Quick answer: A finance referral partnership can be simple: the referrer identifies a finance need, gets the client's permission where required, makes the introduction and lets the broker handle the regulated finance work. The partner agreement sets the communication and remuneration terms, and eligible referral remuneration is generally linked to a successful settlement.
The strongest referral partnerships are operationally boring. Everyone knows who owns which part of the client journey.
1. The professional spots a finance event
Typical triggers include a client discussing:
- a new vehicle or equipment purchase;
- a working-capital gap;
- refinancing;
- a business acquisition;
- commercial property;
- an upcoming tax or cash-flow requirement.
The professional does not need to solve the finance problem before making the introduction.
2. The client agrees to the introduction
Where the consumer-credit referral exemption is being relied on, ASIC RG 203 expressly requires the consumer's consent to their name and contact details being provided.
GPS can supply an agreed introduction process so the partner is not improvising each time.
3. GPS takes over the finance work
We define the funding need, collect the appropriate documents, assess lender fit, manage the application and explain the structure and trade-offs to the client.
That separation matters. The professional adviser can stay focused on accounting, tax, planning, legal or property work while GPS handles finance.
4. The referrer stays informed
With the client's authority, updates can be provided at useful milestones such as assessment, submission, approval, outstanding conditions and settlement.
The objective is not to flood the referrer with lender correspondence. It is to prevent the introduction disappearing into a black box.
5. Remuneration follows the agreed arrangement
Partner remuneration can be available for eligible settled referrals. The commercial structure varies according to the referral relationship and the type of finance.
GPS deliberately discusses the arrangement with the partner rather than advertising a single percentage for every transaction.
What makes a good referral?
The best introduction usually includes only what the adviser already knows:
- client's name and contact details;
- why finance is required;
- approximate amount;
- desired timing;
- useful factual context.
The broker can obtain the rest directly from the client.
Related referral guides
- Finance referral income for accountants
- Finance referral rules for accountants and advisers
- Can accountants receive referral fees?
- GPS Finance partner program
Sources and verification
- ASIC — FAQs: Does the credit legislation apply?
- ASIC — Regulatory Guide 203: Do I need a credit licence?
General information only. Referral, licensing, professional-conduct, tax and disclosure obligations depend on the activity, profession, client and arrangement. This is not legal, tax or accounting advice. Check the requirements that apply to your practice before relying on a referral exemption or accepting remuneration.
Need help matching this to a business-finance option?
GPS Finance can review the funding purpose, conduct, documents and lender fit before you make a formal enquiry.
