Key Partnership ups adviser count by 41pc

Advisers using the referral service earn on average £1,300 on completion of equity release plans, while they can access exclusive deals for over-55s.

The Financial Conduct Authority has recommended for advisers to specialise in equity release advice, having warned against ‘dabbling’ in the market.

Will Hale, director at Key Partnerships, said: "For those that want to advise in this market, there is excellent support available from lenders and the Equity Release Council to achieve the necessary qualifications and maintaining competency.

“Other advisers may decide that referring to a trusted specialist partner may be a more commercially viable way of ensuring their clients receive the best outcomes.

“Through a simple online or telephone service advisers can refer their clients to us, who will then receive face-to-face advice from the UK's leading equity release broker - taking all of the regulatory and compliance worries away, while helping retention of a valuable client relationship.

“Our access to exclusive deals and whole-of-market expertise helps ensure optimal outcomes for customers, delivers attractive referral fees for advisers and provides protection from compliance and regulatory risk.”

Equity release lending reached a record £325m in the first quarter of 2015 after totalling £1.4bn in 2014, figures from the Equity Release Council have revealed.

Hale added: “The growth in equity release sales in the past three months is fantastic news and we anticipate 2015 being another record year.

“This is good news for advisers and their clients looking to secure a more comfortable retirement."