Check comparable work
Ask for a redacted work sample in the relevant sector and jurisdiction. Identify what the adviser actually delivered rather than infer responsibility from a client logo.
Evidence: agreed scope, deliverable and role.
Reference ChecksClient references
Client references
and verification
No independently verified client quotations or ratings are published here. Before appointing an adviser, request evidence of relevant experience, confirm permission to contact references, and review a written scope.
Business advisory — illustrative image
Three layers of reference evidence
Speak to an authorised reference
Confirm consent before contact. Ask about communication, changes in scope and how problems were handled; a quotation alone cannot establish these details.
Evidence: permission to contact and a relevant engagement.
Confirm the proposed engagement
Check who performs the work, exclusions, conflicts, confidentiality and fee milestones. Past experience does not guarantee approval, bank access or returns.
Evidence: written responsibilities and engagement terms.
Work through these checks before relying on an adviser's past experience.
- 01
Define the mandate
Write down the sector, jurisdiction, transaction type and outcome you need before asking for references.
Output: a short brief to compare advisers against.
- 02
Request matched samples
Ask for redacted deliverables from engagements similar to yours, with the adviser's role stated.
Output: work samples tied to a defined scope.
- 03
Contact references
Speak only to references who have consented, and ask the same questions to each one.
Output: consistent notes on delivery and problem handling.
- 04
Compare against terms
Check that the proposed team, exclusions and fee milestones match what the references described.
Output: a written engagement you can hold to account.
| Evidence | What it shows | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Client logo or name | That some relationship existed | Says nothing about scope, role or result |
| Published quotation | A client's general impression | Usually unverified and selectively chosen |
| Redacted work sample | Quality and depth of actual deliverables | May not reflect the team assigned to you |
| Direct reference call | Communication, reliability and handling of issues | Depends on consent and an honest, relevant reference |
| Written engagement terms | Who is responsible for what, and at what cost | Does not guarantee approvals, bank access or returns |
How we measure trust
Assess references in the context of the actual work
A testimonial is a client’s account, not an audit or a guarantee of future results. Relevant references explain the scope delivered and the dependencies affecting the outcome.
Relevant scope
Choose references for the service you need rather than the largest deal value mentioned.
Permission to share
Names and confidential transaction material should be shared only with the client’s permission.
Independent follow-up
Ask about communication, deliverable quality, exclusions and how unexpected issues were handled.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What should I confirm before relying on this information?+
Check the scope, observation date and supporting evidence. Verify legal, tax and banking requirements with the relevant professional or institution before committing.
What should a written proposal include?+
The proposal should identify deliverables, exclusions, responsibilities, dependencies, confidentiality arrangements and fee arrangements. Confirm third-party approvals separately.
Client Confidentiality
Why our references are given privately, and how to get one
Reference checks help assess an adviser’s relevant experience. Ask whether a consenting reference and redacted work sample are available, confirm what can be shared, and compare the evidence with the proposed scope. An NDA does not by itself verify a claim.
How to verify us before you sign
| Check | What we provide | When |
|---|---|---|
| Direct client reference | Ask about availability of a consenting, relevant reference | After NDA, before engagement letter |
| Redacted work sample | Request a permitted, redacted sample and verify its relevance | On request during scoping |
| Scope and fee clarity | Written engagement letter with exclusions stated | Before any work begins |
| Regulatory standing | Registration details of our entity and retained counsel | On request |
| Pilot mandate | A small paid scoping study before a full engagement | Any time |
Indicative planning benchmarks based on our engagement experience; actual timelines vary by sector and file.
Questions worth asking any Iran adviser
- Who is the named engagement lead, and have they personally completed a filing of this type?
- What is excluded from the fee — registry charges, translation, notary, travel?
- How is sanctions screening handled, and who signs off on it?
- What happens to the fee if a licence application is refused?
- Can you speak to a client who used them for the same entry route?
Frequently asked questions
Why are your client testimonials not published on the site?
No independently verified client quotations are published here. Request supporting evidence and confirm consent before relying on any reference.
Can I speak to a past client before engaging you?
Ask whether a suitable consenting reference is available. Availability, relevance and disclosure permissions must be confirmed rather than assumed.
Can we start with a small piece of work?
We encourage it. A paid scoping study — market sizing or a regulatory feasibility review — lets you assess the quality of our work before committing to a full entry mandate.