Top Asset Finance Lenders for Legal and compliance Firms in the UK for 2026

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 2025-10-06.

1. Funding Agent

Funding Agent Funding Agent provides unsecured business loans with APR as low as 6.9% and amounts up to £500,000. It suits UK SMEs seeking clear options and predictable terms. Here's what to know:

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.9%
• Max APR: 8.9%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Flexible loan options
• Competitive APR

Cons

• Not specified

Sources: https://www.fundingagent.co.uk/post/the-best-asset-finance-lenders-in-the-uk-for-2026

2. Aldermore

Aldermore Aldermore Bank offers specialised finance options, including mortgages, savings, and business loans, often providing quick decision-making and flexible repayment arrangements suitable for SMEs and property transactions.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Flexible repayment terms up to 20 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Invoice Finance, Commercial Mortgages
• Industries: Small Businesses, Individuals

Pros

• Government-backed growth schemes
• Wide range of finance solutions

Cons

• Lack of specific APR information

Sources: https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business-finance/

3. Lombard

Lombard Lombard is the UK’s leading provider of asset finance, specialising in funding for businesses acquiring or refinancing assets, including vehicles and equipment. It provides flexible terms tailored to different asset types and credit profiles.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £10,000
• Max Amount: £19,999
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, Hire Purchase
• Industries: Various sectors, Transports, Equipment

Pros

• Largest UK asset finance provider
• Long-established history

Cons

• No specific APR provided

Sources: https://www.lombard.co.uk/lombard.html

4. ABN Amro

ABN Amro ABN AMRO offers corporate and commercial finance services including asset-backed lending, geared towards businesses seeking structured funding solutions with security. It supports property and equipment financing for various sectors.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £5,000
• Max Amount: £10,000,000
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Commercial Finance, Leasing
• Industries: Corporate, Commercial

Pros

• Strong international presence
• Range of financial solutions

Cons

• Specific loan terms not detailed

Sources: https://www.abnamrocomfin.co.uk/gbr/en/our-solutions/factoring

5. Société Générale

Société Générale Société Générale is a major European financial group offering a wide array of business financing options. It caters to SMEs needing flexible and quick funding solutions, often with structured products.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £1,000,000
• Min APR: 6%
• Max APR: 15%
• Loan Duration: 1 day to 24 months⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Corporate Banking
• Industries: Corporate, Financial Services

Pros

• Large financial services group
• Comprehensive service offerings

Cons

• APR range is broad

Sources: https://www.societegenerale.co.uk/en/

6. Close Brothers

Close Brothers Close Brothers offers asset finance and leasing options for SMEs, focusing on tailored solutions. It supports UK businesses seeking flexible repayment terms with industry-specific options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £0
• Min APR: 0%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Flexible terms⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Hire Purchase, Leasing, Refinancing
• Industries: SMEs

Pros

• Tailored finance options
• Established in merchant banking

Cons

• Lack of detailed APR

Sources: https://www.closeassetfinance.co.uk/s/

7. BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas BNP Paribas offers a range of financial services including asset finance and leasing. It is suitable for larger projects and firms needing structured, often secured, lending options, including property and equipment finance.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £500,000
• Max Amount: £5,000,000
• Min APR: 8.036%
• Max APR: 36.707%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Based Lending, Invoice Finance
• Industries: Corporate, Personal Banking

Pros

• Broad range of services
• European leader

Cons

• Start from higher loan amounts

Sources: https://commercialfinance.bnpparibas.co.uk/en

8. Investec

Investec Investec provides a broad range of financial products, including asset finance, corporate banking, and investment solutions. It caters to businesses seeking specialised funding and tailored structures with flexible repayment options.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £25,001
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 25.5%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: Unknown⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Asset Finance, SME Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Wealth Management, Investment Banking

Pros

• Holistic business view
• Strong asset finance capabilities

Cons

• High APR for SMEs

Sources: http://www.investec.co.uk/business

9. HSBC

HSBC HSBC is a major global bank offering a wide range of loans and financial services. It provides options for businesses across sectors, often including secured and unsecured lending with flexible terms.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £1,000
• Max Amount: £25,000
• Min APR: 5.8%
• Max APR: 0%
• Loan Duration: 1 to 10 years⌛

Services & Industries

• Finance Types: Secured Loans, Unsecured Loans
• Industries: Various sectors globally

Pros

• Trusted global brand
• Wide loan range

Cons

• APR for smaller amounts not specified

Sources: https://www.cliftonpf.co.uk/business-loans/hsbc-business-loans/

10. White Oak UK

White Oak UK White Oak UK offers flexible finance options including invoice finance, business loans, and VAT funding. It supports SMEs with a variety of funding solutions that can be tailored to specific cash flow and operational needs.

Loan Details

• Min Amount: £75,000
• Max Amount: £500,000
• Min APR: 6.95%
• Max APR: 18%
• Loan Duration: 6 to 60 months⌛

Services & Industries

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

Pros

• Flexible finance options
• Strong SME focus

Cons

• Handling fees may be high

Sources: https://www.ldf.co.uk/flipside-business-finance

How to choose

Matching the right finance provider involves understanding your specific needs. Bank lenders like HSBC or Investec tend to offer structured, reliable products suitable for established businesses. Broker-only solutions, such as Funding Agent, provide quick comparisons and fast decisions. For specialised sectors or complex requirements, seeking a provider with a niche focus or specific sector expertise can be beneficial. Carefully review fees, repayment terms, and eligibility criteria to find the best fit for your legal or compliance firm. Considering your cash flow and project size will help select a provider aligned with your operational planning.

Conclusion

Matching the right provider depends on your funding needs and the nature of your project. Bank lenders often offer structured, larger loans suitable for property or equipment. Brokers can connect you quickly to multiple options for general working capital. Specialist lenders or sector-focused providers may deliver tailored solutions for legal and compliance firms. Always compare current costs and confirm terms directly with the lender before committing. 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.