The Importance of “Continuing Professional Development” for Mortgage Brokers

A Rapidly Changing Market

The UK lending landscape evolves at pace, requiring brokers to keep their knowledge up to date. Political and economic shifts, fluctuating interest rates, new regulations, and emerging technologies all bring fresh challenges and opportunities. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) continues to refine responsible lending rules while encouraging digital innovation and open banking adoption.

Specialist sectors such as bridging, development, and later-life lending are on the rise. Meanwhile, landlords face growing regulatory pressures, and a new wave of younger investors is entering the market.

Why CPD Matters

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is more than a box-ticking exercise—it’s a regulatory obligation for most mortgage and insurance brokers in the UK.

• FCA Requirements: Advisers involved in mortgage or retail investment activities must complete 35 hours of CPD annually, with at least 21 hours being structured learning (e.g., courses or seminars). Activities must be measurable and independently verified.

• Professional Bodies: Organisations such as the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) mirror this benchmark, requiring 35 hours per year from their members.

• Insurance Directive: Under the Insurance Distribution Directive, anyone selling protection or general insurance must complete at least 15 CPD hours annually, covering topics like product knowledge, claims handling, and ethics.

These requirements ensure brokers remain competent, up to date, and competitive. Even advisers without a set minimum often aim for 35 hours a year to advance their careers and stay market-ready.

Compliance and Fair Lending

Adhering to fair lending practices is central to the role of a broker. The FCA expects firms to act in the customer’s best interests and ensure affordability checks are accurate.

Key Areas of Focus:

• FCA Consumer Duty – Act in good faith, prevent foreseeable harm, and empower informed decision-making.

• Equality in Lending – Advice must not be influenced by age, gender, disability, or ethnicity.

• AML Compliance – Training, Customer Due Diligence (CDD), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) where necessary, and filing Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs).

• Know Your Customer (KYC) – Accurate documentation and thorough fact-finding are vital for compliance and ethical practice.

Continuous training supports compliance, strengthens professionalism, and protects both clients and firms.

Technology and Digital Transformation

The mortgage sector is embracing technology to enhance speed, accuracy, and customer experience.

• Open Banking – Enables secure data sharing for better affordability assessments.

• Automated Decisioning – Lenders use algorithms, so brokers must understand system outputs.

• Client Portals & CRMs – Streamline onboarding and improve client communication.

• Digital ID & e-Signatures – Support faster compliance and secure transactions.

Adoption of these tools saves time and improves outcomes but must be balanced with strict adherence to GDPR and data protection rules.

Sustainability and Green Mortgages

Environmental considerations are becoming integral to lending decisions.

• Green Mortgages – Preferential rates for properties with high EPC ratings (A or B).

• Sustainability Training – Brokers should be able to explain eco-mortgage benefits and retrofitting options.

• Regulatory Direction – Government and FCA initiatives encourage lenders to support the net-zero transition.

With specialist CPD, brokers can confidently advise on green products and government-backed incentives.

Specialist Lending: Bridging, Development & Commercial Finance

Complex finance areas require advanced expertise.

• Bridging Loans – Short-term funding with focus on exit strategies and LTV limits.

• Development Finance – Involves staged drawdowns and project planning.

• Commercial Mortgages – Assessment requires understanding lease agreements, tenant profiles, and business performance.

Specialist CPD prepares brokers to serve niche clients and handle higher-risk transactions with confidence.

Buy-to-Let and the Private Rental Sector

Despite regulatory changes, buy-to-let remains a major market.

• Portfolio Landlords – Stress testing, SPV structures, and tax considerations are essential.

• Regulatory Shifts – EPC targets, Section 21 reform, and licensing requirements all shape landlord obligations.

• Limited Company BTLs – Growing in popularity, requiring knowledge of tax and lending rules.

CPD ensures brokers remain competitive in this ever-changing sector.

Later-Life Lending and Equity Release

Later-life finance requires sensitivity, compliance, and specialist knowledge.

• Lifetime Mortgages – Advisers must explain inheritance implications, interest roll-up, and early repayment charges.

• Retirement Interest-Only (RIO) – Assessments rely on retirement income.

• Vulnerability Awareness – Older clients may be vulnerable, requiring careful handling and clear documentation.

CPD ensures advisers can provide suitable, compliant, and compassionate advice.

Connect Network’s Commitment to CPD

At Connect Network, we believe CPD is the foundation of professional excellence.

How We Support Brokers:

• Training & Development – Structured inductions, interactive e-learning, one-to-one coaching, and CPD-accredited webinars in partnership with leading lenders and insurers.

• Tracking Tools – Systems for logging and monitoring CPD hours.

• Ongoing Support – Hands-on system training, specialist lending workshops, and evolving CPD aligned to market changes.

• CAS Pathway – A structured mentoring and supervision programme to support new brokers in achieving Competent Adviser Status (CAS).

• Events & Conferences – Lender expos, broker days, and ConnecTED Tours, all offering CPD recognition and opportunities to stay ahead of industry change.

Our approach ensures brokers remain compliant, competitive, and confident in a fast-moving financial environment.

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