Equity Release Group (ERG) has formed a partnership with StepChange to become the debt charity’s exclusive partner for equity release and later life lending advice.
The deal will see StepChange clients gain access to Equity Release Supermarket’s whole of market advice and technology platform.
Mark Gregory, founder and CEO at ERG, said: “We’re proud to partner with StepChange. They have a wealth of experience in supporting people to deal with their debt problems, making a difference to people’s lives on a daily basis.
“The partnership will enable us to greatly support those in a financially vulnerable situation, by enhancing StepChange’s range of solutions to customers.
“Our smartER™ platform also gives people the flexibility and empowers them to research different later life lending options in their own time before speaking to an Adviser.”
Gregory added: “As well as our passion for excellence, StepChange’s customers will benefit from our advanced digital capabilities through our advice process, such as our fully integrated digital Factfind and Product Confirmation Letter (PCL).
“Both are built using robust technology, providing enhanced usability and simplified user facing functionality, as well as heightened regulatory factors to take compliance and consumer duty beyond the required guidelines, significantly assisting a potential vulnerable customer.”
He said: “Our aim is always to push for greater accessibility and make it easier for people to explore and access all later life lending solutions.
“This partnership will allow for a broader product range and greater transparency for consumers in terms of comparing the market, the rates, the features and much more.”
Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange, said: “We are pleased to announce Equity Release Group as our new strategic partner for mortgage and equity release solutions.
“In developing our new 2025-30 strategy, we reviewed our place in the market and the solutions and services we are best placed to support clients with.
“Our review firmly established that ERG are best placed to provide our clients who need to access equity release products with the best outcomes and the widest range of services that meet their needs.”
Brownridge added: “ERG have substantial experience in the later-life lending market, as well as access to a wide range of broader later life lending products.
“This, combined with their size and a digitally enabled, multi-channel journey, makes them the ideal organisation to help our clients achieve the best outcomes.”
