verifi partners with Praetura to modernise asset inspections

UK fintech firm verifi has partnered with Praetura Asset Finance to introduce a digital-first approach to asset inspections, aimed at speeding up funding for small and medium-sized businesses.

Praetura, part of the Praetura Group, will integrate verifi’s virtual inspection platform into its lending operations, allowing brokers, dealers and SME customers to verify assets remotely using mobile devices.

The move reflects a broader shift among specialist lenders toward adopting targeted technology that enhances, rather than replaces, human decision-making. Praetura said the integration aligns with its relationship-led lending model, which prioritises flexibility and personal expertise over automated decisioning.

Traditionally, asset finance has relied on physical inspections to verify the existence and condition of equipment; a process that can take days and delay access to capital. By adopting verifi’s “self-certifi” solution, Praetura aims to eliminate that bottleneck.

The platform enables users to complete secure asset inspections within minutes, significantly reducing waiting times and accelerating the payout process. The result, the companies say, is a smoother and less intrusive experience for SME customers, while also improving operational efficiency.

Praetura added that the technology will allow its teams to spend less time on administrative processes and more time supporting clients and structuring deals.

Alongside speed, the partnership places strong emphasis on maintaining security standards. Praetura will use verifi’s proprietary “spuuf” model, described as a “silent hand” technology, which works in the background to verify the authenticity of submitted images and reduce the risk of fraud or misrepresentation.

For lenders managing growing portfolios, ensuring that faster processes do not compromise due diligence is a key concern, particularly in asset-backed finance.

Jonathan Garnett, verifi co-founder, said the partnership demonstrates how technology can remove friction without undermining personal service.

“Legacy physical inspections act as a handbrake on that kind of highly responsive service,” he said. “By removing the wait times associated with legacy inspections, we are helping to remove bottlenecks in the lending process allowing Praetura’s “human touch” to focus on what they are best at. They get reliable, consistent, actionable asset data they need instantly, allowing them to focus entirely on structuring the right deals for their clients.”

Ric Simmons, managing director at Praetura, added that the integration supports the lender’s core philosophy.

“Our premise has always been to put the needs of business founders and leaders first,” he said. “Integrating verifi’s platform supports our goal of offering a simple and frictionless service that enables clients to access funding, faster, while also streamlining our underwriting process and protecting our commitment to sustainable credit policies.”

The partnership highlights the increasing role of fintech solutions in modernising SME lending, particularly as businesses demand quicker, more flexible access to capital.