If you’re a mortgage adviser looking to grow your business and ensure FCA compliance, knowing how to find a mortgage network is a crucial first step. Whether you’re just starting out or switching from direct authorisation, finding the right network will shape your success. This guide explains the key steps to follow and what to consider to make the best decision for your goals.
Why Join a Mortgage Network?
Before we dive into how to find a mortgage network, it’s important to understand why many advisers take this route:
- FCA Compliance: Networks offer the security of operating under a larger FCA-authorised umbrella.
- Lender Access: Join a mortgage network and unlock a broader panel of lenders, often with exclusive products.
- Support & Resources: From AI-driven CRM platforms to case-checking and CPD training, top networks provide tools that help you work smarter.
- Time Efficiency: Compliance oversight and admin support save you hours every week.
For a full overview of the benefits, visit our Why Join a Mortgage Network guide.
Step 1: Define Your Business Needs
Start your journey by identifying what you need in a network. Ask yourself:
- Do you need help as a newly qualified adviser? See Adviser Mortgage Network for the Newly Qualified
- Are you focused on specialist lending like bridging or buy-to-let? Visit our Specialist Mortgage Network for Advisers page.
- Are you offering broader financial advice? Consider an Independent Financial Advisers Network
Knowing your niche and goals will help filter the networks worth exploring.
Step 2: Shortlist and Compare Networks
Once you know your priorities, it’s time to research and compare. Here’s how to find a mortgage network that matches your needs:
- Reputation: Look at reviews, testimonials, and FCA records.
- Commission Structure: Analyse splits and fee models.
- Minimum Targets: Ensure they match your expected case volume.
- Tech Stack: Top networks now use AI tools to simplify compliance and track business performance.
- Exit Terms: Understand what’s involved if you leave.
Step 3: Book a Discovery Call
Connect directly with network recruiters or business development managers. During the call:
- Ask about their onboarding and adviser support.
- Clarify compliance processes and training.
- Test the usability of their CRM or case submission portal.
- Inquire how they help you scale or build your client base.
Want a head start? Join the Connect Network today to speak with our experts.
Step 4: Ask the Right Questions
Knowing how to find a mortgage network means asking smart questions, like:
- How do you handle Consumer Duty updates?
- What level of compliance intervention should I expect?
- How do you support non-traditional lending cases?
- Is AI being used to help with accuracy and speed?
These answers will give insight into their priorities and tech maturity.
Step 5: Trial and Transition
Once you’ve found your best-fit mortgage network, plan your transition. Many networks offer:
- Support with FCA status changes
- Training to reach Competent Adviser Status (CAS)
- White-label branding or web support
- AI-enhanced onboarding processes to reduce downtime
How to Find a Mortgage Network That Helps You Grow
Learning how to find a mortgage network is about aligning your business with a partner that offers the compliance, technology, and growth opportunities you need. By clearly defining your goals, researching options, and asking the right questions, you’ll position yourself to thrive in a competitive mortgage market.
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Build Your Future with the Right Mortgage Network
In today’s mortgage market, success requires more than just personal expertise. It also demands smart technology, robust support systems, and a rock-solid compliance backbone. A top-tier mortgage network provides all of these elements, acting as a catalyst for your growth.
Whether your priority is gaining access to a broader range of lenders, having strong FCA compliance support, or getting help with marketing and business development, the right network partner can make it happen. Aligning yourself with a high-quality network opens the door to new opportunities and efficiencies that would be hard to achieve on your own. It’s an investment in your business’s future growth and stability.
Ready to take the next step?
Consider joining our network to start reaping the benefits of a leading mortgage network and take your advisory business to new heights.
Thank you for reading our publication on “How to Find a Mortgage Network | 2025 Mortgage Adviser Guide.” Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!
| Section | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | What is a mortgage network? | A mortgage network is an organisation authorised by the FCA that lets individual mortgage brokers or firms operate under its regulatory permissions as Appointed Representatives. By joining a network, an adviser benefits from the network’s compliance oversight, access to a wide range of lenders, and various business support services, all while working under the network’s FCA authorisation. |
| 2 | Why should a mortgage adviser join a network? | Joining a network offers numerous benefits for an adviser. Key advantages include having compliance and regulatory oversight taken care of, access to exclusive lender panels (often with more options than you’d get on your own), advanced tools like AI-driven case management systems, marketing and branding support to grow your clientele, and reduction of administrative burdens so you can focus more on advising clients. |
| 3 | What is the difference between being directly authorised and joining a network? | If you are directly authorised, you obtain your own FCA authorisation and take on all regulatory responsibilities yourself (compliance, reporting, lender relationships, etc.). By joining a network as an Appointed Representative, you operate under the network’s FCA permissions instead. The network handles much of the compliance work, provides ready-made systems and lender connections, and offers guidance, allowing you to concentrate on advising while they manage the regulatory framework. |
| 4 | How much does it cost to join a mortgage network? | The cost of joining a network varies. Some networks charge a flat monthly or annual membership fee, others take a percentage cut of your commissions, and some use a combination of both. It’s important to compare not just the cost, but also what you get in return, for example, included technology, training, compliance support, marketing resources, etc., to determine if a network’s fees provide good value for the services offered. |
| 5 | Can new mortgage advisers join a network? | Absolutely. Most networks are open to newly qualified advisers. In fact, joining a network can be a smart move when you’re starting out because you’ll receive structured onboarding, training programs, and mentorship. Many networks help new advisers achieve Competent Adviser Status (CAS) by providing extra oversight and guidance in their early days, ensuring they build confidence and good practices from the start. |
| 6 | Do mortgage networks provide access to specialist lenders? | Yes, one of the big perks of a network is access to a broad panel of lenders, including specialist lenders. This means even if your client has an unusual situation (like adverse credit or the need for a niche product such as a bridging loan), you can likely find a solution through the network’s lender partnerships. Independent brokers might not have these relationships on their own, so network membership can expand the range of products you’re able to offer your clients. |
| 7 | Are AI tools used in mortgage networks? | Leading mortgage networks have begun integrating AI tools into their processes. These AI-driven systems assist with tasks like compliance monitoring (automatically flagging any advice that might not meet regulations), case tracking, and performance analytics. Essentially, AI helps streamline operations and maintain high quality, which benefits both the adviser and the client. |
| 8 | What should I look for when choosing a mortgage network? | When selecting a network, pay attention to several factors: the commission split (how much you keep vs. how much goes to the network), the level of compliance support and oversight provided, the quality of the technology platform (CRM, compliance software, etc.), any minimum production requirements you’ll need to meet, and the network’s expertise in your areas of focus. For example, if you frequently deal with buy-to-let or commercial mortgages, check that the network has the lender access and know-how to support those niches. Ultimately, the best network for you is one that aligns with your business goals and provides value where you need it most. |