How to choose a UK investment introducer: a due diligence checklist
An investment introducer connects investors with issuers of private market opportunities, such as property-backed loan notes or asset-backed investments. A good introducer saves you time and filters out weak deals. A poor one can put you in front of unsuitable or unsafe products. This guide sets out the checks to make first.
1. Understand what an introducer is, and is not
- An introducer introduces; it should not give personal advice or tell you what to buy.
- A financial adviser assesses your whole position and recommends; that is a regulated activity.
- Ask any introducer directly: "Do you give advice, and do you ever hold client money?" The right answer for an introducer is no to both.
2. Run the FCA checks
- Search the firm, and anyone who contacts you, on the FCA Financial Services Register.
- Check the FCA's warning list of unauthorised firms and clones.
- Ask how they confirm you are eligible before showing you any specific opportunity.
- Understand that most private market opportunities are not covered by the FSCS.
3. Confirm you are eligible
Many private market opportunities can only be promoted to investors who meet specific eligibility requirements. In the UK, that usually means qualifying as a high-net-worth or sophisticated investor; rules differ from country to country, and some opportunities are not available everywhere. A credible introducer will ask about your eligibility before showing you specific deals, not after.
4. Due diligence on the opportunity itself
| Check | What good looks like |
|---|---|
| What sits behind it | A clear explanation of what generates the return: property, land, commodities, receivables or contracted income |
| Security | Clear information on what, if anything, secures the investment. If it is unsecured, that should be stated plainly |
| Security trustee | Where there is security, who holds it for investors |
| Valuation | Where assets support the investment, review the valuation, its date and who prepared it |
| Terms | Clear income dates, term, exit route and early withdrawal rules |
| Issuer | Accounts, track record, directors you can look up on Companies House |
| Documents | Information memorandum and legal agreements you can take away and review |
5. Red flags
- Guaranteed or "risk-free" returns
- Pressure to decide quickly
- Being shown a deal before anyone checks your eligibility
- Asked to pay money to the introducer rather than through the provider's documented investment process
- No documents, or documents you can't keep
6. Questions to ask before your first introduction
- Do you give advice or hold client money?
- How do you check my eligibility?
- How do you choose the opportunities you introduce?
- Can I keep and review the issuer's documents?
- Is the investment secured? If so, who holds the security, and what would happen to my money if the issuer failed?
About Gatewyn Capital
Gatewyn Capital introduces private market opportunities to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, sophisticated investors and family offices around the world. We are an introducer, not an adviser, and we never hold client money.
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Capital is at risk.
Talk to Gatewyn Capital