Any Mortgage Advisors Passed "Fit & Proper" Test with Criminal Record?

Hayman

I'm wondering if there are any Mortgage Advisors on the site who are currently working with a past Criminal Record?
I understand the FCA will look at each case on its merits however a custodial sentence even spent 8 years ago will still show up on a CRB/DBS standard or enhanced check .
As the FCA require £1500 yes £1500 to apply for a licence my question to any FAs or Mortgage Advisors is have you been in the same position and been accepted ?
The three month sentence was for a driving licence points issue.
Very stupid and paid the price .
One firm told me their Compliance dept would not entertain this criminal record and my question is to anyone in the know .....am I doomed trying to find a career in Financial Services will the shutters come down every where I apply please?
Before I undertook the CeMAP courses I asked the training school the same question and the lady on the phone replied that "well they run this course in prisons" that was the answer I was given . I cannot get a straight answer and whilst I realise all situations are different I would welcome any answers from people in the Mortgage /Finance Business please? I should add over the past 8 years I have worked in a HNW industry dealing in large sums of cash and Finance ...not mortgages /Equity Release though.

Dave_Ham

Cannot help specifically I am afraid, but I think that driving convictions were dealt with separately to other criminal convictions.

Would have thought you would have more chance as an adviser part of a company, but obviously your business plan/needs may be different.

Sorry I could not be more definitive.

ethank

I think that it would be more of an issue if the offence involved dishonesty,

Be honest with the FSA on your forms. Authorities such as this take non-disclosure very seriously, and if they find out - they will treat it as you being dishonest.

maninthestreet

A three month prison sentence for points on your licence???
Was this a driving conviction or something far more serious?? You didn't try to do a 'Huhne', did you??

ACG

Have you spoken to any of the networks?

You can speak to them in advance, so effectively you can make an application without paying £1500 and in the knowledge of whether they will accept you or not.

Chances are neither a network or FSA will accept you if you or your advisors do not have CAS anyway.

amnblog

Phone up the FCA on their adviser line and ask them.

Currently, unless you need to be an 'approved' person I believe you can operate as a mortgage adviser without being registered with the FCA (although that will probably change within 24 months).

This means a Network can take it's own view on your situation as can a DA broker that wants you as an adviser.

amnblog

Hayman wrote: »

"well they run this course in prisons"

this is reassuring

Let_Us_See

He should have studied when he was detained at Her Majesty's pleasure!

Annisele

Hayman wrote: »

One firm told me their Compliance dept would not entertain this criminal record and my question is to anyone in the know .....am I doomed trying to find a career in Financial Services will the shutters come down every where I apply please?

There are really two aspects to your question: will the FCA pass you on its fit and proper test; and will you find a network/employer prepared to take you on?

If it was something like speeding, nobody will care. If it was something dishonesty related, I think you'll struggle on both aspects.

I think ACG's suggestion of asking some networks is the right one. If the FCA is happy but employers/networks aren't, you're not really much further forwards. (Unless you're planning to go it alone without a network - that comes with other issues).