Close Brothers
Heritage merchant banking group trading since 1878, FTSE-listed via Close Brothers Group plc. The commercial division covers asset finance, invoice finance and broader commercial lending. Broker-distributed; relationship-led underwriting for established UK SMEs and corporates.
Quick verdict
- Product: Asset finance, invoice finance, commercial loans.
- Ticket band: £25k to £25m+.
- Pricing: Bespoke, quoted at offer.
At a glance
Close Brothers, at a glance
- Legal entity
- Close Brothers Limited
- Companies House
- 00195626
- Group founded
- 1878
- Product
- Asset finance, invoice finance, commercial loans
- Ticket range
- £25k to £25m+
- Decision time
- 5 to 14 business days
- Ltd-only
- No, the lender also accepts other structures
Where Close Brothers is strong
- Genuine UK merchant bank with 145+ years of trading history.
- Multiple product lines under one underwriter (asset, invoice, commercial loans).
- Strong sector specialisms in print, transport, manufacturing and motor trade.
- PRA-regulated; FSCS deposit protection on linked savings products.
Watch-outs, and when another lender may suit better
- Broker-distributed, not self-serve.
- Headline rates not published; quoted at offer.
- Slower than fintech alternatives.
- Engagement below £25k unlikely outside existing relationships.
Best fit applicants
- Established SMEs needing asset or invoice finance
- Print, transport, manufacturing, motor trade
- Broker-introduced deals
Where Close Brothers is the wrong fit
- Self-serve sub-£25k
- Sole traders without asset security
- Speed-prioritised cases
If declined by Close Brothers
If your application to Close Brothers is declined, ask the lender for the reason in writing. Some alternatives are named in the watch-outs section above. See also our guide to why lenders decline, by reason.
Other lenders we list
- 365 Business Finance, Merchant cash advance (revenue-based finance)
- Aldermore, Asset finance, invoice finance, commercial mortgages
- Allica Bank, SME term loan, asset finance + commercial mortgage
- Bizcap, Specialist post-decline / fast cash
How we rate Close Brothers
This review is FundBiz's own editorial assessment, scored against a published framework. See our methodology for how we rate each lender.
FAQ
What can I borrow through Close Brothers?
Close Brothers offers asset finance, invoice finance, commercial loans. Ticket range: £25k to £25m+. Typical rate: Bespoke, quoted at offer.
How long does Close Brothers take to decide?
5 to 14 business days
Who is Close Brothers the best fit for?
First on the list: Established SMEs needing asset or invoice finance. The full list is under Best fit applicants above.
When might another lender suit better than Close Brothers?
First on the list: Self-serve sub-£25k. The other cases are under Where Close Brothers is the wrong fit above.
Send an enquiry
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Send an enquiry →Official site: Close Brothers
Last updated: . By Adam Parker. FundBiz is owned and operated by Best Business Loans Ltd, directed by Oliver Mackman.