A Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM) board member, Jos Heuvelman, published an opinion piece calling on banks to engage proactively and carefully with customers who have interest-only mortgages, positioning timely outreach as part of banks’ duty of care even as banks report they have been instructed by the European Central Bank to reduce these portfolios. Heuvelman argues that interest-only mortgages can support affordable housing and financial flexibility and that, where monthly payments remain affordable, borrowers should be able to stay in their homes. He points to the Netherlands’ comparatively large pension assets as a factor that can help many households continue servicing mortgage payments after retirement, meaning full repayment before retirement is not always necessary. The article stresses that closer cooperation between banks and mortgage advisers can help customers take action in time, particularly towards the end of a mortgage term, as retirement approaches, or when housing needs change; it also calls for banks to clearly explain why they are making contact, provide a clear set of options, and respect boundaries, while encouraging consumers to engage in the conversation, including via an adviser.
Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets 2026-04-09
Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets urges banks to proactively discuss interest-only mortgages with customers amid ECB-driven portfolio reductions
Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets board member Jos Heuvelman has urged banks to proactively and carefully engage customers with interest-only mortgages, framing timely outreach as part of their duty of care despite European Central Bank pressure to reduce such portfolios. He argues that interest-only mortgages can remain appropriate where payments are affordable, citing Dutch pension assets as a mitigating factor, and calls for closer cooperation between banks and mortgage advisers to provide clear options and communication as mortgage terms near expiry or retirement.