The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) has launched a new professional recognition designation for mortgage advisers.

The professional body says the new Certified Mortgage Adviser (CMA) designation provides official endorsement of their skills and knowledge.

The organisation believes it will help advisers stand out as, “accomplished professionals in the mortgage and equity release sectors.”

Certified Mortgage Adviser is being awarded to qualified advisers from this month.

Advisers are eligible for CMA status if they:

• hold an appropriate LIBF qualification to advise on mortgages or equity release – such as CeMAP or CeRER
• are actively advising clients, with appropriate permission showing on the FCA Register, and
• are a member of LIBF.

LIBF will recheck advisers’ professional status annually at renewal. Advisers who are not members of LIBF can join for £82 a year. 

LIBF members who hold CeMAP or CeRER – and are an active mortgage adviser on the FCA Register – will automatically be awarded CMA status. The CMA is only available to those who appear on the FCA register as “giving regulated mortgage advice” at the point of application. 

Advisers receive a digital badge showing their CMA status, which they can use for their client communications and promotional materials.

John Somerville, head of Financial Services, professional education at LIBF, said: “In an increasingly complex world, it’s important for advisers to be able to demonstrate their credibility. Independent endorsement helps give consumers confidence that they’re getting great advice from an accomplished professional.

"As the awarding body for CeMAP – the benchmark qualification in the mortgage advice sector – Certified Mortgage Adviser status will really help advisers stand out.”