages, insurance mediation or investment business, that are looking to change their regulated activities.
AMPD launches lender panel
The Alliance of Mortgage Packagers and Distributors (AMPD) has announced the launch of its lender panel exclusive product range.
AMPD has confirmed its lenders will include: GMAC-RFC, Mortgages plc, Platform, Southern Pacific Mortgages Limited (SPML) and The Mortgage Business (TMB). John Mawdsley, spokesperson for AMPD, said: “This is an exciting time. AMPD’s exclusive products are available now for our intermediary customers.”
Mortgage industry to gather in Glasgow
Glasgow is gearing itself up for the Mortgage Business Expo Scotland to be held on 2 March.
The Expo is free to mortgage intermediaries, providing access to packagers, magazines, clubs and networks, with seminars and exhibitions held throughout the day.
ifs launches audio learning tool
The Institute of Financial Services (ifs) has launched an audio learning tool for its Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) qualification.
The CD includes case studies and specimen papers with discussion of major issues by qualified practitioners. It is designed to provide students with a different way of learning.
TMB roadshow to hit more regions
The Mortgage Business (TMB) has announced further regional roadshows will take place on 27 February in Leeds, 28 February in Newcastle, 3 March in Bellshill, Strathclyde and 7 March in Belfast.
The roadshows are part of TMB’s 2006 Spring Campaign and have already taken place in London, Exeter, Bristol, Birmingham and Chester.
KRS in recruitment drive
Key Retirement Solutions (KRS) has announced plans to recruit 40 members of staff in response to the predicted growth of equity release.
Many of the appointments will be independent financial advisers with FPC 1/2/3 and CeMAP qualifications but lifetime mortgage advisers and customer service advisers will also be taken on.
The force is with the Melton
Melton Mowbray Building Society is launching a referral service with Mortgageforce for customers seeking a mortgage, which falls outside the society’s normal lending criteria.
The service will provide non-standard mortgages to customers with a poor credit history or those who need a borrowing requirement beyond the society’s normal income multiples.
Optoma launches Amber exclusives with free valuations
Optoma Broker Solutions has launched a suite of Amber Homeloans adverse products with free valuations.
The exclusive range offers reduced rates discounted until 31 May 2008 starting from 5.06 per cent with no extended early repayment charges and free valuations. There are full status and self-cert options, which are available up to 90 per cent loan-to-value on feather and light adverse mortgage products and 80 per cent loan-to-value on medium and heavy adverse deals.
Complete adds Mortgage Trust to lender panel
Mortgage Trust has joined Complete Mortgage and Loan Services’ lender panel, bringing its total number of packaged lenders to 28. Complete now offers access to both Mortgage Trust’s core mortgage range and its exclusive MT Select offering.
