His message: “write, refer, just don’t ignore.”
Regulatory scrutiny is reshaping the equity release advice conversation
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) launched its Later Life Mortgages Market Study (MS26/1) in March 2026. It is examining advice quality, consumer understanding, and access barriers. Initial findings are expected before the end of the year. Outdated associations — compounding debt, loss of ownership, limited flexibility — still shape how many clients approach initial conversations about later life products. Debunking those myths, and doing so at the point of advice, is now an active regulatory concern.
Simon Webb, managing director of capital markets and finance at LiveMore, sees the Q3 data as evidence of unmet need rather than weak demand. “Holistic advice that considers broader concerns over wealth, retirement and mortgage planning is more vital than ever,” he said. “Consumer need is clearly not going away and we need to match those needs with the options that are right for them, including a broad range of later life lending products.”
The Q3 2026 Equity Release Council data shows a market holding its footing, but the commentary around it tells a more urgent story. Equity release products are more flexible today than they have ever been, Harris noted — but awareness remains the real barrier.
As the FCA prepares to publish its findings, the conversation about equity release is no longer up to specialists. Advisers should be part of the discourse too.
Leave a comment