Super broker (also: super ISO, master broker) — an intermediary in merchant cash advance and small-business lending that aggregates deal flow from smaller brokers, ISOs, and referral partners and places those deals with its own network of lenders and funders. It does not fund deals with its own capital. It is compensated by the funder when a deal funds and shares that commission with the broker who originated the deal.
How the super broker model works
Broker originates
A broker or referral partner sources the merchant and gathers the file — application, bank statements, basics.
Super broker packages & places
The super broker's placement desk matches the file to lenders in its network that actually fund that profile.
Funder underwrites & funds
The lender or funder underwrites, issues an offer, and — if the merchant accepts — funds the deal with its own capital.
Commission splits
The funder pays commission on funding. The super broker shares it with the originating broker per their written agreement.
The value exchange is simple: the originating broker trades a share of the commission for access — lender relationships, placement expertise, and processing capacity they don't have to build themselves.
Super broker vs. direct funder vs. lead buyer
Three business models get confused constantly. They pay you differently and treat your client differently.
| Model | Whose money funds the deal | What you get paid | Who owns the merchant relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct funder ISO program | The funder's own capital | Commission on that funder's deals only — your file only sees one credit box | Typically shared; renewals often controlled by the funder |
| Super broker / super ISO | A network of third-party lenders | A share of the funder-paid commission across many credit boxes | Should remain yours by written non-circumvention — verify before submitting |
| Lead buyer | N/A — they buy the contact, not the deal | A flat fee for the lead, once | Theirs. You are out of the deal entirely |
For a deeper comparison of program structures and how to evaluate them, see how to compare MCA ISO programs and ISO vs. referral partner.
The economics, honestly
Funders pay commission when a deal funds; the super broker and originating broker split it. Splits vary by program, product, deal size, and partner type — anyone quoting one universal number is simplifying. At Elite Funders, ISO partners typically earn 6–12 points on eligible funded revenue-based transactions; commissions vary by product, deal size, and partner type. The math a broker should actually run: (your split through the super broker × their approval rate across the network) versus (full commission × your own approval rate at the one or two lenders you can reach directly). A wider network that places more of your files can out-earn a fatter split on files that die.
When a super broker makes sense — and when it doesn't
Good fit
- You're a newer shop without direct lender relationships and want day-one access to a broad panel.
- You see deal types outside your lanes — tough credit, specific industries, larger tickets — and files are dying on your desk.
- You'd rather spend your time originating than managing fifteen lender onboardings and portals.
- You get declined files back in writing and keep your merchant relationship.
Bad fit
- You already have strong direct relationships with the lenders that fund your typical file — the extra layer just costs you points.
- The agreement is vague about non-circumvention, renewals, or who owns declined files. Walk.
- They demand exclusivity on all your deal flow. A placement partner should earn files, not lock them up.
- You can't get a straight answer on how the split is calculated before you submit.
What to demand in writing before your first submission: the split and how it's calculated, non-circumvention protecting your merchant, declined files returned as yours, renewal ownership, and payment timing after funding. If any of these is a verbal promise, treat it as absent.
Frequently asked questions
See how our placement desk handles your files
No exclusivity. Declined files remain your client. White-label and co-close available. Send one tough file and judge us on the result.
Apply to Partner How the Placement Desk Works