Rising mortgage adviser numbers in H1 as market remains “resilient”
More than 300 new mortgage advice firms joined the Financial Conduct Authority’s register during the first six months of the year, industry analysis reveals.
Mortgage adviser numbers grew in the first half of 2026 according to data from ISS Market Intelligence (ISS MI) in the latest edition of The Landscape Report, which covers changes to the UK advice market every six months.
By comparison, investment advice firms registering for the first time totalled 259.
There are now 36,764 individuals with mortgage-related permissions on the FCA Register, up 0.4% from 36,604 at the end of 2025 whereas the total number of UK advisers across all financial sectors fell by 0.4%.
Mortgage advisers, categorised as those who give advice on both mortgages and protection, remain the largest specialist mortgage segment by both firm and individual numbers, when compared to brokers who do not give advice on protection, and those who advise on home reversion plans and equity release.
At the same time, the number of individuals authorised to advise on equity release transactions fell to 5,934 from 6,142 at the end of 2025.
Over the period, 413 mortgage advisers moved from one advice firm to another.
Mark Hamper, head of strategy and business lead, UK, said: “The mortgage market continues to demonstrate considerable resilience. While many areas of the financial services market are navigating ongoing change, adviser numbers within the mortgage sector have remained stable and continue to grow incrementally. The increase in professionals holding regulated mortgage advice permissions suggests firms remain committed to supporting adviser capacity and meeting customer demand.”
Among the largest mortgage firms, Stonebridge Mortgage Solutions retained its position as the UK’s largest specialist mortgage organisation. However, according to ISS MI’s data, its growth has moderated compared with previous periods.
The firm hired an additional 19 registered individuals during H1 2026 after stronger growth in the second half of 2025 when they added 60 advisers to their business.
Mortgage Advice Bureau (Derby) Limited once again recorded the largest increase in adviser numbers among the top 30 firms. The business added 137 registered individuals during the period and continuing a pattern of sustained growth.
