Section F·For introducersConsultation draft v0.1
Introducer referral rationale
The introducer's own file must show why they referred the client, even though the full advice sits with the broker.
This is the gap most firms miss. When a complaint arrives years later, the question "who introduced this client, and why?" often has no written answer.
6 required itemsFree introducer note →Required evidence
The client's need as the introducer understood it, in a sentence or two
Why specialist secured lending was a reasonable route to explore, rather than other help
Which firm the client was referred to, and why that firm
Any payment the introducer receives, and confirmation it was disclosed to the client
Confirmation the introducer did not advise on the loan itself
Where debt consolidation was involved: whether the introducer saw signs of financial difficulty, and whether free debt advice was mentioned
The introducer's note is short. It is not a suitability report. It is the record that protects the introducer if the referral is ever questioned.
The Specialist Lending File Standard is not legal or compliance advice and does not replace FCA rules. Information for professional intermediaries, not advice. Comment on the draft.