Referral partnership with an International Company

[Mark S.]

Hey !

As I have understood till yet, paying referral fees to a non real estate professional is illegal in the USA (in most of the states).

If company (or an individual for the matter) from outside the US would like to form a referral partnership with an agent/broker in the US, would it also be termed illegal?

Then what would be the best way of compensating the international company for the leads it passes to the US agent/broker ?

Thanks..