FCA register data shows sector bucking wider advice market trend with incremental growth
The number of individuals holding mortgage-related permissions on the FCA Register rose to 36,764 in the first half of 2026, up 0.4% from 36,604 at the end of 2025, according to new data from research and analytics provider ISS Market Intelligence (ISS MI).
The figures come from the latest edition of ISS MI's Landscape Report, published twice yearly, and cover changes to the UK advice market over a six-month period. Mortgage advisers were among the few adviser groups to record growth in the period; by contrast, total UK adviser numbers fell 0.4% over the same timeframe.
The report identifies mortgage advisers as the largest specialist mortgage segment by both firm and individual numbers, consolidating their position within the mortgage intermediary market.
The most significant finding was continued growth in professionals holding the FCA's CPD20 designation, which denotes permissions to advise or arrange regulated mortgage contracts. That figure rose to 35,047 as at 30 June 2026, up from 34,763 at the end of 2025, making it the only major mortgage-related category to record growth during the period.
Other designations declined. The number of individuals authorised to advise on equity release fell to 5,934 from 6,142 at the end of 2025, while those holding Responsibility for MCD Intermediation dropped from 4,167 to 4,057. Individuals with an MCD designation are typically responsible for panel selection decisions and may sit within risk or compliance functions rather than in a direct advice role.
"The mortgage market continues to demonstrate considerable resilience," said Mark Hamper, UK head of strategy and business lead at ISS Market Intelligence. "While many areas of the financial services market are navigating ongoing change, adviser numbers within the mortgage sector have remained stable and continue to grow incrementally. The increase in professionals holding regulated mortgage advice permissions suggests firms remain committed to supporting adviser capacity and meeting customer demand."
Among the largest firms, Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions retained its position as the UK's largest specialist mortgage organisation, though growth slowed relative to prior periods. The firm added 19 registered individuals during the first half of 2026, compared with 60 in the second half of 2025.
Mortgage Advice Bureau (Derby) recorded the largest increase in adviser numbers among the top 30 firms, adding 137 registered individuals over the period.
Within the major mortgage networks, Phoenix Financial Consultants held the top position by number of appointed representative firms. The composition of the top 10 remained unchanged from the end of 2025, though there was movement within the rankings: Sesame, AFS Compliance, and Connect IFA occupied positions eight, nine, and seven respectively at the end of 2025.
"For lenders, insurers and service providers, maintaining visibility into adviser growth, firm-level changes and network structures is essential for identifying opportunities and engaging the right intermediaries across the mortgage distribution landscape," Hamper added.
Want to be regularly updated with mortgage news and features? Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox – subscribe to our FREE daily newsletter. You can also follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
