šImportant: BankingTimes provides information only. We do not offer financial advice and act as an introducer to FCA-regulated partners for products such as Equity Release and SIPPs. Always seek personalised advice before making financial decisions.
Katherine Read
Financial Writer
Katherine Read is a specialist financial writer at BankingTimes, focusing on retirement planning, equity release, and personal finance for the over-55s.
She is committed to making complex financial decisions easy to understand by translating technical details into clear, practical guidance that readers can trust
Commitment to Accuracy
This page and Katherineās published articles are fact-checked regularly and reviewed by BankingTimesā compliance editors to ensure accuracy, fairness, and adherence to FCA communication standards.
Last Reviewed: Aug 2025
Professional Experience
Katherine began her career in corporate finance at Maersk, where she was selected for their international management programme. She later founded and sold a successful business before dedicating her career to financial journalism.
Today, she combines industry knowledge with consumer-focused insight, covering key areas such as:
Equity Release & Lifetime Mortgages ā demystifying products and safeguarding consumers from risks.
Pensions & SIPPs ā providing clarity on HMRC rules, drawdown, and tax-efficient retirement planning.
Annuities & Retirement Income ā helping retirees weigh income stability against flexibility.
Estate & Inheritance Planning ā simplifying wills, trusts, and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Katherine is Regularly Quoted in the Media
Her analysis draws on FCA regulations, pension legislation, and real consumer case studies. Katherine is regularly quoted by journalists seeking expert perspectives on later-life borrowing, retirement wealth, and housing market impacts on older generations.
A Few Recent Quotes
Katherine has a wealth of experience with different financial topics.
17 Strategies to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage
4 Things Retirees Canāt Afford at Disney
Recession Ahead? Depends on Who You Ask
50 Ways to Save on Everything as Tariffs Increase
4 Expenses Retirees Should Avoid at Disney: Saving Strategies for a Magical Vacation
12 Tips for Making Minimum Payments on Credit Card Debt
and many more!
Available for Media Enquiries
Katherine provides expert comment, practical soundbites, and plain-English analysis for journalists covering retirement finance, pensions, and the housing market.
If you would like her quote on your article, please reach out. All comments are for information purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice.
For press or media enquiries, contact: press@bankingtimes.co.uk
ABOUT KATHERINE
Katherine Read is a contributor at BankingTimes, specialising in equity release and retirement planning. Her mission is to simplify financial decisions for older adults, keeping explanations clear and free of jargon.
Experience & Expertise
Katherine brings deep knowledge across later-life finance, with a focus on:
Equity Release & Lifetime Mortgages ā Explaining benefits, risks, and options, from lump-sum releases to interest-only mortgages.
Retirement Planning & SIPPs ā Simplifying drawdown strategies, Self-Invested Personal Pensions, and budgeting in later life.
Tax & Financial Security ā Helping readers manage income streams, understand tax implications, and protect long-term wellbeing.
Why Trust Katherineās Advice
Katherine brings deep knowledge across later-life finance, with a focus on:
Professional Knowledge ā Studied Business & Finance at the University of Cape Town.
Industry Experience ā Worked in business strategy and financial operations at Maersk.
Editorial Integrity ā All articles reviewed by BankingTimes editors, ensuring fairness, clarity, and factual accuracy in line with FCA standards.
Reader-First Approach ā Passionate about making financial information jargon-free, relevant, and accessible to UK retirees.
Independence & Transparency
Katherine is committed to providing independent, unbiased perspectives:
She does not promote or endorse specific financial products.
Every article highlights its purpose, limitations, and relevant risks to help readers make informed choices.
BankingTimes may receive commissions if readers proceed through our introductions to FCA-regulated partners. This does not affect editorial independence or the integrity of Katherineās work.
š¢ Note: Katherineās content is educational and informational only. She does not provide personalised financial advice.
Areas of Expertise
Specialising in equity release, SIPPs, and tailored retirement planning for over-55s.
Equity Release and Lifetime Mortagages
Katherine has extensive knowledge in the area of equity release, helping individuals understand how it works and whether itās the right option for them.
She explains the various products, including interest-only lifetime mortgages, in clear, easy-to-understand language.
Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs)
As a specialist in retirement finance, Katherine simplifies SIPPs for those nearing retirement, outlining the benefits and considerations.
She educates readers on how to make the most of their pension pots, allowing for more control over investment choices.
Retirement Planning for Over-55s
Katherineās advice is tailored to the needs of the over-55 age group, ensuring that financial planning in later life is clear and strategic.
Her content covers everything from budgeting to tax implications in retirement, helping readers plan for a secure future.
Financial Security In Retirement
With her in-depth understanding of retirement income and investment options, she guides readers on how to secure their finances during retirement.
She covers key topics such as managing income streams, tax strategies, and long-term financial planning.
Why You Can Trust Katherine Read
Katherine Read is a trusted contributor at BankingTimes, offering clear financial guidance and information on equity release, SIPPs, and retirement planning. Her content is tailored to help individuals aged 55 and over make informed financial decisions.
Expert Advice You Can Rely On
Years of Experience: Katherine brings years of financial expertise, specialising in retirement finance and equity release.
Clear and Jargon-Free Advice: Her content is easy to understand, designed to demystify complex financial topics for the over-55 audience.
Commitment to Accuracy: Katherineās advice is based on the latest financial regulations and best practices, ensuring up-to-date and accurate guidance.
Reviewed for Accuracy: All content is thoroughly reviewed by BankingTimeās editorial team to ensure compliance and accuracy.
Tailored for Over-55s: Katherine understands the unique financial concerns of individuals in this age group and tailors her advice to address those needs.
Katherineās Education
Katherineās educational journey laid the groundwork for her strong financial expertise. With a focus on business principles at the University of Cape Town, Katherine gained a solid understanding of financial systems, which has been essential in her work as a financial writer.
Katherineās Work History
Katherine’s experience in the financial and business sectors has honed her ability to simplify complex topics and provide clear, actionable advice to her audience.
BankingTimes ā Contributor, specialising in equity release, retirement planning, and financial education.
Maersk ā Worked in business strategy and financial operations, gaining insights that strengthen her ability to explain financial systems effectively.
Katherineās Vision
Katherine believes financial decisions should be built on clarity, confidence, and trust. Her mission is to:
Clear Communication
Simplify financial jargon into meaningful, actionable insights.
Empowering Readers
Help readers avoid costly mistakes by understanding risks and benefits.
Adapting to Trends
Keep older adults informed about new regulations, lending practices, and pension trends.
Connect with Katherine
Stay up to date with Katherineās financial insights and resources:
Personal Endeavours
Get in Touch with Katherine
Have a question or need personalized advice? Connect with Katherine directly through her social media channels or via email for expert guidance on your financial journey.
Have a Question?
Weāre happy to assist. If anything is unclear or you’d like more information, reach out to our legal or compliance team.
Contact UsImportant Note
BankingTimes is not FCA-authorised and does not provide financial advice. We act as an introducer to qualified advisers, including Age Partnership Limited (FCA FRN 425432). Equity release reduces the value of your estate and may affect eligibility for benefits, always seek guidance from an FCA-authorised adviser.
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