How it compares
A licence, a franchise and an AR network are not the same thing.
People arrive assuming these are three names for one arrangement. They are not, and the differences show up in the two places that matter most: who owns the client relationships, and who the lender writes the cheque to.
| Broker Launch licence | Typical franchise | AR network | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do you trade under your own brand? | Your company, your name, your website. | You trade under the franchisor's brand. | Often your name, under the principal's permissions. |
| Who holds the lender relationships? | You do. They stay with you if you leave. | Usually the franchisor's panel. | Typically sit with the principal firm. |
| How much commission do you keep? | 100%, less a 10% licence fee on your broker fees. | Commonly 50-80%, after a 20-50% split. | Varies, but the principal takes a share. |
| Who does the lender pay? | The lender pays your business account directly. | Usually paid to the franchisor, then passed on. | Paid to the principal, then passed on. |
| Can you sell the business later? | You own the asset, so you can sell it. | Often only back to the franchisor or an approved buyer. | Depends entirely on the principal agreement. |
| Are there ongoing territory restrictions? | No territories. Target any region, or nationwide. | Territory is usually the whole point of the fee. | Varies by agreement. |
| Does the business survive if the provider does not? | Your company and lender relationships continue. | The brand you trade under disappears. | Losing your principal means losing your permissions. |
Do you trade under your own brand?
- Broker Launch licence
- Your company, your name, your website.
- Typical franchise
- You trade under the franchisor's brand.
- AR network
- Often your name, under the principal's permissions.
Who holds the lender relationships?
- Broker Launch licence
- You do. They stay with you if you leave.
- Typical franchise
- Usually the franchisor's panel.
- AR network
- Typically sit with the principal firm.
How much commission do you keep?
- Broker Launch licence
- 100%, less a 10% licence fee on your broker fees.
- Typical franchise
- Commonly 50-80%, after a 20-50% split.
- AR network
- Varies, but the principal takes a share.
Who does the lender pay?
- Broker Launch licence
- The lender pays your business account directly.
- Typical franchise
- Usually paid to the franchisor, then passed on.
- AR network
- Paid to the principal, then passed on.
Can you sell the business later?
- Broker Launch licence
- You own the asset, so you can sell it.
- Typical franchise
- Often only back to the franchisor or an approved buyer.
- AR network
- Depends entirely on the principal agreement.
Are there ongoing territory restrictions?
- Broker Launch licence
- No territories. Target any region, or nationwide.
- Typical franchise
- Territory is usually the whole point of the fee.
- AR network
- Varies by agreement.
Does the business survive if the provider does not?
- Broker Launch licence
- Your company and lender relationships continue.
- Typical franchise
- The brand you trade under disappears.
- AR network
- Losing your principal means losing your permissions.
The franchise and AR columns describe how those models are typically structured across the sector. Individual agreements vary, and some are more generous than the norm. Read whichever contract is in front of you rather than relying on a comparison table - including this one.
From the reviews
What that difference feels like in practice.
Two of our Trustpilot reviewers describe the ownership and control side of the model directly.
Trustpilot
The Best Business Opportunity in the UK
David and his fantastic team at Broker Launch have been hugely supportive from the start and continue to support me with any needs or questions that arise in my day to day business activities. Although I have full control and retain 100% of my commissions, I know David and his team are at the other end of the phone or an email if I need anything, which is very comforting to have access to. Their knowledge goes beyond commercial finance, they are also experts in marketing, lead generation and web design. I've been 110% satisfied with their work and feel I've got very good value for my investment. Credit to Kellie here as well, because she does a fab job on the tech and design side of stuff. At the end of the day, all I wanted is a successful business set up and to work for myself with no interference unless I ask for it, which is exactly what I've got with Broker Launch. Plus there's no ridiculous on-going fees, so you're able to re-invest in your own business and grow it as I see fit, without limits. Its a business for life, and I'm personally glad I took the opportunity to have my own branded business set up with Broker Launch. David at Broker Launch is trustworthy, honest and reliable and its my pleasure to provide this review.
Jakob Sharpe
Trustpilot
Great tech stack for starting and growing a business
David is highly knowledgable in the sector and very handy at setting up a company. The technology is all there, you do have to do your own work for growing the business (like in a business) but the core business set up is all taken care of.
Vim P
The licence in detail
What the licence actually includes.
Lender access, the training portal, OrionOS™, marketing and deal support, with the pricing for each level.
Work out which fits
Not everyone should take a licence.
If you want a business handed to you with a manual and a territory, a franchise may genuinely suit you better. Book a call and we will tell you honestly which side of that line you are on.