In episode #146 of the Growth Series podcast’s Mortgage Mentors series, host Jeremy Duncombe, Managing Director at Accord Mortgages, is joined by Kate Davies, Executive Director at The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA), to explore why collaboration continues to power the mortgage industry.
Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Kate offers a unique perspective shaped not from within a single organisation, but from working across trade bodies at the centre of industry change. Her journey highlights how the mortgage sector evolves through cycles, challenges and regulation, yet remains grounded in shared principles and collective responsibility.
At the heart of the conversation is the idea that no single part of the market has all the answers. Whether navigating regulatory change or responding to external pressures, progress has always depended on lenders, brokers and policymakers coming together, exchanging ideas and supporting one another. It’s this collaborative spirit, Kate explains, that underpins both resilience and innovation across the industry.
The discussion also touches on how the market has adapted over time, from early attempts at self-regulation through to today’s more complex environment. While much has changed, the importance of keeping things simple, acting with integrity and putting customers first remains constant.
Looking ahead, Jeremy and Kate consider the role of technology and AI, and what it could mean for the future of the sector. While innovation will undoubtedly shape how the industry operates, there is a clear sense that the human element, particularly the role of advisers, will continue to be vital.
This episode offers a thoughtful perspective on where the mortgage industry has come from and where it may be heading next, leaving listeners with plenty to reflect on about the power of collaboration and the opportunities still to come.
Listen to more podcasts in the Mortgage Mentors Series here.
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04:40 - 30:39