Best Term Loans 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 2025-10-08.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent provides tailored financial solutions specifically designed for legal and compliance firms, helping them manage cash flow and facilitate practice growth. It grows quickly through broker channels with flexible terms suited for SMEs in the legal sector. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Term Loans
• Industries: Legal, Compliance

Pros

• Tailored solutions for legal firms
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Specific to legal industry
• Limited to UK market

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/financing-options/term-loans-for-legal-and-compliance-firms

2. Barclays

Barclays Barclays offers a range of financial products including loans specifically structured to support business growth across various sectors. It brokers deals for fast access to flexible funding for legal and compliance firms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £10,000
• Min APR: 11.2%
• Max APR: 14.9%
• Loan Duration: 1–25 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured loans, Unsecured loans
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Flexible repayment terms
• No early repayment fees

Cons

• Higher interest for low amounts

Sources: https://www.barclays.co.uk/business-banking/borrow/loans/

3. HSBC

HSBC HSBC offers a variety of business loans and funds, often supporting clients needing growth capital or sustainability initiatives through secured or unsecured options. It connects legal and compliance firms with flexible products via brokered channels. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

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

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Green SME Fund
• Industries: SMEs, Sustainability

Pros

• Cashback incentives on loans
• Sustainable financing options

Cons

• Limited fund availability

Sources: https://www.about.hsbc.co.uk/news-and-media/hsbc-uk-launches-500m-green-sme-fund

4. NatWest

NatWest NatWest offers a wide range of business loans and credit options, including secured and unsecured products. It supports firms seeking flexible repayment structures and suitable funding levels. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £100,000
• Min APR: 10%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1-7 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: SME loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Fixed interest rates
• Flexible amounts

Cons

• Eligibility criteria apply

Sources: https://www.natwest.com/business/loans-and-finance/small-business-loan.html

5. Lloyds

Lloyds Lloyds Bank offers a broad range of financial products, including term loans, to support different business needs. It is suitable for firms seeking flexible options and predictable repayment plans. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Various
• Industries: Various

Pros

• Extensive network
• Diverse product offerings

Cons

• Limited online presence

Sources: https://www.lloyds.com/about-lloyds/history

6. Santander UK

Santander UK Santander UK offers a variety of business loans, including secured and unsecured options, catering to firms needing flexible repayment terms. It suits legal and compliance firms looking for growth capital. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £2,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 7.9%
• Max APR: 23.7%
• Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Fixed rate loans, Variable rate loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• No interest first 12 months
• Flexible terms

Cons

• Interest applies after first year

Sources: https://www.iwoca.co.uk/small-business-loans/santander

7. Funding Circle

Funding Circle Funding Circle is a peer-to-peer lender that funds small businesses through investor connections. It offers quick access with transparent terms, suitable for legal and compliance firms seeking reliable finance. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £750,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1-6 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Peer-to-peer loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Fast application process
• Large loan amounts

Cons

• Interest rates not disclosed upfront

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

8. Aldermore Bank

Aldermore Bank Aldermore offers a range of business loans, including asset finance and specialised mortgages. It supports SME growth with fast, flexible options, often secured against property. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Specialist mortgages, Asset finance
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Award-winning solutions
• Direct banking services

Cons

• No physical branches

Sources: https://www.aldermore.co.uk/about-us/

9. Metro Bank

Metro Bank Metro Bank provides transparent, flexible funding options, often secured against assets, with a focus on excellent customer service. It is suitable for legal firms and SMEs seeking simple, clear terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £2,000
• Max Amount: £60,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1-5 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Commercial loans
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Flexible loan amounts
• Transparent terms

Cons

• Limited maximum amount

Sources: https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/business/borrowing/products/business-loan-calculator/

10. Shawbrook Bank

Shawbrook Bank Shawbrook Bank specialises in niche lending such as property finance and SME loans. It caters to firms with specific collateral needs and offers tailored solutions in the UK market. It supports businesses seeking well-structured, secure financing. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £0
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Property finance, SME loans
• Industries: Real estate, SMEs

Pros

• Specialist in niche markets
• Award-winning lender

Cons

• Complex application process

Sources: https://www.shawbrook.co.uk/about-us/

How to choose

Match loan size and APR to your budget, check eligibility, and balance speed against flexibility. Consider how repayments fit your franchise cash flow and seasonality. Review lender criteria, fees, and early repayment terms before applying. For legal and compliance firms, consider whether the lender offers tailored products or specialises in professional sectors. Evaluate whether the provider is a bank or brokered service, as this can affect options and support. Always compare offers carefully and confirm current terms before committing.

Conclusion

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. Matching the provider type to your use case is important. Banks tend to offer traditional, secured products. Brokers can connect you to a range of options. Specialist lenders provide tailored solutions for specific sectors. Always verify current costs and terms with the lender; pricing may change.