IMLA and AMI publish guide to understanding lender funding

12 July 2023


In light of the recent and ongoing interest rate volatility, the impact on mortgage product availability and consequent pressure on advisers, IMLA and AMI have teamed up to produce an online guide to Understanding lender funding, product pricing and availability for mortgage professionals.

The guide explains the different types of funding used by mortgage lenders and how the type and split of funding sources impact individual providers’ ability to respond to interest rate changes.

It answers questions such as:

  • How are fixed-rate mortgages funded, and what is a swap?
  • Why can some lenders offer more notice of product withdrawal than others?
  • Can product withdrawal deadlines be kept within the 9–5, Monday–Friday?
  • What would happen if a 24-hour product withdrawal notice period became mandatory?
  • What needs to happen next—what can lenders and brokers do?

The guide is designed to be accessible for anyone in the industry and assumes no prior knowledge. The explanations come from technical specialists in the lending sector.

Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive of AMI, says:

“Interest rate volatility is the new normal, and unhappily it is causing a great deal of stress and difficulty for advisers and their clients. In this environment, understanding the rationale behind mortgage pricing and product availability can give brokers valuable insight to help their customers make good decisions. That is why we at AMI and IMLA have come together to create this Q&A guide. In addition, we will continue to talk to lenders and other trade bodies about reasonable notice periods for product withdrawal.”

Kate Davies, executive director of IMLA, adds:

“We hope this guide will clarify the motivations and constraints lenders are operating within, and promote better understanding between lenders and brokers. It is essential we evolve as an industry to meet the demands of a shifting financial climate, and to that end, we are calling on all parties to maintain open dialogue.”

Read the full guide to lender funding here

View IMLA's publications »


For further information please contact:

Paula John, Paula John Communications
Tel: +44 (0)7973 435 299
Email: paula.john@imla.org.uk


Notes to Editors

About IMLA

The Intermediary Mortgage Lenders Association (IMLA) is the trade association that represents mortgage lenders who lend to UK consumers and businesses via the broker channel. Its membership of 53 banks, building societies and specialist lenders include 18 of the 20 largest UK mortgage lenders (measured by gross lending) and account for about 90% of mortgage lending (91.6% of balances and 92.8% of gross lending).


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