Brightstar and Responsible Equity Release join L&G's referral panel

SmartrRefer launched last month as a referral proposition that allows advisers to refer complex client cases, that they may be unable to progress themselves, to a network of partner firms.

Michelle Westley, head of marketing at Brightstar Financial, commented: “We are really pleased that members of Legal & General Mortgage Club have been given full access to work with Brightstar. We provide the knowledge and resource that advisers need to help more clients with a wider range of lending areas, so that they can increase their income opportunities.

“We’ve partnered with more than 150 lenders, to provide access to exclusive products, enhanced SLAs and onsite underwriters. Each lending area has a dedicated team with focused expertise, as well as strong links to work with other departments in providing solutions for cases that might need a combination approach.

“Working with Brightstar means that advisers never have to turn away a client, and each one of these opportunities could be the start of a long and valuable relationship.”

Craig Hall, head of broker relationships at L&G Mortgage Club, said: “Mortgage advisers are increasingly encountering clients who have more complex financial requirements that can cover a range of lending areas. It was important for Legal & General Mortgage Club to give our members the opportunity to deliver their clients the best outcomes by working with some of the leading specialist businesses across the industry.

“Brightstar Financial has passed our due diligence process and has been selected as one of our SmartrRefer partners. We look forward to working with the team to ensure that all of our members are best equipped to help their clients and make the most of every opportunity.”

Steve Wilkie, managing director of Responsible Equity Release, added: “At Responsible Equity Release we are committed to getting the right outcome for our customers and are proud of our customer service record. If our products aren’t right for our customers, we’ll tell them.

“In an economic climate where the most significant wealth one is likely to have is tied up in the bricks-and-mortar of their home, we are finding that it is increasingly playing a part in over-55s retirement plans.

“However, many advisers are not qualified to advise on equity release. Even if they are qualified, they might not feel comfortable with the rate of change of the products if it’s not an everyday offering.

“Where an adviser may feel that equity release could be beneficial to their client, but can’t or don’t want to advise them on it, they can refer the client to us. We will be with that client every step of the way, ensuring that not only are they receiving the best advice possible, but the advisers are enjoying the peace of mind that their clients are safe and protected. We take all the advice risk and reward the adviser for their referral. I believe this is why L&G have chosen us for their SmartrRefer panel.”