Royal London has entered the equity release market through a partnership with specialist adviser Responsible Life. 

The tie-up will enable customers of the mutual to access independent holistic advice on lifetime mortgages, retirement interest-only deals and any other mortgage products that are suitable for older home owners.

The news comes amid reports that Royal London is in talks with LV= about a merger between the two firms. 

Royal London head of equity release Laura McOscar says: “Equity release is becoming an increasingly important source of retirement funding, as more people aged over 55 look to unlock some of the money tied up in their home. 

“To complement our existing range of retirement offerings and improve access to later life lending advice, we are delighted to launch our later life lending service with Responsible Life.

“We chose Responsible Life as our partner because their customer centric approach aligns with our values. 

“We’re confident that consumers will receive high quality advice on retirement mortgages, allowing them to make an informed choice on the option that is best suited to their individual needs.”

Responsible Life chairman Steve Wilkie says: “Royal London is putting itself at the forefront of a huge shift away from product-specific advice in favour of broker recommendations that consider every type of later life lending.

“This is hugely important. 

“Equity release products have never been more competitive but that doesn’t mean they’re suitable for everyone.  

“We will be recommending equity release products as part of this partnership but not at the expense of customers’ best interests. 

“We are convinced this approach will become the norm and our collaboration with Royal London is a huge endorsement of this revolution in financial advice.

“We’re thrilled to be working alongside Royal London — two consumer-champion brands with a single vision to advance the equity release market even further and bring housing wealth into mainstream financial planning.”