Alliance has launched an internal investigation after a bust business advised by an MLA sought to charge a graduate hundreds of pounds to campaign for the party during Stormont elections.
The party said it was "at no time asked to participate in such an arrangement" and it would now be examining "how such an offer was made without our approval".
It is the latest controversy surrounding MLA Patrick Brown's former business interest Politrip, which has entered liquidation with debts of more than £64,000 and owing money to dozens of people.