At Craven Street Wealth, much of what defines our firm is the calibre of our people. This month, we highlight David Thornberry, our London-based Financial Planning Director, whose three decades of experience span holistic financial planning, complex mortgage advice, and an area of growing demand: equity release.

How did you start in financial planning?

I first joined the profession working in a mortgage office, handling administration and filing. I gradually moved into dealing directly with clients, face to face, by letter and on the phone and realised this was the part of the job I enjoyed the most. That early exposure set the trajectory for my whole career.

What do you enjoy most about financial planning?

Seeing long-term plans come to fruition. Some of the clients I advised 25–30 years ago are now retiring with confidence, and knowing I’ve played a role in that journey is incredibly satisfying.

Do you have a specialism?

Mortgages have been a constant throughout my career and still give me real gratification, particularly when guiding clients through the more complex or protracted cases.

I also specialise in equity release, and often support clients facing unusual or time-sensitive circumstances.

A recent case involved a client who needed temporary funds to finance care fees while waiting for an inheritance to be finalised. Equity release provided an efficient short-term solution, despite additional complexities involving a Power of Attorney. Helping clients navigate these situations, and working alongside other professionals, is one of the most rewarding elements of the role.

My encouragement to fellow professionals: contact us early, even if a client’s circumstances appear complex. Combined expertise often produces solutions that neither party could identify in isolation.

How do you describe equity release to clients?

Equity release allows homeowners aged 55+ to unlock part of the value in their property as a tax-free lump sum or series of payments without needing to sell or move.

The market has evolved significantly:

• Product terms can be as short as 10 years
• Options exist to pay some or all interest
• Some plans now include no early repayment charges
• Flexibility has increased dramatically under enhanced regulation

It has become a far more robust and adaptable tool within retirement and estate planning.

Where do you see the future of equity release?

Demographic and economic conditions mean its relevance is expanding:

• Ageing population
• Pension shortfalls
• Higher confidence in a tightly regulated market
• Significant property wealth held by older generations

Equity release is steadily shifting from a niche product into a mainstream component of holistic retirement planning.

Opportunities for legal and accounting professionals

We increasingly collaborate with solicitors and accountants where clients are “asset rich, cash poor” and need liquidity without selling their home. Common scenarios include:

• Boosting retirement income or bridging pension gaps
• Funding care, home adaptations or major expenses
• Living inheritance and intergenerational gifting
• IHT planning, including structured lifetime gifts
• Clearing existing mortgages or debts
• Providing capital for business owners

Your role is essential in helping clients understand the legal, tax and estate-planning implications, particularly around compounding interest, gifting rules, and the impact on beneficiaries. We are always happy to discuss cases collaboratively.

What do you enjoy outside work?

I’m a keen rugby supporter and spent time in Australia this summer following the British & Irish Lions tour. I also sit on the Finance Committee of Old Merchant Taylors’ RFC.

Away from rugby, I enjoy travelling and spending time with my grandchildren.

What do you enjoy about working at Craven Street Wealth?

It always comes back to people, clients and colleagues alike. I enjoy mentoring the next generation, particularly working with Hannah Sharpe on mortgage and equity release cases. She has an exceptionally bright future ahead.

If you would like to discuss a specific client situation or explore how equity release might fit within broader legal or tax planning strategies please contact us on  0330 320 9280, email info@cravenstreetwealth.com or complete our online enquiry form.

 

Craven Street Financial Planning Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.