HSBC UK marks £500m in broker-led lending to SMEs

HSBC UK has surpassed £500m in lending via commercial brokers in 2025 – more than double its total for 2024 – following a new focus on the intermediary market as part of the bank’s commitment to SMEs.

The announcement was made on stage last night at the NACFB’s Commercial Lender Awards in London, as HSBC UK was confirmed as the headline sponsor of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) for 2026/27.

The bank has expanded its intermediary business – relaunched in 2022 by bringing on additional business development managers and underwriting resource to support growing demand from the intermediary community.

Ian Coulson, Head of Commercial Brokers at HSBC UK, said: “Commercial brokers are playing an increasingly significant role in advising SMEs on where to borrow. 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 £500m 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, commented: “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. 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.”

HSBC UK’s enhanced broker strategy includes new specialist roles in agriculture, healthcare, and mid-corporate lending, along with products and service models designed specifically for intermediaries and SME clients.

The commitment is part of HSBC UK’s drive to champion small businesses and fuel growth. In July 2025 HSBC introduced a no monthly account fee on its Small Business Banking Account in addition to free UK digital banking and free access to business specialists.

The bank also runs the HSBC Small Business Growth Programme – a free, open-to-all platform offering training, events and expert insights designed to give entrepreneurs the tools to grow.

About HSBC UK
HSBC UK serves over 15 million active customers across the UK, supported by 23,800 colleagues. HSBC UK offers a complete range of retail banking and wealth management to personal and private banking customers, as well as commercial banking for small to medium businesses and large corporates. HSBC UK is a ring-fenced bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.

HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 57 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,234bn at 30 September 2025, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

About the NACFB

Established in 1992, the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) is the UK’s largest trade association for commercial finance intermediaries. Representing over 1,380 Members and more than 175 lender Patrons, the Association champions higher standards, stronger collaboration, and greater access to finance for the UK’s SMEs. The NACFB Assurance Standard, endorsed by the FLA, sets a benchmark for broker professionalism and compliance, providing lenders with renewed confidence in their intermediary partnerships.

Photo: HSBC broker team