Harnessing the Power of AI: A Roadmap for Mortgage Brokers
In this episode of The Mortgage Broker Broadcast, Craig Skelton returns to one of the most talked-about topics in the industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI). As AI moves from buzzword to boardroom, Craig explores how mortgage brokers can turn the hype into real, everyday business improvements. This blog recaps key takeaways from the episode and provides a practical roadmap for brokers ready to embrace AI without losing the human touch that defines our profession.
Why AI Matters Now More Than Ever
Artificial Intelligence is no longer an abstract future concept. It’s reshaping industries worldwide, including financial services. UK giants like HSBC and Lloyds Banking Group are investing billions into AI adoption. For mortgage brokers, AI is no longer optional. If you want to remain competitive, streamline your operations, and enhance client experiences, the time to act is now.
But, as Craig reminds us, AI is a tool, not a replacement for what makes great brokers invaluable: empathy, expertise, and trust.
3 Categories of AI Tools Brokers Should Explore
Craig breaks AI adoption down into three main areas where brokers can start integrating smart tools into their workflow:
- Custom GPTs
- Upload your own documents, marketing content, tone of voice, and FAQs into a custom-trained GPT.
- Use it to generate on-brand, context-aware content in minutes, not hours.
- Transcription and Summarisation Tools
- Tools like Otter or Fireflies.ai can automatically record, transcribe, and summarise your meetings.
- Craig uses Otter in every meeting now, allowing him to focus fully on the conversation while AI handles the admin.
- Chatbots & Document Analysis
- AI chatbots can handle FAQs 24/7 on your website.
- Document tools can analyse bank statements, match income, and extract insights—although Craig notes these are still developing and should be used with caution.
What’s Next: The Rise of AI Agents
Looking ahead, Craig predicts the rise of AI agents in 2026. These systems will move beyond responding to prompts to executing multi-step tasks:
- Gathering documents
- Analysing client data
- Recommending financial solutions
He also expects the integration of AI with blockchain and digital ID, enabling faster and more secure document verification. But as AI systems evolve, so too will regulations, meaning compliance will require staying informed and adaptable.
AI Adoption: Practical Steps for Brokers
Craig shares a clear, no-nonsense roadmap for brokers looking to integrate AI into their business without getting overwhelmed:
- Audit Your Processes
- Identify repetitive tasks: note-taking, client follow-ups, admin, marketing posts.
- Anything you do more than twice a week is a good candidate for automation.
- Start with One Tool
- Don’t try to do it all at once. Begin with Otter or ChatGPT for content creation.
- Build it into your workflow until it becomes a habit.
- Build a Custom GPT
- Use ChatGPT Plus to create a version tailored to your tone and content.
- This saves time on drafting emails, social posts, or client-facing content.
- Double-Check Everything
- Always verify AI-generated content for accuracy and professionalism.
- Never compromise client data or compliance.
- Track the Impact
- Measure how much time you’re saving, how content performs, and client reactions.
- Share wins with your team or network—we grow faster together.
2026: The Year of Remortgaging + AI Maturity
As the remortgage wave builds toward 2026, Craig urges brokers to prepare by mastering AI tools now. Those who do will:
- Save time
- Improve efficiency
- Personalise advice at scale
- Deliver better client outcomes
AI won’t replace brokers. Brokers who use AI will replace those who don’t.
Final Thoughts: Stay Human, Stay Ahead
AI enhances what brokers already do well—it doesn’t replace it. The future belongs to those who combine digital tools with real human connection. So, get started. Test. Track. Learn. Share.
And remember Craig’s parting advice:
“Use the next year to master the tools, build processes that leverage AI’s strengths, and position yourself as both tech-savvy and deeply human.”
Want to Go Further?
- Subscribe to The Mortgage Broker Broadcast for weekly insights.
- Visit craigskelton.co.uk for support with your business and AI adoption.
- Explore the Broker Foundry and Self-Employed Broker Pathways to build a business that’s resilient, innovative, and true to your values.
Keywords: AI for mortgage brokers, custom GPTs, Otter, AI transcription, AI chatbots, document analysis, mortgage broker tools, AI agents, AI in financial services, Craig Skelton, Broker Foundry, Self-Employed Broker Pathways, AI adoption roadmap