The firm
Lydius takes its name from the Lydian stone, the touchstone on which gold was tested before it was traded. We apply the same test to transactions.
Auri argentique mentionem comitatur lapis, quem coticulam appellant.
Why the name
The touchstone does not flatter. A streak of gold on dark stone shows its fineness to anyone who knows how to read it, and no amount of conversation changes the colour.
Transactions deserve the same treatment. Most proposals that cross a dealmaker's desk fail on a simple question: who owns this, and can they sign? We ask it first, write down the answer, and place only what survives.
Four principles
Principals only
We deal with the party that signs. Intermediaries are welcome when they bring us to that party, not when they stand in front of it.
Paid before work
Each phase is priced and paid before it begins. It keeps our attention on clients who are serious, and theirs on us.
Discretion
Names are disclosed only with consent. Documents are shared only with counterparties who have passed the assay.
A clear no
When a transaction cannot be placed, we say so early and in writing. A fast no is worth more than a slow maybe.
Compliance
We identify every client and its beneficial owners, screen every party against international sanctions lists, and document the source of funds before a transaction is placed. These checks are part of the assay, not an afterthought to it.
Lydius does not hold client money, issue financial instruments or arrange investments in securities.
Facilitators
We work with facilitators who bring us principals, under written agreement and with remuneration paid by us from our own fees. Facilitators name their client on the first enquiry and confirm who will pay for the assay.
Introduce a client