Cost of Mortgage Services
across the UK

# Mortgage Services Accreditation

The main regulatory framework for mortgage services in the UK is overseen by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which is the primary regulator that all mortgage lenders and advisers must comply with. Additionally, professional trade bodies such as the Mortgage Advice Bureau (MAB), the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), and the Chartered Institute of Mortgage Professionals (CIMP) set standards and codes of conduct for their members. The Building Societies Association (BSA) represents many mortgage lenders, while the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries provides standards relevant to more complex mortgage products. FCA regulation ensures that providers meet minimum capital requirements, conduct consumer protection checks, and follow clear governance rules. Trade body accreditation goes further, typically requiring members to maintain professional qualifications, adhere to stricter ethical codes, and participate in continuing professional development, which signals to consumers that a provider has voluntarily committed to higher standards.

To verify a provider's credentials, start by checking the FCA register at register.fca.org.uk, where you can confirm their licence status and authorisation scope. For trade body membership, visit the relevant organisation's website—most publish searchable directories of accredited members. Request evidence of their accreditations directly; reputable providers will have certificates displayed on their websites or available upon request. You should also look for professional qualifications displayed by individual advisers, such as Diploma in Mortgage Finance or equivalent, and check for any recorded complaints or regulatory sanctions through the FCA and Financial Ombudsman Service. Verification matters because it protects you from unauthorised practitioners, reduces the risk of poor advice, and provides a clear complaints route if something goes wrong. An accredited provider is also more likely to have professional indemnity insurance, which covers you if they give negligent advice.

Accredited mortgage service providers typically