The financial market in Portugal has undergone major changes in recent years. Consumers are increasingly looking for faster, more transparent, and personalised solutions when seeking financing, whether for mortgage loans, car loans, or personal credit. In this context, an essential figure emerges: the credit intermediary.
What is a credit intermediary?
According to Decree-Law No. 81-C/2017 of 7 July, the activity of credit intermediation can be carried out by a company or an individual professional, acting as a mediator between consumers and financial institutions.
The goal is to facilitate the process of obtaining credit by presenting proposals suited to the client’s profile and simplifying all the procedures involved.
The main functions of a credit intermediary include:
- Assessing the client’s financial capacity;
- Presenting proposals from one or several credit institutions;
- Assisting with the preparation and submission of documentation;
- Negotiating conditions with banks;
- Supporting the client from simulation to contract signing;
In practical terms, this means clients gain access to faster, clearer solutions without having to face the complexity of the financial market on their own.
Types of credit intermediaries in Portugal
In Portugal, there are four distinct categories of credit intermediaries, depending on their relationship with financial institutions:
- Tied – Acts on behalf of and under the responsibility of one or more credit institutions, promoting their products.
- Ancillary – When credit is offered alongside the sale of a good or service, such as in a car dealership when the client buys a vehicle and takes out financing.
- Untied – Can present proposals from different banks independently, increasing the client’s freedom of choice.
- Credit institution – When a bank itself acts as an intermediary for other financial products.
All credit intermediaries must be authorised and registered with the Bank of Portugal, meet integrity requirements, and hold professional liability insurance.
The role of the credit intermediary for consumers
A credit intermediary acts as a facilitator, helping clients make more informed and safer decisions. As credit agreements become increasingly complex, their role is to ensure transparency and impartiality while protecting the consumer’s interests.
Example: A homebuyer working with a real estate agent who partners with a bank gains access to a tied credit intermediary, simplifying the process and increasing the likelihood of securing a mortgage on favourable terms.
The future of credit intermediation with eGO CRM
Digital transformation has brought new challenges to the credit intermediation sector. Consumers now demand speed, simplicity, and continuous support. To meet these expectations, eGO CRM – Credit Intermediation was launched in 2025 and is already recognised as Portugal’s leading software in the sector.
eGO CRM – Credit Intermediation stands out in three key areas:
- Artificial Intelligence applied to credit intermediation: manages the entire cycle from the first simulation to final approval, with automatic notifications and smart suggestions.
- Automatic integrations with banks and financial institutions: collects documents and data within seconds, removing bureaucracy and reducing errors.
- Full workflow: offers complete client management, from structured digital marketing to automated lead generation and comprehensive business performance management.
eGO CRM – Credit Intermediation represents the most complete and advanced solution on the market for managing credit intermediation.
Conclusion
The credit intermediary plays an increasingly central role in access to financing, professionalising the sector and ensuring that consumers obtain suitable and transparent solutions. With market evolution and new demands, tools like eGO CRM – Credit Intermediation have become essential for professionals who want to deliver a comprehensive, competitive, and innovative service.
