Integrating lending solutions into advice practices through an effective referral relationship Integrating lending solutions into advice practices through an effective referral relationship There are a number of factors that have been shaping financial advice, including consumer behaviour, access to information, industry consolidation, choice, the influence of technology, social and demographic factors, and increased consumer and legislative scrutiny. A A These factors are all placing pressure on advice businesses to adapt. And while a lot of firms successfully run a profitable and well-oiled service proposition as a specialist in a niche field, we are seeing business models being shaped by the convergence of offerings, such that they are evolving into multi-disciplinary practices delivering a full suite of services, including advice, accounting and mortgage broking.