Find a Mortgage Network You Can Trust – Connect Network UK | Choosing the right mortgage network is one of the most important decisions you will make as an adviser. A trusted network shapes your career, influences how confidently you can advise clients, and determines the quality of support behind you. The right choice can accelerate your income and professional growth, while the wrong choice can restrict progress and create unnecessary stress.

This guide explains what to look for, how to compare networks fairly, and how to identify the signs of a reliable, adviser-focused organisation. It is designed to be people-first and fully comprehensive, helping newly qualified and experienced advisers make confident decisions.

Why Your Choice of Network Matters

A mortgage network provides the regulatory permissions, compliance framework, systems, lender access, and guidance you need to operate. While these features are present across all networks, their quality varies significantly. A trusted network gives advisers a strong foundation that supports long-term success, including:

• Clear and transparent fee structures

• Strong compliance support

• Efficient case checking

• Quick access to lender updates

• Training and CPD opportunities

• Technology that genuinely improves workflow

• A culture that values both advisers and clients

Without these elements, advisers often find themselves spending more time solving problems than serving clients.

Key Traits of a Mortgage Network You Can Trust

Below are the most critical factors to evaluate when comparing networks. These reflect what advisers consistently say they value and the aspects that influence real-world success.

1. Transparent Fee and Commission Structures

A trustworthy network is open about its fee model from the start. Advisers should be able to see:

• Monthly or yearly membership fees

• Compliance or case checking charges

• Commission splits

• Any minimum fees

• Whether PI insurance is included

• Costs for software or additional services

Hidden fees are a common source of frustration. A reliable network clearly explains what you will keep, what you will pay, and why the structure is set up that way.

2. Strong and Supportive Compliance

Compliance support should feel like a partnership, not a barrier. Look for:

• Real guidance rather than automated rules

• Initial supervision for new advisers that actually helps

• Quick turnaround times for file checks

• Access to real people who answer questions

• Clear suitability report templates

Networks that prioritise compliance in the right way protect both advisers and clients, as well as the network itself.

3. Access to a Broad and Competitive Lender Panel

A trusted network maintains strong relationships with high street, specialist, and intermediary-only lenders. This provides you with flexibility and ensures that your clients receive fair outcomes. A weak panel often forces advisers into limited or uncompetitive options.

4. Technology That Works With You

Good technology improves adviser efficiency. Look for:

• A reliable CRM

• Integrated sourcing systems

• Simple case submission routes

• Document storage that is secure and easy to use

If experienced advisers describe the systems as clunky or slow, it is a warning sign.

5. Training, Mentoring, and Real Development

Especially for newly qualified advisers, a network should provide:

• Structured onboarding

• A supervised development plan

• Regular CPD sessions

• Access to experienced mentors

Strong networks invest in adviser growth. Weak networks leave advisers to figure things out alone.

6. Culture and Adviser Experience

This is one of the most overlooked but important factors. A trusted network:

• Treats advisers as valued partners

• Responds quickly when support is needed

• Encourages feedback

• Makes advisers feel part of a professional community

If advisers consistently report feeling ignored or unsupported, it is not the right place.

Data Point	Value / Finding	Insight for Adviser Selecting a Network
Number of brokers surveyed in latest lender feedback study	1,111 brokers at 600 firms gave feedback on 134 lenders	Large sample size indicates the scale of feedback available; shows brokers value feedback and benchmarking. When choosing a network, check what broker feedback exists for that network.
Overall broker satisfaction with lenders	4.22 out of 5 in H1 2025, the highest since 2020	Whilst this is lender satisfaction, it indicates brokers care strongly about service, technology and support. Networks should demonstrate similarly high service levels.
Broker Experience Index debut score	70.6 (out of unspecified total) in H1 2025	This composite metric includes speed, service, digital tools and support. These are exactly the areas advisers should check when evaluating a network.
Growth (or decline) of appointed representative firms in networks	Example: In the Network Consulting 2024 table, some networks lost AR firms (e.g., one lost 48 firms, 4.3 %) while others gained (one network gained 38 firms)	Adviser churn or growth can signal how well a network is performing and how attractive/serving its members. Investigate why advisers leave or join.
Key features brokers say networks provide (qualitative)	Networks help with compliance support, access to lenders, technology, training and business development	These are the features you should prioritise: lender access, compliance, technology and training. When the network lacks these, advisers may struggle.
Percentage of intermediary mortgage business via brokers	According to one overview, 87% in 2024, rising to a forecast 89% in 2025 and 91% in 2026,	Shows brokers remain central to the market. Becoming part of a network gives you access to the infrastructure needed in this broker-dominated channel.
Number of brokers anticipated in UK intermediary/mortgage market	The UK market is described as “highly fragmented with over 5,000 brokers (offering regulated products)”	A high number of brokers means networks need to stand out in support and service rather than just size. As an adviser, you should evaluate how you’ll be supported individually.

How to Compare Mortgage Networks

To identify the right fit, use the following approach:

Ask the Right Questions

When speaking with a network, ask:

• How long is the onboarding process

• What level of supervision is required for new advisers

• What are the exact fees and commission splits

• How quickly are compliance checks returned

• How technology integrates across the whole workflow

• What PI insurance covers

• Whether advisers receive leads or must self-generate

• How complaints and compliance issues are handled

Networks that struggle to answer these questions clearly may not be as organised or transparent as they appear.

Speak With Current Advisers

Nothing replaces honest adviser feedback. Ask them about:

• The actual level of support

• The truth about income splits and fees

• The quality of training

• How compliance works in practice

• Whether the network resolves issues quickly

Real experiences help you cut through marketing language.

Compare Like For Like

Focus on what matters long-term, not short-term incentives. A slightly higher fee with strong support is often far better than low fees with weak systems.

Red Flags That Suggest a Network Is Not Advisers First

Avoid networks that show any of the following:

• Unclear or shifting fee structures

• Poor communication or slow support

• Overly restrictive supervision

• Complaints from advisers about payment delays

• A culture that emphasises sales targets over client outcomes

• Lack of transparency during discussions

A strong, people-focused network will never create confusion around fees, compliance, or adviser responsibilities.

Take the First Step Toward Joining a Mortgage Network You Can Trust

Choosing the right mortgage network is not just a business decision. It shapes your confidence, your earning potential and the support system behind every client you help. You deserve a network that invests in your success, provides clear guidance and removes the barriers that slow advisers down.

If you are ready to work with a network that prioritises transparency, substantial compliance, real development and adviser wellbeing, now is the time to take action.

We recommend the following:

Download our Network Guide

Book a Call with our Business Recruitment Manager 

Thank you for reading our “Find a Mortgage Network You Can Trust | Connect Network UK” publication. Stay “Connect“-ed for more updates soon!