United Trust Bank is preparing to launch a new asset finance brand, Stance Asset Finance, early next year as it looks to widen its reach among brokers serving smaller businesses across the UK.

The new division, scheduled to go live in February 2026, will focus on supporting asset finance brokers working with SMEs that are often underserved by mainstream lenders.

Stance will operate as a standalone proposition within the bank, drawing on UTB’s operational infrastructure and technology while running its own sales and underwriting teams.

The bank aims to position the new brand as a flexible alternative for brokers seeking competitively priced funding and refinancing solutions for a broad range of assets and customer profiles.

TIGHTER CREDIT CONDITIONS

Ahead of the launch, Stance will host a series of webinars and training sessions for brokers in January, before beginning to accept proposals the following month.

The move represents UTB’s latest push to expand its presence in the asset finance market at a time when SMEs continue to face tighter credit conditions and a reduced appetite for complex or niche transactions among some lenders.

Nathan Mollett (main picture, inset), head of asset finance at United Trust Bank, said: “We see a gap in the market for Stance to sit alongside UTB’s core AF business and our arrival will give brokers greater choice when looking for flexible and competitively priced funding solutions for their customers.”

REAL-WORLD UNDERWRITING

And he added: “Brokers can also expect to receive the great service, direct contact with underwriters and high standards they already associate with UTB.

“Stance will blend real-world underwriting with asset expertise to fund a wide variety of assets. We will move quickly, speak plainly, and structure deals that help customers to invest in their businesses and deliver growth.”