Why join our network? We are happy to tell you why. At Connect Network, we provide brokers the flexibility and support needed to grow their businesses. As both a mainstream and specialist mortgage network, we give our members access to a wide range of lenders and financial solutions.
Whether you’re a mainstream adviser looking to expand into specialist markets or a broker already focused on complex finance, we offer a cost-effective alternative to direct FCA authorisation.
Why Join Our Network
- Comprehensive Lender Access – Work with a panel of 200+ mainstream and specialist lenders, including Buy-to-Let, commercial, development, bridging, and second-charge finance providers.
- Flexible Compliance & Authorisation – Select the permissions that suit your business model, without a restrictive one-size-fits-all approach.
- End-to-End Business Support – From dedicated case management and application processing to marketing resources and white-label tools, we provide everything you need to operate efficiently.
- Fast-Track Authorisation – Get authorised faster compared to direct FCA applications, with full compliance and risk management handled by our network
- Industry-Leading Training & Development – Access virtual training, masterclasses, and our in-house Connect Academy to enhance your expertise and expand your service offerings.
- Market-Leading Commissions & Exclusive Products – Benefit from competitive commissions and access to exclusive lender products.
- Tailored Membership Options – Pay only for the permissions you require, with all FCA costs included in membership fees starting from just £25 per month.
Starting a new Mortgage business and want to get authorised?
Joining a Network instead of applying directly to the FCA means you can start your new mortgage business in weeks, rather than months. Read the comparison below for the advantages of being part of the Connect Network as opposed to applying directly to the FCA:
Connect or Direct?
CONSIDERATION | WITH our Network | WITH direct authorisation |
|---|---|---|
| Permissions for Commercial, Buy to Let (1st and 2nd charge), general insurance and life insurance? |  Included. |  Apply to FCA for Permissions including: Consumer Credit, Consumer BTL, Regulated Mortgages, Insurance Mediation. |
| Permission for residential mortgages and residential second charge? | Included, subject to broker qualifications and experience. Alternative referral scheme available to an in-house authorised Connect adviser. | Apply to FCA for Permissions to Advise on Regulated Mortgages. |
| Responsibility for the Advice and transaction being compliant? | Network responsibility. | Your own responsibility. |
| Professional Indemnity Insurance? | Discounted group plan, covering all business types. | You need to arrange and it is compulsory where regulated mortgage or insurance permissions are required. |
| Tools? | OMS, Twenty7Tec, SmartrCriteria and KnowledgeBank included. | None. |
| Administration support? | Full application submission, processing and tracking from Connect included in the application fee. | None – You will need to process your own cases or employ a member of staff. |
| Placement and Criteria? | Dedicated specialist placement and criteria helpline and field based BDMs included in membership. | None. |
| FCA Gabriel reporting? | Not required by you as completed by Network. | Full business reporting including accounting to be supplied 6 monthly to the FCA. |
| Complaints management? | Complaints reported to and managed by Connect. | You will need to manage your own complaints. |
| Speed of application to authorisation? | Approval and authorisation typically takes just 2 – 3 weeks. | The FCA currently state that it can take up to 6 months. |
| Promotions and advertising approvals support? | The network will provide advertising approvals and guidance included in the membership. | None – You will need to ensure yourself that you are adhering to all advertising requirements of the FCA. |
| Training? | Full initial training given on the systems, process and risk management. Plus ongoing training is provided as part of your membership. | None. |
OUR USPs
- Mainstream and specialist
- 200+ lender and provider panel
- Network with choice of permissions
- Academy offering
- In-house developed learning management system
- Dual representation offering
- Centralised administration offering
- Internal packaging and referral services
- Bespoke CRM system with integrations
- In-house referral options to other specialists
IMPORTANT NOTE
Irrespective of the FCA regulatory position of the above products, lenders often apply their own interpretation in relation to the permissions they require an adviser to have to transact with them. For example, currently, a substantial number of BTL lenders require an adviser to have a Regulated Mortgage Permission to transact Buy-to-Let business.
Obtaining ALL the permissions is the only way that you will be able to offer a whole of market advice service.