Are all expert networks' vetting processes the same?

The major networks have converged on largely similar processes. Mid-tier and boutique networks vary more. Buyers should validate vetting depth as part of vendor selection.

What disqualifies an expert at vetting?

Falsified credentials; failure to disclose material conflicts; refusal to sign the master agreement; identifiable misconduct in prior network participation; current regulatory restrictions on consulting activity.

How long does vetting take?

Typically 5-10 business days from application to acceptance. Networks emphasising speed can vet faster; networks emphasising compliance depth may take longer.

Expert Vetting

Expert vetting is the verification process applied to every prospective expert before they are added to a network's available pool. Standard elements: identity verification, employment-history verification, conflict-of-interest screening and ongoing performance rating.

Term: Expert Vetting
Section: Glossary
Last refreshed: Q1 2026

01/In Depth3–5 paragraphs

Vetting begins at application: identity documents, CV verification, LinkedIn cross-check, employment-history confirmation through direct employer reference where appropriate. Failure on any step rejects the application.

After vetting, experts complete a master expert agreement covering confidentiality, NDA disclosure, conflict screening, MNPI rules and cooling-off enforcement. This agreement is the contractual basis for network participation.

Per-engagement vetting includes brief-vs-expert matching (does the expert's background actually fit the brief), cooling-off enforcement (is this expert in cool-off on the topic company), and per-call attestation immediately before the call.

Ongoing vetting includes performance rating (buyer feedback after each call), compliance audit (sample-based review of attestation records), and category-specific re-verification when experts move between categories or topics.

02/Examples4 concrete cases

+Identity verification via passport check at onboarding
+Employment history confirmed through LinkedIn cross-check plus reference where appropriate
+Ongoing rating updates from buyers after each call
+Removal of an expert whose post-call rating falls below an established threshold

03/Frequently Asked3 questions

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04/See AlsoWhere this applies

04.2

INVESTMENT THESIS VALIDATION

Test the assumptions underlying your investment thesis before you commit capital.

05/Related Terms3 suggestions

COMPLIANCE FRAMEWORK

An expert-network compliance framework is the integrated set of controls a reputable network operates to ensure exper…

EXPERT ATTESTATION

An expert attestation is a short pre-call confirmation by the expert that they: (a) hold no Material Non-Public Infor…

EXPERT NETWORK

An expert network is a marketplace that connects buyers (investment funds, corporates, consulting firms) with vetted …

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