HSBC UK passes £500m in broker-led SME lending

HSBC UK has surpassed £500 million in lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) via commercial brokers in 2025, more than double its total for last year, following significant investment in its intermediary business.

The milestone was announced on stage last night at the NACFB Commercial Lender Awards in London, where the bank was also confirmed as the headline sponsor of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) for 2026/27.

HSBC UK has been expanding its intermediary business since relaunching the division in 2022, adding business development managers and underwriting capacity to support rising demand from the broker community.

Ian Coulson, Head of Commercial Brokers at HSBC UK, said the rapid growth reflects the evolving role of brokers in the SME lending landscape.

“Commercial brokers are playing an increasingly significant role in advising SMEs on where to borrow,” he said. “HSBC UK’s goal is to provide them with a range of funding options, specialist sector knowledge and the international reach to best serve their clients.

“Passing £500 million in broker-led lending this year is a significant milestone – but it’s only the beginning of our ambition. We’re expanding our team, widening our product set and investing in ways of working that reflect what brokers and their clients need from a bank in 2026 and beyond.”

Jim Higginbotham, Chief Executive of the NACFB, said HSBC UK’s renewed presence in the market was already reshaping the broker landscape.

“HSBC UK has re-emerged as a major force in the broker market, and it has done so through partnership, investment and a genuine commitment to quality,” he said. “Their decision to become our headline sponsor is a strong signal to the market – not just of intent, but of leadership. We’re delighted to be working alongside a lender that is growing quickly, but doing it with standards, accountability and a deep respect for the broker community.”

The bank’s strengthened broker strategy includes new specialist roles across agriculture, healthcare and mid-corporate lending, along with products and service models tailored for intermediaries and SME clients.

The expansion forms part of HSBC UK’s wider effort to support small businesses and fuel growth. In July 2025, the bank introduced no monthly account fees for its Small Business Banking Account, alongside free UK digital banking and access to business specialists.

HSBC UK also operates the HSBC Small Business Growth Programme, a free platform open to all entrepreneurs offering training, events and expert insights aimed at helping business owners scale and succeed.