Close Brothers Broker Solutions strengthens Specialist Finance team

Close Brothers Broker Solutions has strengthened its Specialist Finance division with the appointment of two Business Development Associates, as the firm looks to accelerate growth in the large-ticket asset finance market.

The company confirmed that Shazia Rasool and Jason Hill have joined the team to support its ambition of becoming the preferred funding partner for brokers, vendors and intermediaries handling high-value transactions.

The Specialist Finance team focuses on delivering bespoke asset finance and leasing solutions to SMEs and professional clients, typically working on complex deals ranging from £1 million to £15 million.

Shazia Rasool brings more than 15 years of experience in commercial and asset finance, with a career spanning commercial banking, stock financing and hire purchase.

Her expertise is expected to strengthen the team’s ability to structure tailored funding solutions for clients with more intricate requirements.

Jason Hill, meanwhile, has spent over seven years at Close Brothers in a variety of client-facing roles within Asset Finance.

He joins the Specialist Finance team with a strong track record in customer relationship management, positioning him well to support brokers and partners across large-scale transactions.

Commenting on the appointments, James Fletcher, Managing Director of the Specialist Finance team, said the new hires would play a key role in driving efficiency and unlocking growth opportunities.

“Shazia and Jason will work closely with our Business Development Directors and our broker partners to ensure that we are maximising every opportunity in the most efficient way,” he said. “The work they do will contribute significantly to our ambitious growth agenda in the large ticket asset finance space.”

Fletcher added that the business is experiencing strong momentum in the UK market and that the appointments come at a pivotal time.

“As one of the fastest-growing asset funders in the UK, they join at an exciting time for the business. I’m really looking forward to seeing them utilise their significant experience in the coming months and years as we look to help the UK’s businesses continue to grow and thrive.”