Latest interest rate hike sounds alarm bells on vulnerable clients

‘Chaos’ in mortgage market as advisers grapple with Consumer Duty

Jenna Brown
clock • 5 min read

The latest interest rate hike from the Bank of England (BoE), which last week rose to 5%, is ringing alarm bells among advisers and providers as the potential for more people to fall into the category of ‘vulnerable client’ rises.

The BoE monetary policy committee (MPC) increased rates by 50 basis points from 4.5% to 5% on 22 June, marking its thirteenth consecutive interest rate increase and putting rates at the highest levels since 2008. Rate rises mean more than 1.4 million people on tracker mortgages and standard variable rate (SVR) deal will see an immediate increase in their monthly costs while clients looking to get a mortgage are faced with "added pressure" to grab rates while the can in the face of ever shifting offers from lenders. The current situation presents a Consumer Duty sticking point, accordi...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Adviser / Broking

amii appoints Charlie Francis to executive committee

amii appoints Charlie Francis to executive committee

Howha PMI managing director

Jaskeet Briah
clock 24 July 2026 • 1 min read
Rosemount adds 12 advisers in Q2

Rosemount adds 12 advisers in Q2

41% growth in protection in H1

Jen Frost
clock 24 July 2026 • 2 min read
PDG takes 'cautious engagement' approach to secondary life firm We Buy Life Policy

PDG takes 'cautious engagement' approach to secondary life firm We Buy Life Policy

Consumer outcomes, vulnerability and fair value

Cameron Roberts
clock 23 July 2026 • 2 min read