Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Mortgage Strategy. Read the original article for full details.

Mortgage Strategy Launches Future of Mortgages Challenge 2026

Mortgage Strategy has announced the launch of the Future of Mortgages Challenge 2026. The initiative will be a central part of the MS Next Gen mentees programme in the coming months.

The MS Next Gen 2026 cohort, consisting of 30 mentees, will be divided into teams to address a key industry issue: attracting, developing, and retaining the next generation of talent in the mortgage sector. This challenge is described as a real, live industry issue impacting advisers, lenders, networks, technology providers, and distributors.

Participants will work in cross-functional teams, bringing together advisers, lenders, marketers, technologists, and operational professionals. Their task is to explore the root causes of the talent gap in the sector and develop practical, scalable solutions.

At the conclusion of the ideas phase, a judging panel made up of industry experts from AMI, WIM, and Mortgage Strategy will select the two strongest proposals. These teams will present their ideas live at the Mortgage Innovation & Technology Live 2026 conference, scheduled for 13 October in central London, in front of over 250 senior leaders, decision-makers, and influencers.

The Future of Mortgages Challenge 2026 aims to encourage innovation and collaboration across the mortgage industry. Information is also available for those interested in joining the MS Next Gen cohort for 2027.