Price comparison service MoneySuperMarket has today announced a strategic partnership with the UK’s leading whole of market equity release experts, Equity Release Group (ERG).
The introduction of ERG’s smartER™ technology – the UK’s only equity release comparison tool – on MoneySuperMarket gives people the flexibility to research different later life lending options in their own time before speaking to an Adviser.
ERG’s integrated technology platform brings together the Group’s technology arm – Equitec, advisory service – Equity Release Supermarket, and partnerships brand – Equity Release Partners, to create a unique customer experience for those aged 50 and over.
Mark Gregory, Founder & CEO at Equity Release Group said: “Partnering with MoneySuperMarket brings about valuable change and is set to enhance the whole equity release customer experience.
“This has always been our goal and with the implementation of smartER™, which is swiftly becoming the key point of entry to market, consumer choice, independence and transparency has now been made more widely available.
“We understand the value this holds with consumers, given that there has been a sharp rise in the amount of people now using online tools for research purposes.
“Given the breadth and depth of MoneySuperMarket’s customer base, we foresee that this partnership will support growth within the market.”
Ashton Berkhauer, General Manager from MoneySuperMarket, comments: “We know more and more homeowners are looking to release equity to support their choices in later life. Our partnership with ERG allows homeowners to compare the equity release market and see the options that match their specific requirements.”
Both firms share a similar ethos, which is to offer people choice, underpinned by centralised data, great technology, and a scalable platform.
Jim Boyd, CEO of the Equity Release Council, commented: “One of the biggest challenges facing the equity release industry is how to ensure that property is included when wider retirement conversations are taking place. To get a seat at the table, we need to continue to push for more recognition of the benefits of these products and make it easier for people to explore all their options.
“We therefore welcome the partnership between Equity Release Group and MoneySuperMarket as it will help more people to have these vital discussions around property wealth during their retirement planning.”
ERG’s smartER™ technology is available to advice firms now. Advisers can integrate smartER™ into their website, enabling their clients to achieve personalised equity release results and a fulfilling customer experience.
Mark added: “Our suite of products form part of the one-system approach to our technology, completely aligned to Consumer Duty, going beyond the required guidance to form an industry-leading client and adviser journey.”
