Are you a direct lender, a broker, or an independent introducer?
Quick answer
A direct lender provides funding from its own capital, a broker arranges and negotiates finance on your behalf with multiple lenders, and an independent introducer connects businesses to lenders or brokers without underwriting loans themselves.
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer: we do not lend money, we use AI and a network of trusted brokers and lenders to match your business to the most relevant funding options.
What is a direct lender?
Definition and role
A direct lender is a company or financial institution that commits its own capital to make loans directly to borrowers.
Examples include specialist commercial lenders, certain banks, peer-to-peer platforms that deploy their own funds and finance companies focused on asset or equipment lending.
How direct lenders operate
Direct lenders set their own underwriting criteria, interest rates, and terms and typically take on credit risk themselves.
They will perform credit checks, review business performance and security, and issue offers that are underwritten by the lender rather than a third party.
When a direct lender is the right choice
Direct lending works well when you need a predictable decision path, have an asset or credit profile that fits a lender’s criteria, and prefer to negotiate directly with the capital provider.
Smaller supply chains, asset finance for equipment, and some specialised facilities are frequently provided directly by lenders who understand those niches.
What is a broker?
Definition and role
A broker is an intermediary who advises you and sources finance from multiple lenders on your behalf.
Brokers are often experienced in specific sectors and can present your case to a panel of funders to secure competitive terms.
How brokers operate
Brokers assess your business, package an application, and submit it to lenders with whom they have relationships.
They may charge a fee or receive commission from lenders; the exact model should be disclosed up front in line with FCA and ASA expectations for clear, non-misleading financial promotions.
When to use a broker
Use a broker if you want expert support navigating multiple lender options, or if your credit profile needs a tailored approach to improve acceptance chances.
Brokers are particularly useful for complex refinances, asset-backed facilities and situations where negotiation of terms is critical.
What is an independent introducer?
Definition and role
An independent introducer (also called a lead generator or referral partner) refers potential borrowers to brokers or lenders but does not itself provide credit.
Introducers can be digital platforms, professional advisers, or industry networks that connect businesses with relevant finance partners.
How introducers operate
Introducers collect enquiry details and match them with suitable lenders or brokers based on criteria such as sector, loan purpose and company size.
They generally do not underwrite, negotiate or accept liability for the finance offered; their role is to make an introduction and help streamline the process.
Why choose an independent introducer like Best Business Loans?
An introducer can save time and surface options you might not easily find on your own, while remaining impartial about which lender ultimately provides the funds.
Best Business Loans combines AI-driven matching with an experienced network to introduce you to lenders and brokers who actively lend in your sector, with transparent information and no obligation to accept any offer.
Key differences and what they mean for your business
Regulation, responsibility and transparency
Direct lenders take on lending risk and are responsible for fulfilment and servicing of loans, so regulatory obligations sit with them.
Brokers, where regulated, must treat customers fairly and disclose fees; they act as an agent and can often advise on suitability.
Independent introducers are typically not underwriting or lending and should clearly state that they are not lenders and do not provide regulated advice unless specifically authorised.
Speed, choice and control
Direct lenders can be fast when the fit is perfect, but choices are limited to that lender’s product range.
Brokers expand your choice and can improve negotiating power, while introducers widen visibility across multiple brokers and lenders quickly.
Costs and fee models
Direct lenders’ costs are built into the product pricing; you may pay higher or lower rates depending on risk and capital cost.
Brokers may charge fees or receive commissions which should be disclosed in writing before you proceed.
Introducers normally operate on referral agreements and can offer free initial matching, but always check for transparency about any fees or commissions downstream.
How Best Business Loans helps you decide and what to do next
What we do and what we don’t
Best Business Loans is an independent introducer that uses AI to match UK businesses with appropriate lenders and brokers.
We do not provide loans, we do not underwrite finance and we do not give regulated financial advice; instead we introduce you to providers who may be suitable for your needs.
Our Quick Quote process
Complete a short online Quick Quote to describe your business, funding need and preferred terms; this takes a few minutes and is free.
Our AI assesses your details and connects you with lenders or brokers who are actively lending in your sector, speeding up eligibility checks and helping you compare options.
Compliance, clarity and your consent
We operate with clear disclosure: we will identify our role, how we share your information, and any commercial relationships we have with brokers or lenders.
We adhere to the principles of fair, clear and not misleading communications and ask you to review lender or broker terms carefully before accepting any offer.
Next steps — get matched quickly
If you would like a fast eligibility check and suggested matches, submit a Quick Quote and we will introduce you to relevant partners.
For more detail on the kinds of business finance we can help you find, including cashflow loans, asset finance and invoice finance, visit our business finance overview: Business Finance.
Key takeaways
- Direct lenders supply funds from their own capital and underwrite the loan.
- Brokers advise and negotiate with multiple lenders and may charge fees or receive commission.
- Independent introducers, like Best Business Loans, match businesses to brokers and lenders but do not lend.
- Choose based on speed, choice, cost transparency and whether you want direct negotiation or expert broking support.
- Start with a Quick Quote to receive tailored introductions and protect your time and choice.
About Best Business Loans
Best Business Loans is a UK-based AI-driven matching platform that introduces established businesses to vetted lenders and brokers.
We pride ourselves on transparent matching, clear disclosures and helping companies make informed decisions about commercial finance without charging for the initial match.
Ready to explore suitable finance options? Submit a Quick Quote and we’ll connect you with appropriate providers who can make a decision in principle or provide a tailored quote.