The Best Alternative Finance Lenders for Legal and compliance Firms in the UK

For UK franchise buyers and operators, this guide compares loan periods and amounts, APRs, and terms across leading providers, with a focus on eligibility and fit. Amounts that could not be verified are left blank prices accurate as of 2025-10-07.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent aims to provide quick access to unsecured business loans. It primarily supports UK SMEs seeking a straightforward, unsecured financing option. The process focuses on speed and transparent terms, suitable for those needing rapid growth capital or working capital.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 15.9%
• Loan Duration: 0 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans
• Industries: Supply Chain, Technology, Fintech

Pros

• Quick application
• High loan limits

Cons

• High APR for some clients

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/financing-options/unsecured-sme-loan

2. Fleximize

Fleximize Fleximize offers flexible financing options for SMEs, including unsecured term loans. It provides quick, accessible funding designed for businesses seeking adaptable repayment plans and fast decision-making. The focus is on supporting growth and operational needs for various sectors.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 8.9%
• Max APR: 25%
• Loan Duration: 0-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Unsecured Business Loans, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Various SME sectors

Pros

• Flexible loans
• High customer service rating

Cons

• Higher APRs for new clients

Sources: https://www.fleximize.co.uk/

3. White Oak UK

White Oak UK offers customised financial solutions for SMEs, including business loans and VAT finance. Its flexible offerings support clients needing tailored funding solutions for growth, purchase, or refinancing. The services are suitable for businesses prioritising bespoke terms and asset-backed options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 6.95%
• Max APR: 9%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Tax Loans, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Various sectors

Pros

• Custom financial solutions
• Wide range of loan amounts

Cons

• Requires good credit history

Sources: https://www.whiteoakuk.com/

4. Iwoca

Iwoca Iwoca provides flexible funding options for small businesses, including unsecured loans and credit lines. It offers rapid decisions and a variety of repayment plans to support operational needs and growth strategies. The focus is on supporting small businesses across sectors with quick access to capital.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 49%
• Loan Duration: 1-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Flexible Business Loans
• Industries: Various sectors, including retail and services

Pros

• Quick decisions
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• High APR on large loans

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/

5. Capital on Tap

Capital on Tap Capital on Tap offers flexible credit facilities, including business credit cards and revolving credit lines. It provides swift access to funds for small businesses with tailored repayment options. The services are designed to support cash flow management and expenditure flexibility.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 14.67%
• Max APR: 34.96%
• Loan Duration: Variable⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Credit Facilities
• Industries: Various small business sectors

Pros

• High credit limits
• Cashback rewards

Cons

• Variable APR

Sources: https://www.capitalontap.com/

6. MarketFinance

MarketFinance MarketFinance provides invoice finance and small business loans. It supports SMEs with flexible funding to bridge cash flow gaps and finance growth. Its approach targets businesses in need of quick access and tailored repayment plans.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £50,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 29%
• Loan Duration: 12-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Business Loans
• Industries: Various SME sectors

Pros

• Quick access to funds
• Flexible terms

Cons

• High fees on small loans

Sources: https://www.marketfinance.com/

7. Kriya

Kriya Kriya specialises in providing invoice and business finance solutions, supporting SMEs with flexible products aimed at quick access to funds. It primarily focuses on competitive rates and streamlined approval processes suitable for growing companies seeking reliable funding options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £2,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 29%
• Loan Duration: 12-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Invoice Finance, Business Loans
• Industries: Various sectors

Pros

• Quick access
• Competitive rates

Cons

• Limited to certain sectors

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/best-invoice-finance-lenders-for-marketing-agencies-uk

8. The Business Backer

The Business Backer The Business Backer offers tailored financing for small firms, including flexible amounts and repayment options. It supports clients looking for reliable and quick funding solutions suitable for various sectors and growth stages.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £250,000
• Min APR: 8%
• Max APR: 20%
• Loan Duration: 6-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Small Business Loans
• Industries: Small enterprises

Pros

• Flexible terms
• Quick funding

Cons

• Higher fees

Sources: https://www.smallbusinessloans.co.uk

9. Growth Street

Growth Street Growth Street offers credit lines and flexible financing options designed to support SMEs' cash flow and growth ambitions. It caters to businesses seeking adaptable repayment plans and quick access to capital for expansion and operational needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £200,000
• Min APR: 7%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 3-24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Credit Lines
• Industries: SMEs seeking growth

Pros

• Growth-focused
• Flexible repayment

Cons

• High eligibility criteria

Sources: https://growthstreet.co.uk

10. RateSetter

RateSetter RateSetter offers peer-to-peer lending solutions, facilitating investment in personal and business loans. It supports UK SMEs requiring access to competitive rates through a platform that manages lending directly between borrowers and investors. The service focuses on transparent fees and flexible terms.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 3%
• Max APR: 19.9%
• Loan Duration: 6-60 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Peer-to-peer Loans
• Industries: Various personal & business sectors

Pros

• Transparent fees
• Low rates

Cons

• Limited loan sizes

Sources: https://www.ratesetter.com/

How to choose

When selecting a provider, consider your specific finance needs and the nature of your legal or compliance work. Bank lenders typically offer larger amounts with clear terms but may require collateral. Brokers and lenders specialising in SMEs can provide more flexible, quick, or tailored options, often with faster approval times. Review each lender's eligibility criteria, fees, and repayment options carefully to find the best fit for your business plan and cash flow.

Conclusion

Matching your needs with the right lender involves understanding their focus and delivery method. Bank-based lenders suit those seeking large, security-backed loans. Broker or platform-based providers often offer speed and flexibility for smaller or more specialised needs. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change. Funding Agent is a strong choice for SMEs that want quick comparisons across multiple options. Other providers suit larger amounts, asset-backed needs, or sector specialisms. Always confirm current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.