Mortgage Strategy Podcast

In the launch episode of MS NextGen Podcast, Kimberley Dondo sits down with Joe Maskell, Mortgage and Protection Adviser at The Finance Planning Group and a member of the MS NextGen Class of 2026.

The MS NextGen programme is Mortgage Strategy’s flagship 12-month talent accelerator, created to identify, develop, and champion 30 of the most promising professionals under 30 across the UK mortgage and protection sector.

In this o...

Mortgage advisers frequently encounter clients with complex, modern income streams. In this episode of the Money Talks podcast, host and digital content manager Kimberley Dondo sits down with Royal London’s Gregor Sked and CIExpert’s Paul Roberts to discuss CIExpert’s Critical Thinking 2026 report. They dive into how to overcome advice friction for self-employed and contract workers, and how to align protection pr...

In this episode Shelley Reid from Royal London discusses the rise of economic and financial abuse, explains the difference between them, and shares real-life examples showing how control over money, property, benefits and mobility can be used to coerce victims.

She outlines which groups are at higher risk, the effects on mortgages, protection products and debt, and practical red flags for advisors, friends and family to watch for.

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In this episode of Money Talks, Kimberley Dondo is joined by Stacey Penn (The Association of Mortgage Intermediaries) and Shelley Reid (Royal London) discuss why positioning protection conversations earlier in the mortgage journey increases uptake.

They cover practical ways advisors can embed these discussions — using clear language, leveraging mortgage documents as prompts, asking what clients want to happen rather than focu...

In this episode Shelly Reid (Senior Protection Technical Manager, Royal London) and Stacey Penn (Head of Policy, AMI) discuss findings from the 2025 AMI Protection Viewpoint research and focus on how advisors can better serve renters—an underserved and growing segment—through income and lifestyle protection.

They cover practical opportunities for advisers, including building long-term client relationships, using interna...

In this episode of Money Talks, host interviews Gregor Sked from Royal London to unpack the FCA's Pure Protection Market review. They discuss how the review is a signal rather than an intervention, the engagement and protection gaps affecting many households, and the growing importance of consumer duty, claims outcomes, trusts and clear explanations of income protection.

Gregor offers practical advice for advisers: embed protection...

Chris Lynch from Source Insurance joins Kimberley Dondo to unpack what AI really means for mortgage advisers in the general insurance space.

From practical tools already making a difference to the challenges of integration and regulation, Chris shares where AI can enhance advice and where the human touch remains essential.

He also tackles concerns around job security, vulnerable customers, and how advisers can cut through the hype ...

In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, Kimberley Dondo speaks with Jennifer Gilchrist, Proposition Specialist, and Shelley Read, Senior Protection Development and Technical Manager at Royal London, to explore the growing mental health crisis in the UK and its impact on families and the insurance industry.

They discuss how protection products and integrated support services can help bridge the gap left by NHS delays, how ...

In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, host Kimberley Dondo is joined by Gregor Sked and Shelley Read, Senior Protection Development and Technical Managers at Royal London, to explore why protection often feels out of reach for younger clients — and why that mindset needs to change.

They unpack the most common myths holding young people back, the key messages that really resonate, and how advisers can reframe prote...

Delayed claims can cause unnecessary stress for clients, families, and advisers. In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, Kimberley Dondo is joined by Julie Douglas, Senior Claims Assessor at Royal London, to uncover the biggest causes of claim delays—and what advisers can do to keep things moving smoothly. From common pitfalls to the power of clear communication, Julie...

In this episode of the Mortgage Strategy Podcast, Kimberley Dondo is joined by Shelley Read, Senior Protection Development and Technical Manager, and Stephan Nandadasa, Senior Account Manager at Royal London, to explore how mortgage advisers can help clients get faster underwriting decisions.

They discuss the most common reasons for delays, what underwriters wish advisers knew, and practical ways to avoid common application pitfall...

In this special Awards edition of the Mortgage Strategy podcast, Kimberley Dondo sits down with Andrew Montlake, CEO, Brand Evangelist & Spokesperson at Coreco, to discuss their win as Diversity & Inclusion Broker Champion at the 2024 Mortgage Strategy Awards. Andrew shares how Coreco has embedded inclusivity into its DNA, the impact on their business, and advice for others looking to drive meaningful change. Plus, don&rsqu...

Kimberley Dondo sits down with Paul McGonigle, CEO of Positive Lending, to unpack their victory as Best Broker for Short-term Lending at the 2024 Mortgage Strategy Awards. From overcoming industry challenges to refining customer strategies, Paul shares the secrets behind their success—and what’s next for this dynamic sector. Inspired by this year’s winners? Don’t miss your chance to shine—boo...

In this special Mortgage Strategy Podcast episode, Kimberley Dondo sits down with Kate Fuller, Business Principal at Mortgage Advice Bureau and winner of Best Mortgage Broker (fewer than eight advisers) at the 2024 Mortgage Strategy Awards. Kate shares what the award means to her team, how they deliver standout service with a small but mighty setup, and how they’re embracing tech and training to stay ahead in a shifting marke...

The mortgage market is changing, and brokers need to adapt. In this episode of In Conversation With..., host Kimberley Dondo speaks with Nick Parker, Head of Clubs and Networks at Together, about why now is the right time for Together to re-enter the Network & Clubs space. They discuss the biggest challenges brokers face, the rise of specialist lending, and how brokers can position themselves as trusted advisers beyond just mor...

In this special Mortgage Strategy Awards episode, Kimberley Dondo speaks with Nicola McKenzie, Co-Founder of The Dunham McCarthy Group, winner of the Best Broker for Digital Innovation award. Nicola shares insights into the firm’s pioneering use of technology, social media strategies, and the future of digital innovation in the mortgage industry.

Don’t miss this celebration of excellence—and make sure to book your...