The Equity Release Council has today confirmed Deloitte as its newest associate member as it continues to broaden its representation of firms across the market.
Deloitte provides its clients with audit, risk advisory, consulting, tax, and legal services around the world, and is the largest firm of its kind by revenue and number of professionals.
The move is indicative of ever-increasing membership on the Council as the equity release industry continues to grow in both size and reputation.
With over 700 corporate members, the Council’s membership covers every area of the equity release industry, including product providers, financial advisers, solicitors, surveyors and other professionals.
The influence of its standards means that, during the last ten years, over 325,000 customers have accessed their property wealth through products which enshrine the right to remain in their homes for life and the ability to move their loans to another suitable property as they grow older. They have also protected them against interest rate rises, repossession or the risk of passing on debt due to negative equity.
Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council, said: “Welcoming Deloitte to our membership and strengthening participation from the Big Four professional services firms continues to support the Council’s work as the custodian of consumer standards and conscience of the market as we celebrate our 30th anniversary year.
“The flexibility and potential of today’s equity release products mean the industry can look ahead to the challenges of enabling safe access to housing wealth on a wider scale, underpinned by an ongoing and essential commitment to industry standards.”
