File Checking

Equity Release File Checking Services for Advisers, Directly Authorised Firms, and Small Networks

Ensure Compliance and Deliver Quality Lifetime Mortgage Advice

Are you an equity release adviser, directly authorised firm, or small network seeking robust compliance support? Our specialist file checking service is designed to help you deliver compliant, high-quality lifetime mortgage advice-protecting both your clients and your business.

Why File Checking Matters for Equity Release

Thorough file checking is essential for maintaining high standards in later life lending advice. Compared with standard mortgage advice, equity release carries additional regulatory scrutiny and risk. By reviewing 100% of your equity release case files before recommendations are presented, you can:

Demonstrate consistent application of market standards across all cases
Ensure clients receive fair and suitable advice every time
Be fully prepared for potential Financial Ombudsman Service complaints or FCA regulatory reviews, with complete and well-documented files

When Should Files Be Checked?

Getting your recommendations right the first time is crucial. Pre-advice file checking minimises the need for addenda or replacement suitability reports, which can undermine client trust and raise questions about adviser competence. Our service is built around pre-advice checks, ensuring your recommendations are robust before they reach your clients.

What Does Our File Checking Cover?

Our comprehensive equity release file check focuses on the key documents and evidence required to support suitable advice. We review:

Fact-find and adviser notes covering client needs and circumstances
Evidence of income and expenditure
Suitability letters/reports
Product sourcing documents and mortgage illustrations
Health and capacity information
Case specific documentation and additional research

We can also include ID verification and client agreements upon request.

Our checks confirm that:

Sufficient information has been gathered to support the advice
Recommendations are clearly justified by the client’s needs and circumstances
Later life issues such as budgeting, Wills and Powers of Attorney have been addressed
Potential vulnerabilities are identified and managed effectively
The suitability report is clear, comprehensive, and meets regulatory expectations

Our File Checking Process

Step 1: Adviser completes disclosure, fact-find, and gathers supporting documents
Step 2: Adviser formulates recommendations and prepares the suitability report
Step 3: All relevant documents are submitted to us for independent, pre-advice review

We guarantee a maximum turnaround of 5 working days, with most cases reviewed within 2 days. Files are checked against standards set by the Financial Conduct Authority, the Equity Release Council, and informed by Financial Ombudsman outcomes.

Assessment Outcomes:

Outcome	Description	Next Steps
Suitable	File is complete and recommendations meet compliance standards	Proceed with advice presentation
Unclear	Minor issues identified; small amendments required (often to wording or detail)	Amend and proceed-no further check needed
Unsuitable	Significant concerns; additional information or clarification required	Amend and re-submit for further review

A suitable file is one that any third party could understand, with clear evidence that the advice meets the client’s needs safely.

Why Choose Us?

Specialist expertise in equity release compliance
Consistent, impartial reviews aligned with regulatory standards
Fast turnaround to keep your advice process efficient
Tailored support for directly authorised firms, small networks, and individual advisers

Contact Us

Ready to enhance your compliance processes and deliver the highest standards of equity release advice? Contact us today to discuss how our file checking services can support your business