Stonebridge and Viva Retirement Solutions have renewed their partnership with a new long-term deal.
The new agreement sees Viva remain part of the Stonebridge network as an appointed representative (AR) firm. The firms have worked together for over 10 years.
Viva are advisory experts in the later life lending market offering advice nationwide to over-55s covering a range of product options including equity release, lifetime mortgages, and RIO mortgages.
It is a member of the Equity Release Council and is also the later life referral partner for Stonebridge AR member firms who don’t hold equity release advice permissions.
Stonebridge continues to steadily grow the number of AR firms within the network and emphasised its ongoing commitment to supporting member firms with the resources needed to help them realise their firm’s ambitions.
The Network Consulting league table of networks revealed Stonebridge achieved the largest net growth of AR firms during 2023. The number of advisers in the national mortgage and insurance network stands at over 1,100.
Viva Retirement Solutions director Paul Saroya said: “Our decision to extend our long-term partnership with Stonebridge was an easy one to make. The Stonebridge team are always willing to listen to feedback and ideas and are proactive with advice and support.
“The aim is to continue growing our business with Stonebridge, and we truly believe we are with the best network partner to do this, taking on the right people at the right time, and ensuring we grow in a sustainable manner.”
Stonebridge chief executive Rob Clifford said: “We are obviously very pleased to announce the continuation of our relationship with Viva Retirement Solutions, and we believe this continues to demonstrate the strength of our proposition and our ability to work in partnership with our AR member firms to help them thrive.
“The expertise, experience, and the service provided by Viva and its advisers in the later life lending space is clear for all to see. The fact they are our preferred provider for the network is a testament to their capabilities.”