If 2025 was the year of recalibration, 2026 looks set to be the year of realignment, with brokers facing a busy market, evolving regulation, and growing expectations from clients.
The contributors to our Growth Series end-of-year round-up The UK Mortgage Market: A Year of Progress, Pause and Potential all pointed to one thing: change is coming. But this time, it feels more predictable, more planned, and more rooted in helping brokers do what they do best, advise.
Here’s how a selection of respected voices from across the industry see the year ahead, and what brokers should be watching as 2026 unfolds.
The FCA is expected to publish further consultations on themes raised in the Future of the Mortgage Market Discussion Paper
“The outcomes of these discussions will be felt into 2026 and beyond… and they’ve created uncertainty in the market for both advisers and lenders,” says Martin Reynolds, CEO of SimplyBiz.
Stephanie Charman, CEO of AMI, agrees that regulatory change will continue to shape the year:
“2026 will be driven by three major forces: continued regulatory activity, competitive product pricing and accelerating digital transformation.”
And brokers need to stay alert. “The FCA is expected to publish further consultations on themes raised in the Future of the Mortgage Market Discussion Paper,” Stephanie continues. “We expect a roadmap to provide the sector clear direction on areas of focus.”
While the market welcomed base rate reductions in 2025, there’s no guarantee of a smooth ride in 2026.
“I would again expect this to continue in 2026 although not necessarily without a few short-term blips as markets react to wider economic challenges and disruptions,” says Martin Reynolds. “Base rate will continue to fall but much of this has already been baked into the current SWAP rates.”
That means advisers should be cautious about overpromising and focus instead on helping clients prepare for a gradually improving, but still unpredictable, rate environment.
Advisers are facing not just more regulation, but more complexity. In that context, smarter tools will be essential, not just helpful.
“AI and its uses will be both a positive and a challenge,” says Martin. “Firms need to remain vigilant on documentation as AI can create very good forgeries.”
Greg Cunnington at L&G Mortgage Club sees the potential:
“Those that work with AI will see large productivity gains potentially… to free them up to do what they do best – speak to clients, and give advice.”
But as Stephanie reminds us:
“AMI continues to emphasise the need for safe adoption of tools to ensure that we enhance and not replace human-led advice.”
With over £400 billion in product maturities expected and shifting affordability models, client expectations are only increasing.
Martin Reynolds says 2026 is a year for brokers to take control:
“Contact, talk to and educate your clients. The market is always evolving and you are the experts.”
Nathan Reilly at Twenty7Tec puts it another way:
“Communication, reassurance, and personalisation in delivering advice has never been more important.”
And Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord, reminds brokers that technology can support this—not replace it:
“The need for rounded advice can be supported by technology, to create capacity for brokers and improve the customer journey for clients.”
As AI continues to shape back-office processes and research tools, the broker’s human value, as a guide, listener and trusted adviser, will only become more distinct.
Nathan Reilly suggests it’s time to reframe the relationship with clients:
“A transaction should be the output of building a trusting relationship that has the customers at its core, not where the transaction is the primary driver.”
Greg Cunnington adds:
“Client needs continue to evolve… and it is brokers that are upskilled in adapting to client needs that will remain front and centre of the market.”
Stephanie Charman offers a final thought for 2026:
“Consumers continue to need guidance more than ever. Positioning advice as essential, not optional, will be key.”
2026 is unlikely to be smooth sailing, but it does feel more stable, more opportunity-rich, and more aligned to broker strengths than previous years.
With more products maturing, smarter tools on the rise, and the role of advice more valuable than ever, brokers who focus on relationships, relevance and readiness will be best placed to thrive.