Yes — bookkeepers can earn commission on lending referrals
Bookkeepers are often the first to spot a funding need in a client’s business. Cash flow gaps, payroll pressure, a VAT bill that has grown faster than anticipated — these show up in the books before a business owner acts on them.
Bookkeepers who refer clients to a regulated credit broker can earn commission on funded deals — without FCA authorisation — using a straightforward introduction model.
What bookkeepers can do without FCA authorisation
Like accountants (though bookkeepers are not a regulated profession in the same way), bookkeepers can:
- Refer clients to a regulated credit broker by sharing a link or submitting a referral
- Mention that funding options exist and that the client should speak to a broker
- Earn commission in return for introductions that lead to funded deals
What bookkeepers (and accountants) should not do:
- Advise on which specific credit product to use
- Compare loan offers or recommend specific lenders
- Complete application documents on a client’s behalf
As long as you introduce and hand off — rather than advise and arrange — you are operating outside the regulated perimeter for most purposes.
How much can bookkeepers earn?
Referral commission through Fundably is up to 30% per funded deal. The average funded deal generates around £2,000 in commission.
For a bookkeeper with 30–50 business clients:
- Many will have a funding need at some point during the year
- Even 3–4 funded referrals per year generates £6,000–£8,000 in additional income
- With 1–2 referrals per month, annual commission can exceed £24,000
This is additional income on top of your existing bookkeeping service — with no additional work after the initial introduction.
How it works in practice
Step 1: Identify a funding need. In the course of your bookkeeping work, you notice a client has a cash flow gap, needs capital for growth, or mentions a funding challenge.
Step 2: Mention it. “I can introduce you to a funding broker who can match you to 50+ lenders — there’s no cost, no obligation, and it won’t affect your credit score.”
Step 3: Submit the referral via your partner portal. The broker contacts the client directly and manages the process.
Step 4: When the client is funded, you receive commission within 14 days.
The ICB and AAT position
Neither the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) nor the AAT explicitly prohibits members from earning lending referral commission, provided:
- The activity is clearly disclosed to the client
- You are not holding yourself out as a credit broker
- You are not advising on credit products
Check your membership agreement and professional standards if you are uncertain.
Getting started
Fundably’s partner programme is open to bookkeepers, accounting technicians, and bookkeeping practices. Setup takes 24–48 hours.
Apply to become a Fundably partner here — the accountant partner programme covers bookkeepers and bookkeeping practices.