The forum has representatives from Canada, Germany, Holland, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland and the UK. 

The trade body adds: “The equity release market in the UK is considered to be the most advanced in the world and the forum serves to bring different countries together to share insights, tackle developing challenges and champion the use of housing equity in later life.”   

Yvonne Ziomecki-Fisher, HomeEquity Bank chief customer, brand and advice officer, will chair the international forum. 

Robbert Mulder, Senior Capital head of European later life solutions, becomes vice chair. 

Ziomecki-Fisher says: “A significant proportion of the developed and developing world are facing the challenge of how to support a rapidly ageing population who may not have the retirement savings they want or need.   

“Housing equity can play a vital role in meeting this challenge; therefore, I am honoured to be named chair of the Equity Release Council’s international forum.” 

Equity Release Council chief executive Jim Boyd (pictured) adds: “We are delighted to provide a new international forum as a member benefit, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge and standards best practice with the international community as well as learn from them. 

“This type of insight will be vital as we push collectively for more people to have the opportunity to use their housing wealth to meet their needs in later life.”