TradeRiver (UK) Ltd is an FCA-authorised non-bank lender established in 2011, specialising in digital trade and supply-chain finance for UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It offers unsecured revolving credit facilities that help businesses manage short-term working capital specifically for supplier payments across domestic and international markets. The lender's services are suited for established SMEs with a track record and turnover rather than start-ups or those seeking long-term capital investments. For an overview of unsecured loans, you may find useful information available in our unsecured business loans and unsecured commercial loans guides.
Key features of TradeRiver's lending platform
The lender operates a fully digital platform designed to simplify credit applications, draw-downs, and account management while supporting multi-currency trade finance needs.
- Online platform for applications, draw-downs, and account management with automated notifications available via the online application form.
- Same-day supplier payments facilitated once trade documentation is approved, enabling prompt settlement and potentially strengthening supplier relationships.
- Supports multi-currency payments in GBP, USD, and EUR, beneficial for businesses engaged in both import and export trade.
- Unsecured revolving credit facility allows multiple draw-downs without the need for repeated underwriting, with credit limits scaling up to £5,000,000 to suit growing SMEs, as detailed in our revolving credit loans section.
- FCA-authorised and supervised, providing regulatory oversight and reassurance to borrowers. Further lender insights can be found on our lenders page.
Funding eligibility and requirements
You may qualify for TradeRiver finance if your business has been trading for a minimum of two years with an annual turnover typically exceeding £1,000,000. The lender excludes start-ups and certain sectors such as property development and arms trade. Personal guarantees from directors are compulsory, reflecting standard industry practice. For more details on qualifying criteria, please refer to our how to qualify for a business loan guide and the information on guarantors and personal guarantees.
Loan options available through TradeRiver
TradeRiver's main product is the revolving trade finance facility, which provides flexible short-term funding aimed at supporting supplier payments.
- Revolving Trade Finance Facility: Facility limits range from £50,000 up to £5,000,000. Each draw-down term is between 30 to 120 days in a revolving structure. Interest rates range approximately from 12% to 24% per annum equivalent, calculated as 1.0% to 2.0% flat per 30-day period. Arrangement fees apply between 1% and 2% of the facility limit, with annual renewal and late payment fees. Details on revolving loans are discussed in our revolving credit loans article.
- This unsecured facility does not require fixed asset security but mandates joint and several personal guarantees from directors or major shareholders, as explained in the unsecured working capital loan information.
How to apply for a TradeRiver facility
The application process is conducted entirely online. Applicants should expect a quick turnaround, generally 24 to 48 hours, subject to submitting complete documentation. Funding to suppliers can be same day once approved.
- Submit an online application and upload required documents via a secure digital platform. The process is outlined on our application form page.
- Provide necessary business documents such as filed accounts, management accounts, bank statements, and identity proofs for directors, supported by supplier invoices and details for trade verification.
- Application status and decisions are communicated promptly, aligning with best practices described in our loan approval timeline guide.
Funding Agent's view on TradeRiver (UK) Ltd
TradeRiver occupies a specific niche within the UK alternative finance market, offering digital, unsecured revolving trade finance primarily suited to established SMEs with proven turnover and short-term funding needs. Its model benefits businesses seeking quick access to revolving credit for supplier payments but is less applicable for start-ups or those requiring longer-term or secured loans. Prospective borrowers may find additional support tools such as loan calculators and guides on alternative lenders useful when comparing options.
