Going direct can work for straightforward cases, but more complex deals often need specialist solutions. A specialist finance distributor can save brokers time, widen lender access, and help structure a case before it reaches underwriting. Crystal works across bridging, buy to let, commercial, development, second charge, and specialist residential lending, which means brokers can sense-check more unusual scenarios through one experienced team rather than starting from scratch with individual lenders.

Crystal supports brokers across bridging finance, buy to let mortgages, commercial finance, development finance, second charge loans, specialist residential mortgages, and specialist services. A landlord refinance might also lead to a second charge discussion, and a development case might later become an exit or commercial conversation. Having wider product coverage helps brokers keep momentum when a loan comes to the end of its term, and an alternative option needs to be considered.

Crystal is a specialist finance distributor, not a lender. We work with an extensive panel of specialist lenders to help brokers source solutions for client’s complex cases. We give brokers access to broader lender appetite, a more practical view of criteria, and support on how documentation required before it is submitted. In some scenarios, there may also be access to exclusive or semi-exclusive products through our lender relationships.

With a packaged case, Crystal works with the broker and the broker keeps control of the client relationship. With a referred case, Crystal deals directly with the client and manages the journey through to completion, while the broker can view updates via our secure CrystalHUB. The right route depends on how hands-on the broker wants to be, what permissions they hold, and how much support the case needs. Both routes are designed to help brokers place specialist cases with confidence and either way, 50% of the procuration fee is paid to the broker upon completion.

Brokers can submit a case through their Business Development Manager, an New Business Adviser, or online via the CrystalHUB, depending on how they prefer to work. Once the enquiry is received, the New Business team reviews the case details and may come back with a few questions if anything needs clarifying before underwriting. The clearer and more detailed the initial information, the quicker the case can move forward. For time-sensitive deals, it is always worth flagging urgency early so the right expectations can be set from the start.

The exact information depends on the product and nature of the deal, but most quotes start with the basics: loan amount, property value, purpose of the loan, client background, income profile where relevant, and any key issues that could affect the lenders decision. For bridging and development cases, the exit strategy is especially important. For buy to let and commercial deals, property type, tenancy, and ownership structure can make a big difference. A fuller picture upfront usually leads to a faster and more useful response.

Crystal aims to respond to new enquiries within 4 working hours. We understand that brokers are often juggling client expectations and need to respond in a timely manner.. An initial response does not always mean a full solution there and then, but it should give a sense of appetite, the likely route, and what further information is needed to move the case forward.

Crystal aims to process applications within 24 hours of receipt. Actual timescales depend on the complexity of the case, the lender involved, and how quickly supporting documents are supplied, but the aim is to keep cases moving. For brokers, speed is usually not just about completion. It is about gaining traction early and keeping the client confident that the deal is progressing.

Yes. With a packaged case, the broker keeps the client relationship and Crystal works behind the scenes to support the placement of the case. With a referred case, Crystal deals directly with the client, but the broker remains part of the process and receives updates through our CrystalHUB. The route depends on the broker’s preference.

Yes. Crystal’s proposition is built around working with brokers and introducers across the specialist finance market, including different distribution models. That means support for directly authorised brokers, as well as brokers operating through networks and clubs.