Mortgage Advice Process Manual

The mortgage advice landscape has evolved significantly following the FCA’s Mortgage Rules Review. One of the most notable changes, effective from July 2025, is the removal of the long-standing restriction on execution-only sales where ‘interactive dialogue’ takes place. Previously, any verbal interaction with a client during the mortgage process meant advice had to be provided. Now, qualified advisers can arrange an execution-only sale even where there has been direct dialogue with the customer — provided all regulatory requirements are met.

To reflect this change, we have comprehensively updated our Mortgage Advice Process Manual, which now includes a dedicated section on Execution-Only sales. This new guidance explains clearly when the execution-only route can and cannot be used, how to ensure clients understand the implications of proceeding without advice, and the documentation needed to demonstrate compliance.

The manual also covers other key rule changes introduced as part of the Mortgage Rules Review — including the ability to reduce a mortgage term without triggering a full affordability assessment, and how consumers can access cheaper products more easily when remortgaging.

Beyond regulatory updates, the manual continues to serve as a complete, step-by-step guide to the mortgage advice and sales process. From the initial client contact and fact-finding stage through to issuing a suitability letter, it sets out best practice at every stage. It also includes dedicated sections on Business and Consumer Buy-to-Let mortgages — with practical tips on identifying which category a case falls under — as well as guidance on debt consolidation and cold calling requirements.

Whether you’re new to mortgage advice or looking to refresh your firm’s approach in line with the latest FCA expectations, this updated manual provides the structure, clarity, and confidence you need to deliver compliant, high-quality advice.

FORMAT: All documents are downloadable via email upon receipt of payment.

Written & reviewed by the Ecompli founder — With over 20 years in financial services and having founded Ecompli in 2006, our compliance documents are written by a specialist with hands-on expertise in FCA regulation across the mortgage, general insurance, equity release, and insurance claims handling sectors. Every guide and template is personally developed to turn complex regulatory requirements into clear, practical tools your firm can actually use.

There are plenty of free templates and AI-generated documents available online. The challenge is knowing whether they genuinely reflect FCA requirements, align with Consumer Duty expectations and work in practice for your firm. Our documents are written by Ecompli’s founder and are designed specifically for regulated firms. Every manual, register and template is created to provide practical, usable guidance that supports implementation,  helping firms move beyond theory and into demonstrable compliance.