With the fast-developing Coronavirus situation upon us, we want to reassure all of our members that we have robust business continuity measures in place. We are constantly reviewing the government advice and we have measures in place, which includes additional home working provision, to allow us to ensure both members, Lenders and Providers continue to receive the high level of service they have come to expect from us.
We have been working closely with our Lender partners to create comprehensive COVID-19 Matrices which detail for you how Lenders will be dealing with both Intermediaries and also with your Customers in relation to COVID-19, including how Lender BDMs will be working and the stance each Lender is taking with regards to Payment Holidays. We will continue to add to these documents in the coming weeks.
COVID-19: Mainstream Lender Matrix - please click here to download the latest version. (Updated: 08.04.20)
COVID-19: Building Societies & Specialist Lender Matrix - please click here to download the latest version. (Updated: 02.04.20)
COVID-19: AVM Info & LTV Restrictions - please click here to download the latest version. (Updated: 09.04.20)
We have collated all the key information regarding COVID-19 from our provider partners into a Protection Matrix, so you can see all the important details in one place, including each of their current stances for Applications, Product/Policy/Process Changes, Claims and the Support their offering at this time. We will continue to update this as and when we receive new details.
COVID-19 Protection Provider Matrix - please click here to download the latest version. (Updated: 09.04.20)
In light of the current COVID-19 situation, we have seen a significant increase in interest in our award-winning Protection proposition, Paradigm Protect. This offering gives you access to enhanced commission terms and we also provide a wide range of marketing and technology support to our firms who are active, or looking to become active, in the protection space. Please visit our website or call us on 03300 536061 to discuss further.
We have worked closely with Protection Guru for some time now, however particularly recently, we have found their updates regarding Coronavirus and how different Providers are dealing with this issue exceptionally useful. We've created a new dedicated page on our website which tells you more about Protection Guru and includes a link to their COVID-19 microsite.
Protection Top Tips
Our Head of Protection, Mike Allison, has collated 5 'Top Tips' detailing things to consider when discussing Protection with clients currently, and reasons to contact them and discuss their Protection needs. Click here to view these.
We have also taken the decision to postpone our CPD events in the coming weeks and months, in line with Government guidance and as a measure to protect our employees and our member firms’ health and safety.
Likewise, all other industry events, conferences and face to face seminars are being cancelled and postponed too for the foreseeable future. As such, now may be a good time for you and your team to register for our award-winning CPD Academy in which you can find a range of Protection, Regulatory and Mortgage related CPD content. Please click here to register.
As many of you will know, Paradigm are keen advocates of technology that will create business efficiencies for intermediaries. We believe that the below tools and technology may be of interest to our members:
- Experian AML Tools - Paradigm members can utilise our exclusive rates to access Experian's AML ID&V Checks, Digital Documentation Verification and Credit Bureau Data tools. We have agreed exceptionally attractive commercial terms, which include no license fee. You can find out more details and how to register on their page here.
- Mortgage Brain Anywhere – Offering at least a 90-day free trial for current MortgageBrain Classic users.
- Please email customerservices@mortgage-brain.co.uk to switch to MortgageBrain Anywhere or call 0208 665 3200.
- Criteria Hub – Offering at least a 90-day free trial of their technology for new customers.
- Solution Builder – Available FREE for Paradigm Protect members
- Quality Analyser – Available FREE for Paradigm Protect members
New COVID-19 Phishing Scam
A new phishing campaign pretending to be from a local hospital in the US has been spotted in an unfortunate trend of coronavirus-related scams. Phishing is when criminals try to convince you to click on links within a scam email or text message, or to give sensitive information away (such as bank details).%u202F The scam email in question preys upon COVID-19 fears by suggesting the recipient has been exposed to the virus via a friend or relative. The victim is then prompted to open an attachment and select ‘enable content’ but this allows malware to be installed on the victim’s computer. You can see some examples of the scam here.
Unfortunately, cyber criminals are preying upon the fears of coronavirus and there have been scams spotted that claim to have a 'cure' for the virus, offer a financial reward, or encourage you to donate. Please remain vigilant and contact your IT support should you have any concerns regarding a communication you may have received.
A guide to the business support being made available by the Government, from Santander - click here to download it.
Mortgages and Coronavirus: current FCA guidance on topics including payment holidays and repossessions
Financial Services Key workers: FCA guidance on what is considered an essential service
You may find the recent blog and video updates from our investment proposition, Tatton Investment Management, of interest if you have not yet seen them. Tatton Investment Management are constantly monitoring global economic activities and are therefore on the pulse of all the latest economic changes.
We are confident that we will be able to maintain our excellent customer service and you can continue to contact the team using their normal contact details listed here.
If you’d like to get in touch, please call us on 03300 536061 and select one of the following options:
Option 1: Mortgage Helpdesk
Option 2: Proc fees and commission queries
Option 3: Info on how to become member/general
Option 4: Paradigm Protect and Protection Helpdesk
Option 5: Events
Option 6: Marketing team
Or, if none of the above options match your requirements, please hold for further assistance and one of the team will do their best to assist.