A finance introducer connects you to the right lender — then steps back. They are paid by the lender, not by you. Here is exactly how it works, what questions to ask, and what your rights are.
What Is a Finance Introducer?
A finance introducer is a business or individual that refers clients to FCA-regulated lenders, mortgage advisers or brokers, in exchange for a commission paid by the lender when the finance completes. The introducer does not provide the finance themselves and does not give regulated financial advice.
The FCA defines introducers as "appointed representatives" or "registered contacts" depending on the nature of the activity. Introducers who refer clients to regulated firms are required to disclose their introducer status and the existence of any commission arrangement.
OFFLEND is a registered credit broker and introducer. We match clients to FCA-regulated specialists. We do not provide loans, mortgages or financial advice.
Introducer vs Broker vs Adviser — What's the Difference?
| Role | What they do | FCA regulated? | Gives advice? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introducer | Matches you to a lender — steps back | Registered, not always directly authorised | No |
| Mortgage Broker | Searches lender panel for suitable deals | Yes — directly authorised | Yes |
| Financial Adviser | Provides holistic regulated financial advice | Yes — directly authorised | Yes |
How Is a Finance Introducer Paid?
Finance introducers receive a commission from the lender or adviser when your finance completes. This is called an "introducer fee" or "referral commission." Key facts:
- You pay nothing to the introducer. Their fee comes from the lender — not you.
- Disclosure is mandatory. Under FCA Consumer Credit rules, introducers must disclose the existence of any commission arrangement before making an introduction.
- The commission does not increase your rate. Lenders build introducer commission into their standard pricing — not as an add-on to your rate.
What Questions Should I Ask an Introducer?
- Are you FCA authorised, or a registered introducer to an FCA-authorised firm?
- Do you receive a commission from the lender? (They must say yes, if they do.)
- Will you disclose that commission in writing before I proceed?
- Do you work with the whole market, or only a limited panel?
- Is your service free to me as the client?
OFFLEND answers all of these questions openly: we are a registered credit broker and introducer; we receive a commission from the lender; we always disclose it in writing; we work with the whole market via our partner network; and our service to you is always free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to explore your options?
Free introduction · Soft check only · FCA regulated partners · No fees · No obligation
OFFLEND PARTNERS LTD — credit broker, not a lender · Free to you · Commission from lender disclosed before proceeding