Established in 2007 by James Carter, Independent James has provided 26+ years of whole-of-market mortgage advice from Kingsway Place, Clerkenwell. Free from banking sales targets, focused entirely on client outcomes.
Following significant regulatory shifts in UK financial services, Principal James Carter founded Independent James with a clear vision: to strip away corporate banking jargon and provide transparent, whole-of-market mortgage guidance rooted in deep client care.
Operating from the converted Victorian schoolhouse at 54 Kingsway Place in Clerkenwell, our firm has built enduring ties with both mainstream high-street banks and boutique specialist lenders. We hold key account status with major lenders and belong to the UK's premier mortgage clubs, Premier Mortgage Services (PMS) and Legal & General (L&G), granting exclusive rates unavailable directly to the public.
Beyond the transaction, we treat mortgages as the cornerstone of lifelong financial security—partnering with accountants, solicitors, and surveyors to support your property journey at every step.
We believe a modern financial practice must operate with social and environmental integrity.
Audited under ISO 14064 & GHG Protocol. We maintain a verified Carbon Reduction Plan and invest with the Woodland Trust toward our Net Zero target.
Certified Climate Positive business, directly co-funding global ecosystem projects including the Rimba Raya Biodiversity Reserve.
Formally accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, ensuring all staff and on-site contractors receive true London living wages.
Founding signatory to the Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter, promoting workplace wellbeing and transparent client communications.
Advisers, paraplanners, dedicated case progressors, and client concierges—each playing an integral role in delivering stress-free mortgage outcomes.
Over 26 years in independent mortgage finance. Founded Independent James in 2007. Active member of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI) working groups.
Finance & Investment graduate from University of Brighton. Holds CeMAP and DipMAP postgraduate credentials with 7+ years advising on complex transactions.
Holds a Bachelor's degree in Financial Mathematics from University of Kent. Joined IJ in 2018, progressing from administrator to fully qualified mortgage adviser.
In the mortgage industry since 2018 and fully CeMAP qualified. Offers firsthand first-time buyer empathy having completed his own purchase in 2025.
Joined IJ in 2021 with 6 years of industry admin experience. Holds a 2:1 Law degree along with CF1 and CF6 certifications on path to advisory certification.
13+ years specializing in tailored life, critical illness, income protection, and non-standard home insurance (subsidence, flood, and listed buildings).
Manages applications from lender submission to formal offer, actively coordinating between underwriters, conveyancers, and estate agents.
CeMAP qualified with over 6 years of corporate mortgage administration expertise, ensuring rapid underwriter clearing.
Over 20 years of experience across property, finance, and customer care. Active buy-to-let landlord studying toward CeMAP certification.
Specialist in client administration and underwriter liaisons, ensuring life and protection policies are underwritten and placed in trust promptly.
Over 25 years in financial services compliance, starting at the PIA/FCA regulator in 1999. Oversees our quality audits and Consumer Duty alignment.
On-site building concierge since 2017, warmly welcoming clients, managing security, and overseeing Kingsway Place visitor logistics.
Provides financial administration and bookkeeping support. Holds a Master's degree in Fine Art from Goldsmiths, University of London.
Placement year scholar from Henley Business School studying Accounting and Management, assisting with case packaging and borrower onboarding.
Visit our Clerkenwell studio or schedule a video call with James, Tom, Shangs, or Dan.
