Editorial Policy & Standards

Last updated: 25 June 2025

Our Editorial Mission

IMBrief provides independent, authoritative analysis of the investment migration industry. We deliver opinion-led journalism that serves the interests of intelligent investors, not program promoters or government agencies.

Our commitment: Investment migration intelligence that puts investors first.

Editorial Independence

No Pay-for-Play

We do not accept payment for editorial coverage. Ever. This includes:

• No sponsored articles disguised as editorial content
• No payment for program reviews or rankings
• No quid pro quo arrangements
• No editorial influence from advertisers

Transparency

When we have potential conflicts of interest, we disclose them. This includes:

• Personal investments in program we discuss
• Professional relationships that might influence our perspective
• Any financial interests that could affect our objectivity

Opinion-Led Journalism

IMBrief publishes analysis and opinion, not just news. Our pieces:

• Take clear positions on industry issues
• Challenge conventional wisdom when warranted
• Provide insights based on insider knowledge
• Offer a strategic perspective for investors

We distinguish between facts and opinions, but we don't pretend to be neutral observers. We have informed views and we share them.

Editorial Standards

Accuracy

• We verify facts before publication
• We cross-reference multiple sources when possible
• We distinguish between confirmed facts and speculation
• We correct errors promptly and transparently

Expertise

All IMBrief content is written or reviewed by:

• Andy Williamson, IMCM Cert(IM), our founder and editor
• Subject matter experts with relevant qualifications
• Industry practitioners with verified experience

We don't publish content from contributors who lack genuine expertise in investment migration.

Clarity

We write for intelligent readers without assuming specialist knowledge:

• Complex concepts are explained clearly
• Industry jargon is defined or avoided
• Technical details are made accessible
• Key takeaways are highlighted

Relevance

Every piece must answer: "Why should an investor care about this?"

• We focus on practical implications
• We prioritise actionable intelligence
• We avoid academic exercises
• We respect readers' time

Sourcing Standards

Primary Sources

We prioritise:

• Official government announcements
• Regulatory body communications
• Program legislation and gazettes
• Direct industry data

Attribution

• Sources are credited unless anonymity is essential
• Anonymous sources are used only when necessary to protect legitimate interests
• We explain why sources require anonymity when used
• Claims from anonymous sources require additional verification

Due Diligence

For program analysis, we:

• Review official documentation
• Verify current requirements
• Check recent regulatory changes
• Confirm pricing and timelines
• Note any recent controversies

Corrections Policy

We take accuracy seriously:

Minor Corrections: Spelling, grammar, or minor factual errors are corrected silently.

Substantive Corrections: Significant errors are:

• Corrected promptly
• Marked with an update note
• Explained at the article's end
• Noted in our newsletter if material

Clarifications: When our writing is unclear or misleading:

• We add clarifying information
• We note the clarification
• We don't change the original meaning

To report an error: editor@imbrief.com

Ethics Guidelines

Conflicts of Interest

Our team:

• Discloses relevant financial interests
• Avoids coverage that could benefit them personally
• Recuses themselves from conflicted topics
• Maintains professional boundaries

Fairness

While we publish opinions, we:

• Base criticism on facts
• Allow subjects to respond to serious allegations
• Avoid personal attacks
• Focus on professional conduct, not personal matters

Responsible Reporting

We consider the impact of our reporting:

• We don't publish information that could facilitate fraud
• We protect vulnerable individuals
• We respect legal proceedings
• We verify claims before amplifying them

Use of AI and Technology

Transparency

We may use AI tools for:

• Research assistance
• Data analysis
• Grammar checking
• Workflow optimisation

However:

• All content is human-written and edited
• AI-generated text is never published without substantial human revision
• Final editorial decisions are always human-made

Verification

Any AI-assisted research is:

• Fact-checked by human editors
• Verified against primary sources
• Tested for accuracy
• Clearly marked if used substantially

Comment and Community Standards

While we don't currently host comments, when engaging on other platforms:

• We respond professionally to criticism
• We correct misunderstandings
• We don't engage with bad-faith actors
• We maintain IMBrief's standards everywhere

Review Process

All content undergoes:

1. Research verification - Sources checked, facts confirmed
2. Editorial review - Arguments tested, clarity ensured
3. Final approval - Brand standards met, value delivered

Program Reviews

When analysing specific programs:

• We apply consistent evaluation criteria
• We note both advantages and disadvantages
• We compare against industry standards
• We update reviews when programs change materially

We don't accept payment or benefits for reviews.

Complaints Procedure

If you believe we've breached our editorial standards:

1. Email: editor@imbrief.com with your specific concern
2. We'll acknowledge receipt within 2 business days
3. We'll investigate and respond within 10 business days
4. If needed, we'll publish corrections or clarifications

For serious complaints unresolved through this process, we recognise the authority of relevant UK press standards bodies.

Updates to This Policy

We review these standards annually and update as needed. Substantial changes will be communicated to our newsletter subscribers.

Our Commitment

These aren't just words on a page. They're the principles that guide every piece we publish. When you read IMBrief, you can trust that we've applied these standards rigorously.

Independent analysis. Professional standards. Investor focus.

That's the IMBrief difference.

IMBrief: Investment migration intelligence that puts investors first.