An independent Australian network of senior equity release specialists yesterday launched Fortus, an industry body designed to offer safeguards to retirees through a new code of conduct.Craig Swan, interim-chair of Fortus and director of Seniors Equity Direct, said "you would become a member if you want to promote yourself as a specialist in equity release products."Our aim is that what SEQUAL is to lenders, Fortus will be to brokers".The new organisation is aimed at bringing brokers under one accreditation umbrella, supported by a charter requiring members to ensure its representatives follow a strict code of conduct, which includes holding the reverse mortgage consultant (RMC) accreditation from a SEQUAL-accredited organisation.Swan said Fortus is currently in the process of appointing a non-member national executive to run the industry body, and a board of member directors who will be practitioners in the equity release market.