Later life lending platform Air has announced plans to partner with HLPartnership (HLP) to enhance the network’s proposition to members.

HLP advisers with later life lending permissions will gain an annual membership to Air Academy, the continuous, professional development (CPD) training platform.

The move means that HLP is the first major network to enter an exclusive partnership with Air Academy, and the new collaboration is intended to increase standards for members who provide guidance on equity release products.

HLP advisers will also be mandated to undertake Air Academy courses and will gain access to nine Air Academy modules, including the vulnerability module, for no additional charge. Advisers may also benefit from free evaluations, or MOTs, to help identify areas for continued professional development and improvement.

This follows the Financial Conduct Authority’s September review of firms responsible for lifetime mortgage sales, and the regulator has indicated it will continue to closely monitor the later life lending market.

Air said it is “vital” for advisers to access the best resources to stay compliant and on track to deliver good customer outcomes.

CEO at Air, Paul Glynn, commented: “Air is proud to offer HLP’s talented network of advisers full access to Air Academy. It’s an industry first, and a strong step towards ensuring all later life lending advisers have unmitigated access to the most effective tools for delivering the best possible service to their customers, while being compliant with FCA regulations.

“As we all know, the Consumer Duty is an ongoing commitment, and one we can readily meet by embracing the best educational resources our industry has to offer.”

Managing director at HLP, Shaun Almond, added: “We are dedicated to ensuring our network’s members can improve their business through industry leading CPD courses and by accessing high-quality resources.

“Our exclusive partnership with Air Academy – an industry first – will equip our advisers to stay in lockstep with evolving regulations so they can deliver the very best outcomes to customers. It’s an exciting moment in our shared history, and we are looking forward to our network making the most of Air Academy’s top-flight services.”

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