Stance Asset Finance launches to wider broker market

United Trust Bank (UTB) has officially launched its new Stance Asset Finance brand to the wider UK broker market, following a successful pilot aimed at supporting SMEs whose funding requirements fall outside mainstream lending criteria.

The launch provides asset finance brokers across England, Scotland and Wales with an additional funding option for businesses with more challenging credit profiles, at a time when lender consolidation and changing credit appetites are restricting funding choices.

Stance was established to complement UTB’s existing asset finance business, combining the financial strength and technology capabilities of a specialist bank with the flexible, asset-led underwriting approach of an independent funder.

The new proposition offers hire purchase, leasing and refinancing solutions across a broad range of assets, including vehicles, machinery, plant and equipment.

Targeting the tier-three lending market, Stance aims to support viable SMEs that may not meet traditional credit criteria, offering competitive terms alongside individual assessment of more complex transactions.

Brokers will have direct access to experienced underwriters and credit decision-makers, enabling them to discuss proposals and explore funding solutions based on the circumstances of individual businesses.

Successful pilot drives wider rollout

Stance began accepting business earlier this year through a selected group of Founders Club brokers, allowing the business to test and refine its lending appetite, processes and service offering before expanding into the wider market.

The pilot generated strong proposal volumes and completed transactions across a range of asset types and customer circumstances.

Feedback from participating brokers has helped shape the proposition, while Stance has invested in dedicated sales and underwriting teams to support its expansion.

Recent appointments include Broker Development Managers Alex Fowler, Rebecca Walton and Cherrice Baffana.

Astrid Michael, Sales & Marketing Director – Asset Finance at United Trust Bank, said the launch was designed to address a growing gap in the market for businesses requiring a more flexible approach to funding.

“When we first announced Stance, we said we wanted to give brokers something different. Not another lender chasing the same straightforward deals, but a business with the appetite, expertise and financial backing to support good SMEs that don’t necessarily fit the usual lending criteria.”

Michael highlighted the importance of feedback from the Founders Club brokers in developing the offering.

“Our Founders Club brokers have certainly put that ambition to the test! They’ve brought us some excellent transactions, challenged our thinking and helped us build a proposition that works in the real world.”

She added that changes across the lending market were making it increasingly difficult for brokers to place more challenging transactions.

“What’s particularly encouraging is that we’re launching into a market where demand for asset finance remains strong, but brokers tell us that finding the right home for more challenging cases is becoming more difficult. As lenders consolidate or change their appetites, brokers need more options, not fewer.”

Flexible underwriting for underserved SMEs

Stance aims to differentiate itself through its willingness to consider proposals that require a more individual approach, rather than relying solely on standardised lending criteria.

Michael said: “We have the financial strength and competitive funding you’d expect from a bank, but with dedicated underwriters who understand that a business isn’t necessarily a bad credit just because its circumstances are more unusual.

“We’re not trying to make every deal fit a box. We’d rather have a conversation, understand the business and the assets, and find a sensible way forward where we can.”

Brokers already registered with UTB can access Stance through their existing trading agreements, following a short onboarding discussion with a Stance Business Development Manager to establish alignment with the lender’s credit appetite.

Brokers interested in accessing the new proposition can contact the team at stance@utbank.co.uk or visit Stance Asset Finance.