Rivers Leasing Plc, established in 2010 and based in Watford, is an FCA-authorised specialist lender offering asset finance and wholesale funding solutions primarily for UK SMEs. As part of Rivers Finance Group, it provides a variety of finance products including hire purchase, finance leases, sale & leaseback, vehicle leasing, vendor programmes, and block discounting facilities. These offerings are aimed at established UK businesses seeking flexible asset-backed finance options. For detailed information about asset financing and business loans, see asset finance and business loans.
Key Features of Rivers Leasing Plc
Rivers Leasing emphasises a flexible and manual underwriting approach enabling tailored finance solutions. It supports brokers and vendors through dedicated online portals and provides direct access to credit teams. The lender participates in government-backed programmes to enhance lending capacity.
- Broker and vendor online proposal portal with e-signature capability – see broker tools and guidance.
- Manual underwriting enables bespoke deal structuring for complex transactions – learn about picking the right asset finance broker.
- Partnership with British Business Bank ENABLE Funding enhances funding capacity – details on ENABLE Funding.
- Dedicated account managers offer direct phone access to credit teams, facilitating efficient communication.
- Subsidiary vehicle leasing arm provides comprehensive fleet sourcing and management solutions – explore vehicle leasing facts.
Funding Eligibility
You may qualify for facilities with Rivers Leasing if your business generally has 1 to 3 years of trading history, meets minimum turnover thresholds, and operates within accepted sectors. Personal guarantees from directors or shareholders with over 20% equity are typically required. Eligible businesses must be UK-registered and based across England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. For further eligibility insights, consult guides on loan eligibility requirements, personal guarantee requirements, and director guarantee.
Loan Options
Rivers Leasing offers a range of asset-backed finance products suited to different business needs. These products typically cover amounts from a few thousand pounds to several million and flexible terms. Interest rates vary by product type and asset class.
- Asset Finance (Hire Purchase & Finance Lease): Loan amounts from £3,000 to £500,000 with terms of 12 to 60 months. Interest rates range from 6.0% to 15.0% flat rate (approx. 11% to 19% APR). Find out more about asset finance.
- Refinance / Sale & Leaseback: Financing from £10,000 up to £350,000 with terms of 12 to 48 months. Interest rates typically fall between 7.5% and 16.0% flat (approx. 13% to 21% APR). See details on business loan refinancing.
- Business Contract Hire & Vehicle Leasing: Vehicle capital cost financing from £5,000 to £250,000 over 24 to 60 months. Rental equivalent APR ranges from 4.0% to 9.0%. Learn about vehicle leasing.
- Block Discounting / Wholesale Finance: Revolving limits from £100,000 to £10,000,000 with terms of 12 to 60 months. Interest charged is 2.50% to 5.50% above 3-month SONIA. Explore revolving credit loans.
- Vendor & Point-of-Sale Finance Programmes: Per transaction financing from £3,000 to £200,000, terms from 12 to 60 months, with flat interest rates between 6.0% and 14.0%. More about vendor finance options is available.
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online directly through broker or vendor portals or by emailing proposal packs. The process involves quick credit decisions, supporting documentation submission, and formal agreement signing either electronically or via wet ink.
- Submit your proposal through the dedicated online application form or portal for brokers and vendors.
- Provide necessary documents including bank statements, filed accounts, identification, and asset quotations – see application documents needed.
- Expect an indicative credit decision within 4 to 8 hours; complex cases may take up to 48 hours – refer to the loan approval timeline.
- Upon agreement, receive funds typically on the same day – more about same day funding and online application processes.
Funding Agent's view on Rivers Leasing Plc
Rivers Leasing offers a manual-underwriting, asset-backed lending approach suited to established UK SMEs and brokers needing diverse financing solutions, including vehicle leasing and wholesale lines. Personal and director guarantees are commonly required, making it less accessible for early-stage or unsecured borrowers. For assistance evaluating your eligibility or comparing loan options, consider using Funding Agent's loan eligibility guidance, calculators and tools, and business loan comparisons.
