A new scholarship scheme has been unveiled by The Mortgage Mum in partnership with the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF), aimed at helping people from diverse or underrepresented groups begin careers in mortgage advice.
Under the scheme, LIBF will fully fund three places on its CeMAP qualification.
Alongside funding, successful applicants will receive mentoring and career support from The Mortgage Mum – backed by Mortgage Advice Bureau – and free LIBF membership during their studies.
The scheme is designed to break down financial barriers that prevent many from entering the profession, with applications opening in January 2026 and the first cohort expected to start in Spring 2026.
The Mortgage Mum’s founder and CEO, Sarah Tucker (pictured), said the initiative was inspired by a young woman’s story at an industry dinner about how social mobility charity Making the Leap helped her find work.
She said: “We are overlooking exceptional talent because of the costs involved, and limiting the diversity this industry so desperately needs.
“Once someone else believes in you, you start to believe in yourself – and that is where magic and innovation lies.”
The scholarship also comes at a time when the average age of a mortgage adviser is in the mid-50s, compared with first-time buyers whose average age is 33.
Tucker said attracting younger, more diverse talent could help the profession better reflect its customer base and meet evolving needs, especially with new technology.
John Somerville, director of financial services at LIBF, part of Walbrook Institute London, said: “We often speak about the advice gap in financial and mortgage advice and the need to attract a wider range of people into the profession so that it’s better representative of the communities we serve.
“Scholarships like this are just one way we can make it a reality.”
The scholarship will begin small to ensure one-to-one support, but both partners say there is scope for expansion if successful.
Unsuccessful applicants will still be offered feedback and signposted to support charities, underlining the programme’s wider ambition to broaden access and opportunity in the mortgage industry.
