Mortgage Strategy Podcast

Mortgage advisers frequently encounter clients with complex, modern income streams. In this episode of the Money Talks podcast, host and digital content manager Kimberley Dondo sits down with Royal London’s Gregor Sked and CIExpert’s Paul Roberts to discuss CIExpert’s Critical Thinking 2026 report. They dive into how to overcome advice friction for self-employed and contract workers, and how to al...

AI is transforming the mortgage industry at pace, but are brokers fully aware of the risks? In this special Mortgage Strategy podcast, Mortgage Brain CEO Zahid Bilgrami joins James Prosser to discuss the launch of the Mortgage Brain AI Charter and the four pillars every broker and firm should understand before adopting AI: Cost, Intellectual Property, Consistency and Speed. From client data risks...

In this episode Shelley Reid from Royal London discusses the rise of economic and financial abuse, explains the difference between them, and shares real-life examples showing how control over money, property, benefits and mobility can be used to coerce victims. She outlines which groups are at higher risk, the effects on mortgages, protection products and debt, and practical red flags for advisors...

In this episode of Money Talks, Kimberley Dondo is joined by Stacey Penn (The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries) and Shelley Reid (Royal London) discuss why positioning protection conversations earlier in the mortgage journey increases uptake. They cover practical ways advisors can embed these discussions — using clear language, leveraging mortgage documents as prompts, asking what clients wa...

Kimberly Dondo interviews Will Hale, CEO of Key Equity Release and Answers in Retirement, about the coming inheritance tax changes in 2027, rising pension withdrawals, and the role of property wealth in retirement planning. They discuss lifetime mortgages, advice silos, referral pathways for brokers, and practical steps advisors should take to include homeowners' equity in holistic financial plans...

In this episode Shelly Reid (Senior Protection Technical Manager, Royal London) and Stacey Penn (Head of Policy, AMI) discuss findings from the 2025 AMI Protection Viewpoint research and focus on how advisors can better serve renters—an underserved and growing segment—through income and lifestyle protection. They cover practical opportunities for advisers, including building long-term client relat...

In this episode of Money Talks, host interviews Gregor Sked from Royal London to unpack the FCA's Pure Protection Market review. They discuss how the review is a signal rather than an intervention, the engagement and protection gaps affecting many households, and the growing importance of consumer duty, claims outcomes, trusts and clear explanations of income protection. Gregor offers practical ad...

Chris Lynch from Source Insurance joins Kimberley Dondo to unpack what AI really means for mortgage advisers in the general insurance space. From practical tools already making a difference to the challenges of integration and regulation, Chris shares where AI can enhance advice and where the human touch remains essential. He also tackles concerns around job security, vulnerable customers, and how...

In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, Kimberley Dondo speaks with Jennifer Gilchrist, Proposition Specialist, and Shelley Read, Senior Protection Development and Technical Manager at Royal London, to explore the growing mental health crisis in the UK and its impact on families and the insurance industry. They discuss how protection products and integrated support services can help brid...

In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, host Kimberley Dondo is joined by Gregor Sked and Shelley Read, Senior Protection Development and Technical Managers at Royal London, to explore why protection often feels out of reach for younger clients — and why that mindset needs to change. They unpack the most common myths holding young people back, the key messages that really resonate, and h...

Delayed claims can cause unnecessary stress for clients, families, and advisers. In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, Kimberley Dondo is joined by Julie Douglas, Senior Claims Assessor at Royal London, to uncover the biggest causes of claim delays—and what advisers can do to keep things moving smoothly. From common pitfalls to the power of clear communication, Julie shares expert insi...

In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, Kimberley Dondo is joined by Shelley Read, Senior Protection Development and Technical Manager, and Stephan Nandadasa, Senior Account Manager at Royal London, to explore how mortgage advisers can help clients get faster underwriting decisions. They discuss the most common reasons for delays, what underwriters wish advisers knew, and practical ways...

Discover how real-life protection claims can be your most powerful tool for engaging clients and demonstrating the true value of your advice. Kimberley Dondo speaks with Royal London's Shelley Read and Stephan Nandadasa about the impact of sharing claims stories, how to introduce them effectively, and how Royal London supports advisers. Plus, get resources from Royal London to further enhance your...

In this special Awards edition of the Mortgage Strategy podcast, Kimberley Dondo sits down with Andrew Montlake, CEO, Brand Evangelist & Spokesperson at Coreco, to discuss their win as Diversity & Inclusion Broker Champion at the 2024 Mortgage Strategy Awards. Andrew shares how Coreco has embedded inclusivity into its DNA, the impact on their business, and advice for others looking to driv...

Kimberley Dondo sits down with Paul McGonigle, CEO of Positive Lending, to unpack their victory as Best Broker for Short-term Lending at the 2024 Mortgage Strategy Awards. From overcoming industry challenges to refining customer strategies, Paul shares the secrets behind their success—and what’s next for this dynamic sector. Inspired by this year’s winners? Don’t miss your chance to shine—book you...

In this special Mortgage Strategy Podcast episode, Kimberley Dondo sits down with Kate Fuller, Business Principal at Mortgage Advice Bureau and winner of Best Mortgage Broker (fewer than eight advisers) at the 2024 Mortgage Strategy Awards. Kate shares what the award means to her team, how they deliver standout service with a small but mighty setup, and how they’re embracing tech and training to s...

Kimberley Dondo speaks with Peter Brodnicki, CEO of Mortgage Advice Bureau, winner of Best Mortgage Broker (more than 50 advisers) at the 2024 Mortgage Strategy Awards. Peter shares insights on innovation, customer service, and business growth. Don’t miss out—book your table for the 2025 Mortgage Strategy Awards.  

The mortgage market is changing, and brokers need to adapt. In this episode of In Conversation With..., host Kimberley Dondo speaks with Nick Parker, Head of Clubs and Networks at Together, about why now is the right time for Together to re-enter the Network & Clubs space. They discuss the biggest challenges brokers face, the rise of specialist lending, and how brokers can position themselves...

In this special Mortgage Strategy Awards episode, Kimberley Dondo speaks with Nicola McKenzie, Co-Founder of The Dunham McCarthy Group, winner of the Best Broker for Digital Innovation award. Nicola shares insights into the firm’s pioneering use of technology, social media strategies, and the future of digital innovation in the mortgage industry. Don’t miss this celebration of excellence—and make...

Join us for this special episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast as we celebrate the Mortgage Strategy Awards 2025! We’re speaking with Steve Humphries, Proposition Director - Mortgages at Mortgage Advice Bureau, about winning Best Broker for Equity Release. Steve shares insights on the evolving demand for equity release, the keys to outstanding customer service, and how MAB stays ahead in a chan...

In the first episode of The Mortgage Strategy Awards Podcast series, Kimberley Dondo interviews Lizzie Teale, Administration Manager at Create Finance, following her win at the 2024 Mortgage Strategy Awards. Lizzie shares her inspiring journey into mortgage administration, insights on team collaboration, and how her expertise shapes exceptional customer service. She also discusses the role of tech...

In this episode of the Pensions and Protection Podcast, Kimberley Dondo chats with Gregor Sked, Senior Protection Development and Technical Manager at Royal London, to explore the meaning of value in the protection space. From insightful research on how advisers and clients perceive value to tackling the Protection Gap, Gregor shares strategies to align adviser approaches with client needs. Get in...

In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, Kimberley Dondo sits down with Lucy Lewis, National Accounts Lead at Skipton Building Society, to discuss their innovative Track Record Mortgage. Lucy explains how this unique mortgage product leverages rental history to help first-time buyers, including recent updates that expand access to new-build flats and shared ownership. We dive into Skipton...

In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy podcast, host Kimberley Dondo sits down with Islay Robinson, CEO of Enness Global, to delve into the world of super prime lending. Islay explains what sets super prime lending apart from traditional mortgages and shares his journey into the high-net-worth finance sector. They discuss the evolution and current trends of the UK’s super prime market, the chall...

Join Kimberley Dondo and Tanya Elmaz, Director of Intermediary Relations at Together, as they delve into the complexities of today's residential property market . Discover why specialist lending is on the rise and how brokers can best support clients with complex income challenges and emotional anxieties. Gain valuable insights into Together's wide criteria and quick decision-making process, and l...