Advertiser Policy

This page sets out how commercial arrangements work here, so that readers and advertisers are looking at the same rules.

The separation

Advertising is sold by people who have no say in editorial decisions. No advertiser sees an article before publication, is told what we are working on, or is given notice of coverage that concerns them.

Buying advertising does not buy coverage. Withdrawing advertising does not stop coverage. We expect this to cost us revenue occasionally and we are not willing to trade it.

Labelling

Sponsored content is labelled at the top of the page, in every listing it appears in, and in its URL. It is written by the sponsor or by staff who do not cover that beat, never by the analyst responsible for the subject. It does not appear in the newsletter's editorial section.

The directory

Directory listings are free. Claiming is free. Verification is free. Featured placement is an editorial decision and is not for sale at launch; if that changes, featured placements will be labelled as paid.

What we do not accept

Advertising for financial products making guaranteed-return claims, unlicensed financial services, or anything requiring a licence the advertiser cannot evidence. We also decline advertising designed to look like our own editorial layout.

Enquiries

Use the contact form and mark your message as an advertising enquiry.