Connect Academy – Become a Mortgage Broker
Are you ready to take your first steps into the specialist mortgage market with confidence and credibility? Connect Academy is designed to help aspiring advisers become competent and successful professionals in this lucrative sector, whether new to the industry or looking to expand their expertise.
Our training isn’t just another static e-learning course. It’s a fully immersive, live training experience delivered by industry-leading experts. Across a structured week of interactive sessions, we’ll equip you with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to launch and grow your own specialist mortgage business.
In the residential mortgage market, advisers must hold a qualification and be supervised before they can operate independently. However, in parts of the specialist mortgage sector, no formal qualification is legally required—meaning someone with no prior experience could technically start trading as a Commercial, Bridging, or Buy-to-Let broker overnight.
But here’s the reality:
✅ Most lenders won’t accept applications from advisers who are not part of a regulated environment.
✅ The number of lenders willing to work with non-regulated brokers is shrinking.
✅ Even when lenders offer non-regulated products, they still prefer to deal with qualified, network-backed brokers.
While CeMAP is a requirement for regulated residential mortgage advice, specialist mortgages offer a flexible entry point into the industry. Our Academy is specifically designed to help individuals gain the knowledge, credibility, and network backing they need to succeed in specialist lending without the lengthy qualification process required for residential mortgages.
Even for those who do hold a mortgage qualification, there’s much more to learn before becoming a competent adviser. Our Academy focuses on:
✔ Fact-finding: Understanding client needs and gathering the right information.
✔ Research & Solutions: Finding the best specialist mortgage products.
✔ Lender Criteria: Understanding how different lenders operate.
✔ Advice & Compliance: Ensuring you meet the necessary regulatory standards.
Who Is Connect Academy For?
Our Academy is open to ambitious professionals looking to enter or expand in the mortgage market, including:
✅ Returning brokers looking to refresh their knowledge.
✅ Accountants, property professionals, or finance experts seek new revenue streams.
✅ Estate & letting agents wanting to add mortgage advice to their services.
✅ New start-ups or existing firms looking to grow their business.
What Makes Connect Academy Different?
🌟 Real-World Training – Live, interactive sessions led by experienced mortgage specialists.
🌟 Hands-On Learning – Practical exercises to build confidence and skills.
🌟 Ongoing Support – A dedicated mentoring program to help you build a successful business.
🌟 Flexibility & Freedom – Learn how to build a career that works around your lifestyle.
Our CEO, Liz Syms, is living proof of what’s possible. She grew Connect to over 35 staff and supports more than 150 advisers nationwide—all while raising three children. With the right support, you too can create a thriving business with flexibility and financial independence.
Academy Requirements & Progression
📌 No mortgage qualification required – This course does not cover residential lending.
📌 Basic industry knowledge preferred – You should have some understanding of finance or property.
📌 Hands-on learning – You’ll need a laptop for live training sessions.
📌 Future progression – If you hold a mortgage qualification, you can become fully authorised under Connect for residential mortgages and achieve competent Adviser Status.
Your Path to Success Starts Here
📝 Pre-Course Learning: Before the live sessions begin, you’ll receive pre-course materials to ensure you have a strong foundation.
🎓 Live Training Week: Engage in dynamic sessions with expert trainers, gaining practical knowledge and confidence.
🚀 Post-Course Support: Continue learning with access to materials, mentoring, and business growth support.
💼 Full Authorisation & Trading: As part of the Connect Mortgage Network, you’ll have the backing you need to start trading with lender access and compliance support.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Entering the specialist mortgage market can be challenging, but you do not have to do it alone. Connect Academy provides expert support, comprehensive training, and full FCA authorisation to help you build a successful career.
Whether you are new to the industry or seeking to expand your knowledge, we will guide you every step of the way. Join Connect Academy today and take the first step towards a successful mortgage business.
