If you search online for a financial adviser, you will find two very different types of results. One is an open directory — a website that lists hundreds or thousands of advisers, often ranked by how much they pay for the listing. The other is a curated network — a smaller, selected group of advisers who have been vetted and matched to clients based on suitability. Understanding the difference matters because the quality of the advice you receive depends on the quality of the adviser you are connected with.
Open directories
An open directory is a listing service. Advisers pay to appear, and the directory makes money from listing fees or lead generation. The directory does not typically vet advisers beyond checking basic regulatory registration. Anyone who pays and meets the minimum criteria can appear.
The advantage of directories is breadth — you can find a large number of advisers in many locations. The disadvantage is that being listed tells you nothing about the quality, experience or suitability of the adviser for your specific situation. You are doing the vetting yourself.
Paid listings
Some directories rank advisers by how much they pay. An adviser who pays more appears higher in the search results. This is not necessarily a sign of quality — it is a sign of marketing budget. If you use a directory, understand how the rankings work. An adviser at the top of the list may be there because they paid the most, not because they are the best.
Lead-generation sites
Some websites that appear to offer adviser matching are actually lead-generation businesses. You enter your details, and they sell your information to multiple advisers — sometimes to the highest bidder. You may receive calls from several advisers, some of whom may not be well-suited to your situation.
The problem with lead generation is that the site's incentive is to sell your data, not to find you the right adviser. The more leads they sell, the more money they make. Your interests and the site's interests are not aligned.
Curated networks
A curated network is different. Advisers are selected based on criteria such as:
- Regulatory status and permissions
- Qualifications and experience
- Track record and client outcomes
- Specialisms (cross-border, pensions, US clients, etc.)
- Fee transparency
The network does the vetting, and only advisers who meet the criteria are included. When you make an enquiry, the network matches you to the adviser (or advisers) best suited to your situation, rather than passing your details to everyone.
Due diligence
A curated network should carry out due diligence on its advisers. This means verifying regulatory status, checking for any disciplinary history, assessing qualifications, and reviewing the adviser's approach to fees and client service. The network takes responsibility for the quality of the advisers it includes.
With a directory, you are responsible for your own due diligence. The directory does not guarantee the quality of the advisers it lists.
Regulation
Both directories and curated networks should only include regulated advisers. But the level of verification differs. A directory may simply check that the adviser appears on a regulatory register. A curated network should verify the specific permissions the adviser holds, the jurisdictions they can advise in, and whether those permissions match the type of advice you need.
See our guide on how to check whether a financial adviser is regulated for more on what to look for.
Matching based on circumstances
The key difference between a directory and a curated network is matching. A directory gives you a list and leaves the choice to you. A curated network takes your circumstances — your nationality, country of residence, financial situation, and needs — and identifies the adviser who is best placed to help.
This matters because the right adviser for a UK expat moving to Portugal is not the same as the right adviser for a US citizen in Switzerland. Matching based on circumstances produces better outcomes than a generic list.
How Link Independent works
Link Independent is a curated network, not a directory. Advisers do not pay to be listed. They are selected based on suitability, regulation, experience, and the needs of the clients we connect them with. When you make an enquiry, we review your situation and identify the adviser best placed to help — rather than passing your details to as many firms as possible.
Our model is based on the principle that quality matters more than volume. We would rather connect you with one adviser who is genuinely suited to your situation than give you a list of twenty and hope you find the right one.
Which approach is right for you?
Both directories and curated networks have their place. If you have the knowledge and time to vet advisers yourself, a directory gives you a wide range of options. If you would prefer professional help identifying the right adviser for your specific circumstances, a curated network like Link Independent is the better choice.
Find an adviser through Link Independent, or use the Expat Planner to get a personalised financial readiness report first.
This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always verify an adviser's regulatory status independently before engaging their services.