Self-Employed Brokers: The Hidden Downsides of High-Split Networks

Many self employed mortgage brokers are initially attracted to networks that offer very high commission splits. On the surface, a network offering a ninety percent or even ninety five percent split looks like the best possible deal. However, in reality, high split networks often come with drawbacks that can limit a broker’s income, create unnecessary pressure and slow down long term growth.

This article explains why high split networks are not always the best choice and what brokers should look for instead when choosing the right home for their business.

1. High Splits Usually Mean Low Support

A network offering extremely high splits typically operates with a very lean support structure. That means:

• No admin support
• No case packaging
• Minimal compliance help
• No training
• No mentoring
• No marketing support
• No technology included
• No lead generation

The broker is left to do everything alone. For new brokers and even experienced advisers, this can lead to burnout and low income.
Support is what helps brokers grow. A high split without support is often the same as a low income in disguise.

2. You Must Handle All Admin By Yourself

Admin takes up most of a broker’s working hours. This includes:

• Chasing clients for documents
• Chasing solicitors
• Chasing lenders
• Preparing suitability letters
• Responding to emails
• Updating your CRM
• Checking affordability
• Completing compliance tasks

In a high split network, you do not receive help with any of this. You are responsible for everything.
Without admin support, brokers spend too much time on paperwork and not enough time on advising clients. This limits how many cases they can process each month, which directly reduces income.

3. High Splits Often Come With High Fees

Some networks advertise high splits but then charge:

• Monthly fees
• Compliance fees
• CRM fees
• Technology fees
• PI insurance contributions
• Training fees
• Case fees

Once all the deductions are added up, the take home amount is much lower than it seemed at first.
A fair commission split combined with no monthly fees often works out far better for advisers.

4. No Leads Provided Means Unpredictable Income

Most high split networks do not generate leads for their brokers. They expect advisers to do all marketing and lead generation themselves. This means brokers must:

• Pay for ads
• Build a website
• Create content
• Run campaigns
• Buy leads
• Attend networking events
• Generate referrals alone

This creates inconsistent income and makes the job feel very stressful.
Networks that provide free leads help advisers build predictable pipelines and earn more.

5. You Are Expected To Know Everything From Day One

In a high split model, the network expects you to be:

• Fully trained
• Fully compliant
• Fully experienced
• Fully confident
• Fully independent

If you are newly qualified or switching careers, this can be overwhelming. Even experienced brokers benefit greatly from having:

• Case checking
• Mentoring
• Guidance from senior advisers
• Support from a compliance team

Learning alone takes much longer and increases the risk of mistakes.

6. Old or Poor Technology Slows You Down

Many high split networks do not invest in modern technology because they operate on very tight budgets. This leaves brokers with:

• Outdated CRM systems
• Manual email processes
• Manual affordability checks
• Manual meeting notes
• No integration tools
• No automation

In contrast, networks using modern systems like:

• MortgagX
• Draftly
• myCriteria
• Colibri

help advisers save hours every week and work more efficiently. Technology improves accuracy, increases speed and reduces errors.

7. You Will Spend More Time Working and Earn Less Money

This is the part that brokers often do not realise until it is too late.
In a high split network, you handle:

• All admin
• All marketing
• All compliance
• All lead generation
• All client management

Even with a high split, your total number of completed cases is lower because you are stretched too thin.
In a network with admin support, marketing help and leads, you can double your case volume even with a slightly lower split. That means more total income and less stress.

8. High Splits Create a False Sense of Value

A high split looks impressive, but the true value is in:

• Support
• Leads
• Training
• Technology
• Compliance safety
• Admin help
• Marketing
• Work life balance

A real business needs strong foundations, not just a high commission percentage.

9. Many High Split Networks Attract Brokers Who Soon Leave

This is a common pattern in the industry. Brokers join high split networks and within one year realise:

• They are overwhelmed
• They have no support
• Their income is inconsistent
• They are spending too much time on admin
• They need help with marketing
• They want stronger technology
• They are tired of working alone

Many then switch to a network with full support and a holistic environment.

10. The Best Network Is Not the One With the Highest Split. It Is the One That Helps You Grow.

A great network should offer:

• No joining fees
• No monthly fees
• Market leading commission splits
• Free mentoring
• Free training
• Full admin support
• Marketing support
• AI powered technology
• Leads provided
• A supportive team
• A long term growth plan

The right environment is far more valuable than a high split.
When you have support, technology and leads, your overall income is higher and your workload is lighter.

Final Thoughts

A high commission split may seem attractive, but it often comes with hidden challenges that limit growth. The most successful brokers choose networks that focus on support, not percentages.
A network that invests in you will help you earn more, build a better client bank and enjoy a much healthier work life balance.
The best network is not the one that takes the least. It is the one that gives the most.