Mortgage networks are often talked about as a key part of running a successful advisory business, but the real value goes beyond a simple list of benefits. At their core, networks exist to support advisers through the practical realities of regulation, compliance, and day to day business pressures.
For advisers considering network membership, or those wanting a clearer picture of how networks work in practice, it helps to understand the specific ways they support advisers, protect their businesses, and create an environment where long-term growth is possible. Below, we take a closer look at what advisers can expect when they become part of a trusted and respected mortgage network.
Compliance and Regulation Support
In a heavily regulated sector, ensuring that everything you do complies with legal and regulatory requirements is essential. Getting to grips with regulatory requirements can be tough, and keeping up with new developments in this area isn’t always easy. However, your network will communicate how any changes may affect your business and the steps you’ll need to take to remain compliant.
A trusted mortgage and protection network will provide you with a wealth of support in this area, including one-to-one advice from compliance experts, clear templates for important documents, including suitability letters, file reviews and risk management guidance, and additional help for any particularly complex cases you encounter.
Access to this type of business support will reduce your regulatory and compliance burden, minimising the amount of admin you would otherwise need to complete.
Training and Development
The most trusted mortgage networks want their members to be the best they can possibly be, which is why they provide access to a range of professional development resources and ongoing education opportunities.
These training and development opportunities are designed to empower advisers to expand their skillset and deliver the highest quality services possible. Many networks deliver training and development opportunities in a variety of ways, including one-to-one sessions, group learning settings, and webinars.
Tech Platforms and Tools
The mortgage sector has changed significantly over the last decade, and today, technology plays an integral role in the mortgage advice process. Stonebridge network members enjoy access to Revolution, which is an advanced software platform designed to increase productivity, drive business pipelines, and improve customer experiences.
From lead generation to sales progression, business processes, and customer retention, the right technology will enable you to seamlessly access information, manage your customer pipeline, and easily manage your time so that you can support even more clients and consistently grow your business. Your customers will also have access to a dedicated client portal, where they can upload documents and receive sales progression updates with ease.
A range of compliance features have also been built into the Revolution platform, including suitability letters, compliance reports, automated file checks, and promotions approvals.
Business Development Support
We recognise that advisers need more than just support with regulations and compliance. This is why we have invested in our business development support services, which are specifically designed to help advisers manage and their business. In fact, every Stonebridge member has a dedicated business development team that delivers truly personalised and tailored support.
As part of our business development support offering, our advisers can access an array of tools and guidance covering everything from business planning to lead generation, and even the recruitment of new advisers. We also offer social media resources, networking events and workshops, business coaching sessions, marketing support, and more.
Community
The ability to connect with peers and mortgage industry specialists both online and via in-person events provides a wealth of opportunities for knowledge sharing and referrals. High-quality mortgage networks support a sense of community amongst their members and will consistently facilitate a range of networking events designed to encourage collaboration and communication.
Are All Mortgage Networks the Same?
The important thing to remember when considering joining a network is that every network is unique. While many networks will offer similar benefits, it’s really important to compare the details to ensure that you’re joining a network that will provide you with the support you need to develop and thrive in a highly competitive marketplace.
Beyond products and permissions, network culture also plays a big role. The way a network works with members, how accessible the support teams are, and how much personal attention you receive can have a real impact on your day-to-day experience. Some networks focus on scale, while others place more value on building long-term relationships and tailoring support around individual businesses.
For example, not all networks will offer a full range of training and development opportunities, and some may take a more one-size-fits-all approach to support. Others invest time in understanding your goals and providing guidance that fits your business model. Make sure that you’re aware of all the facts before joining so your experience of a mortgage network is positive and beneficial from the outset.
