Barton Law MD appointed to prestigious Standards Board

Peter Barton, Managing Director of the equity release legal specialists, Barton Law, has been appointed to the Equity Release Council Standards Board. 

The move is a reflection of Peter’s knowledge and commitment to the industry which started in the late nineties when equity release was in its infancy.  He has since advised and overseen hundreds of thousands of transactions since then.

Launched in June 2022, the Exeter-based firm is dedicated to providing the very best legal advice to clients who are interested in taking out lifetime mortgage or reversion plans. As the only law firm appointed, it is another clear demonstration of Barton Law’s standing and growing reputation within the industry after it was named ‘Best Legal Firm’ at the Later Life Lending Awards last year.

The Equity Release Council is the central governing body that oversees the industry as a whole. Its role is to represent members and to help develop the industry, working with the many and varied stakeholders that are involved. Although the Standards Board is part of the Council it is also a fully independent board that is responsible for safeguarding the industry, its members and its clients. 

When the board was looking to appoint a new member, it had a fantastic response from across the wider membership and the decision to appoint one individual over another for the seat was a tough one. Peter was asked to join the board because of his obvious dedication to the industry, his experience as a practitioner and his commitment to best practice, all of which will make him a valued member of the Standard’s Board. 

Commenting on the new appointment, Barton Law, Managing Director, Peter Barton said: “I’m honored to be appointed by the Equity Release Council and be a voice for both consumers and advisors in the continuous improvement of standards which is really important given the sums of money involved and the importance it makes to the futures of individuals and families across the UK.  I look forward to working closely with my fellow board members.”

Equity Release Council CEO Jim Boyd said: “Our standards committee will continue to evolve our safeguards to meet changing consumer needs. “The importance of our safeguards has remained a constant for over 30 years. This commitment to industry improvement has transformed the profile and reputation of equity release with consumers, government and regulators alike. Council standards are stronger than ever following the launch of our fifth product standard last year, giving all new customers the option to pay down their loan via voluntary penalty-free partial repayments.

“Modern equity release is a trusted and socially important product that enables older people to meet
daily living expenses, make aspirational purchases or support their loved ones. It should be on all
homeowners’ financial checklists as they approach later life.”