Richard Fox, chief executive of the SMP, said: “As products and services available within the mortgage market continue to expand, so does the need for properly qualified advisers who are able to provide customers with comprehensive and competent solutions.
“I expect membership to continue to rise as more advisers realise that the Society is able to deliver a wide range of initiatives to help them build their technical knowledge, skills and professional commitment.”
During the past year the Society has introduced a job role and competence framework to help individuals and organisations determine what knowledge and skills are required in the area of mortgage sales and advice.
Membership initiatives have included a “Professional Pointer” series of e-bulletins, technical updates, fact files, seminars and workshops. In the latest, dates have been released for a technical seminar on Higher Risk Mortgages. To be delivered in conjunction with the Personal Finance Society two seminars are to be held on 13 October in Manchester and 17 November in London.
Fox commented: “Higher risk mortgages are expected to become a major growth area for the future. It’s another example of an essential area of the market that advisers need to understand. It’s all about being professional and that is what the Society exists to help advisers achieve.”
