Loan broker working under an authorised firm
Introduce borrowers to lenders under an FCA-authorised firm's umbrella, without needing your own authorisation.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- Online
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
9,891 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 66190 “Activities auxiliary to financial intermediation n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
Instead of applying for your own FCA permissions, you join an authorised firm as an appointed representative or introducer. You find clients and gather their details, and the firm's regulatory cover and processes handle the rest. This can be a lighter way to start part-time.
Your first three steps
- Check the FCA Register and research principal firms, comparing their fees, commission splits and training
- Ask each firm what you may and may not say or do, and what compliance training you must complete
- Build a simple website and start networking with local estate agents, accountants or community groups who could refer people
Who pays
The authorised firm or lender pays you a share of the commission on completed loans. Some principal firms also charge you a monthly or set-up fee.
How it makes money
A share of commission on each loan that completes, agreed with your principal firm. Income depends on how many good leads you can bring in.
Skills that help
- Networking and generating leads
- Clear, honest communication with people about money
- Following a firm's compliance process
- Patience with slow-moving applications
Watch out for
- Check that the firm is genuinely FCA-authorised and allowed to take on appointed representatives or introducers
- Read the contract carefully for fees, exclusivity, and who is responsible if something goes wrong
- Never promise approval or specific rates; financial promotion rules apply, so check them
- Avoid anything that looks like advance-fee loan schemes, which are a known scam risk
- Data protection duties, including ICO registration, may apply to you
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: loan broker working under an authorised firm
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to become an appointed representative loan broker?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around £500 to £3,000, depending on marketing and any monthly or set-up fees the authorised firm charges. Read the contract carefully for fees, exclusivity and who is responsible if something goes wrong.
How much can I earn as a loan broker introducer?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on how many leads you generate and how many loans complete. Applications can be slow-moving, so income may take time to build.
What should I check before joining a firm as a loan broker?
Check that the firm is genuinely FCA-authorised and allowed to take on appointed representatives or introducers. Check financial promotion rules, never promise approval or rates, avoid anything resembling advance-fee loan schemes, and check whether ICO registration applies to you.
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