ifs reveals commercial mortgage interest
The Institute of Financial Services (ifs) has revealed 300 advisers have registered for its Certificate in Commercial Mortgages (CeCM).
Registrations for the single-module qualification opened nearly two months ago in a joint venture between the ifs and the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers.
Mark Roberts, head of faculty financial regulation at the ifs said: “The early take-up of the qualification indicates that the commercial lending sector is becoming more attractive to brokers who would usually advise on residential mortgages only.”
RBS signs up to Origo initiative
Origo has announced RBS Intermediary Partners has signed up to its e-standards initiative.
Supported by the Association of Mortgage intermediaries (AMI), the Origo initiative plans to help increase efficiency and drive out unnecessary manual business processes and multiple re-keying of data in an effort to make life easier for intermediaries, packagers and others involved in the process.
Purely announces strategic alliance
Brokerage Purely Mortgages has announced a strategic working partnership with Humberts Estate Agency.
The move is to be piloted in 12 Humberts branches. Purely Mortgages will provide a range of services enabling Humberts to focus on its role of selling homes. As part of the alliance Humberts will retain its independent identity.
Universal to merge with the Newcastle
Universal Building Society has confirmed is to merge with Newcastle Building Society, subject to Universal members and Financial Services Authority (FSA) approval.
Kevin Robinson, chief executive of Universal, said: “The proposed merger with the Newcastle will allow our members to benefit from additional products and services. The geographical fit of the societies also means that we are able to complete the merger with no requirements for redundancies and offer job security to all our staff for at least three years.”
Premier Guarantee warns of affordable housing shortage
Premier Guarantee has revealed the affordable housing situation is getting worse.
Analysis of the housebuilding sector by Premier Guarantee said the affordable housing crisis was worsening by 165 homes per day.
Despite increases in the number of homes being built, its research revealed 70 per cent of all homes built are more than £150,000.
Correction
Mortgage Introducer would like to clarify that Stuart Pender, chief executive of Paymentshield, collected the prize for best provider of mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI) at the Mortgage Introducer Lender Awards, not Chris Traynor, as was stated in the awards supplement in the 13 May issue. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
