Together has joined the Equity Release Council, bringing more than 50 years of specialist lending experience to the Council’s growing membership.
The specialist property lender provides first charge, second charge and bridging finance, including solutions for customers aged 55 and over.
Its membership brings additional expertise and perspective to the Council as the later life lending market continues to evolve and customers increasingly look to a broader range of options to meet their changing financial needs.
Together will bring its specialist lending experience to the Council and contribute to its work to encourage greater collaboration and understanding across the wider later life lending market.
Rachel East, group head of strategy at Together, said: “Joining the Equity Release Council is about broadening the conversation around later life lending. As customer needs become more complex, the industry has a responsibility to think beyond traditional boundaries and work together to deliver better outcomes.
“Council membership reflects our commitment to helping shape that future, championing innovation, raising standards and ensuring customers benefit from more holistic thinking across the later life landscape. We believe more lenders should play an active role in supporting that mission.”
John Barker, CEO, Personal Finance at Together, said: “The organisations that will define the future of later life lending are those prepared to help shape the market, not simply operate within it. Joining the Equity Release Council is an important step in our strategic journey, providing an opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, contribute fresh perspectives and support the continued evolution of the later life sector.
“Through partnership, innovation and a shared commitment to better customer outcomes, we can help drive meaningful progress across the market.”
Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council, said: ““We’re delighted to welcome Together to the Equity Release Council. Their experience in specialist lending will bring a valuable perspective to our membership as the later life lending market continues to broaden, and we look forward to working with the team to support its continued development.”
Kelly Melville-Kelly, Deputy CEO and director of risk, policy & compliance at the Council, said: “The later life lending market is becoming increasingly diverse, and it is important that our membership reflects the breadth of solutions and expertise available to customers as their needs evolve.
“Together brings considerable experience of specialist property lending and a valuable perspective to our membership. Later life lending is increasingly about looking across traditional product boundaries and ensuring customers can understand and access the solutions that are right for their individual circumstances.
“By bringing different parts of the market together, we can continue to raise standards, build greater understanding of the options available and support good outcomes for customers throughout later life.”
