The three leading platforms for accountant lending referrals
If you are an accountant looking to add SME lending to your advisory practice, three platforms dominate the conversation: Capitalise.com, Fundably, and Swoop Funding. All three connect accountants to SME lenders and pay referral commission. Their commercial models, portal features, and lender panels differ significantly.
Quick comparison
| Capitalise | Fundably | Swoop | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee (max commission) | £395/month | £0 | Not published |
| Commission on free tier | 10% | Up to 30% | Varies |
| Maximum commission | 30% | 30% | Not published |
| Annual cost for max commission | £4,740 | £0 | Not public |
| Lender panel | 100+ | 50+ | 1,000+ (grants + equity too) |
| Partner portal | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Embedded integration | Limited | API, React, iFrame | Limited |
| Dedicated manager (free tier) | ✗ | ✓ | Not confirmed |
| White-label portal | ✓ (paid) | ✓ (free) | ✓ |
| FCA authorised | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Capitalise
Capitalise is the most established platform in this space, having been built specifically for accountants. Its portal is mature, its lender panel is extensive (100+ lenders), and its brand recognition among accountants is high.
The primary drawback is the subscription model. Earning 30% commission requires a £395/month subscription. On the free tier, commission is capped at 10% — meaning accountants doing low volumes pay nothing but earn far less per deal.
Best for: accountants wanting the most established platform with the deepest lender panel, who are willing to pay for the subscription to unlock full commission rates.
Fundably
Fundably offers 30% commission from day one with zero fees. The platform is newer and has a smaller lender panel (50+) than Capitalise, but covers all major SME product types. For accountants who are commission-rate-sensitive, Fundably is typically the more profitable choice once deal volume is established.
Fundably also includes embedded integration options (API, React, iFrame) — making it suitable for accountancy firms that want to embed their lending portal into their own website or client communication tools.
Best for: accountants who prioritise commission rate; firms starting out who don’t want to pay subscription fees before generating referral revenue; tech-forward firms wanting integration options.
Swoop
Swoop is the broadest of the three — it covers SME lending, grants, and equity raises on a single platform. Their lender and funding database is the largest of the three (1,000+ sources including grants). Commission rates and fee structure are not publicly disclosed.
Swoop’s strength is breadth — particularly useful for accountants whose clients regularly need non-debt funding (grants, equity). The lending panel and commission terms are less transparent than the other two.
Best for: accountants whose clients actively seek grants or equity alongside lending; firms who want a “one stop” funding advisory platform regardless of funding type.
The decision framework
Start with Fundably if:
- Commission rate and zero-fee structure is your priority
- You want to start earning without paying a subscription first
- You want embedded integration for your firm’s portal
Choose Capitalise if:
- You are willing to pay for subscription in exchange for the platform’s maturity and lender depth
- Your client portfolio has complex funding needs requiring 100+ lenders
- Capitalise’s brand recognition matters for your client conversations
Add Swoop if:
- Your clients regularly need grant or equity funding alongside lending
- You want the broadest possible funding platform
Note that these platforms are not mutually exclusive. Some accountancy firms use 2–3 platforms, routing different client types to the most appropriate match. Starting with Fundably’s zero-fee model and adding others as needed is a practical approach.