OVER THE PAST year, more European companies have shown an interest in equity release products, partly because the pandemic created a renewed appreciation for aging in place, but also because of the growing acceptance of the products by consumers, according to Steve Kyle, secretary-general of the European Pensions and Property Asset Release Group (EPPARG). Kyle says his organization has been focused on building its membership, adding new members from France, Sweden and the Netherlands in recent months. Some of the appeal has been the EPPARG 10 standards, which are policies that protect consumers and the reputation of the industry throughout Europe by promoting consumer-friendly practices and procedures. “We are extremely encouraged to see new market entrants—a number of whom are pioneers on their national markets—reaching out to EPPARG in the Equity Release Expands in Europe Cross-Border Funding Remains a Focus By Thomas A. Barstow Steve Kyle 20 REVERSE MORTGAGE / JULY-AUGUST 2022
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