Referral Compensation
Commercial lending referral fees are compensation paid to brokers, vendors, CPAs, and advisors who introduce business owners or financing opportunities to a financing firm. When a deal closes, the referral partner may receive a percentage of the revenue—typically defined in a signed referral agreement. Understanding how these fees work helps referral partners know when they get paid, what triggers payment, and what protections exist.
Referral fees create a structured way for brokers, vendors, and advisors to monetize introductions without brokering the loan. The financing firm evaluates the opportunity, matches it to lenders, and handles the transaction. The referral partner receives compensation when the deal funds—aligning incentives and clarifying expectations for both parties.
Without a clear fee structure, confusion can arise about when payment is due, what happens if a deal falls through, and how introduced prospects are protected. A well-drafted referral agreement addresses these questions. Learn more about commercial lending referral fees and how they fit into the broader referral partner program.
From introduction to payment:
Payment is triggered when a transaction successfully funds and the financing firm receives its commission or revenue. The referral partner does not get paid for introductions alone—only when a deal closes. This aligns incentives: both parties benefit from successful placements. Deals that are evaluated but do not fund do not generate referral fees.
Referral partners who send declined business loans for second look review may receive fees when those deals close through the financing partner's network. Each deal is evaluated on its merits; no approval is promised. When a match is found and the transaction funds, the referral partner's compensation is calculated per the agreement.
Why clawbacks exist. If a funded deal later defaults, is rescinded, or causes the financing firm to return commission (e.g., chargeback), the referral fee may be clawed back. This is standard in commercial lending—lenders and financing firms share risk, and referral partners share that risk when they receive compensation.
What triggers clawback. Typical triggers include default, rescission, chargeback, or any situation where the financing firm must return a portion of its commission. The specific terms are in the referral agreement. Partners should review these provisions before signing.
Brokers, lenders, ISOs, equipment vendors, CPAs, fractional CFOs, and business consultants who have a signed referral agreement can earn fees when deals close. The key requirement: the agreement must be signed before any referrals are submitted. Deals submitted without a signed agreement are not eligible for compensation.
If you work for a vendor, dealership, or brokerage, you are responsible for obtaining any required employer authorization before participating. The referral agreement places this responsibility on the referrer. Review the full terms at commercial lending referral fees and the referral partner program overview.
Submit borrower and request details by email. Deals may be evaluated for second look.
We evaluate opportunities and identify possible funding paths. No approval is promised.
When a deal closes, partners receive 35% revenue share per the agreement.
Payment is issued within 30 days of receipt of funds. Clawback applies if deal later defaults.
FAQ
Referral partners who introduce business owners or financing opportunities to a financing firm may receive compensation when a transaction successfully funds. Compensation is typically a percentage of gross commission or revenue from the funded deal, as defined in the referral agreement.
Payment timing depends on the agreement. Under the Axiant Partners referral agreement, payment is issued within 30 days of receipt of funds from the funded transaction. Compensation is based on successful placements, not introductions alone.
Yes. A signed referral agreement is required before any referrals are submitted. The agreement defines compensation, protects both parties, establishes referral ownership, and sets expectations around payments, clawbacks, and compliance.
Referral fees are subject to clawback if a funded transaction later defaults, is rescinded, charged back, or causes the financing firm to return any portion of its commission. This is standard in commercial lending referral agreements.
In many commercial finance relationships, referral partnerships are common. Whether a vendor can receive compensation depends on applicable law, company policy, and contractual obligations. Vendors should confirm they are authorized before participating.
Compensation varies by arrangement. Under the Axiant Partners referral agreement, partners receive 35% revenue share on funded transactions. Other programs may use different structures.
Ready to refer deals?
Sign the agreement and submit opportunities for evaluation. Fees paid when deals close.
