Assetz Capital

Assetz Capital: Company Overview and United Kingdom Background

Assetz Capital, established in the United Kingdom, has evolved into a prominent specialist finance provider since its lending platform commenced operations in March 2013. The company, legally incorporated as ASSETZ CAPITAL LIMITED in March 2012, with its registered office in Manchester, has consistently demonstrated significant growth, lending £19 million in its first year and surpassing £200 million by January 2017. A key aspect of its journey has been its transition to an exclusive institutional funding model for new lending since December 2022, moving away from its earlier peer-to-peer investment structure.

Under the privately held Assetz group, co-founded by Stuart Alexander Law, who retains significant control as CEO, Assetz Capital operates as a marketplace lender and a direct originator of property-secured finance. Its primary target market encompasses UK small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), property developers, and housebuilders. The firm specializes in delivering short and medium-term borrowing solutions, always backed by tangible property security. With capabilities to underwrite loans up to £50 million, Assetz Capital plays a vital role in facilitating projects that contribute to the UK’s housing and commercial infrastructure. The executive team, including Andrew Fraser as Chief Commercial Officer and Mark Wardrop as Chief Financial Officer, brings extensive experience to steer the company’s strategic direction and operations across the nation.

Detailed Loan Products and Services Offered by Assetz Capital

Assetz Capital provides a diverse portfolio of secured lending products designed to meet the varied financial needs of its UK client base. These products are characterized by competitive rates, flexible terms, and a strong emphasis on property as collateral, ensuring robust security for the loans. Potential borrowers should carefully review each product's specifics to determine suitability for their projects.

• Development Finance: This product is tailored for property developers undertaking residential or commercial projects. Loan sizes range significantly from £1 million up to an impressive £50 million, with terms extending up to three years. Indicative annual interest rates start from 10.5%, accompanied by arrangement fees from 2.5%. Security typically involves a first charge on the property, a debenture, and often personal guarantees from the principals.
• Commercial Mortgages: Aimed at businesses seeking to purchase or refinance commercial properties, these mortgages are available for amounts between £750,000 and £50 million. Terms can be up to five years, with variable options extending to seven years. Interest rates are typically structured as Bank Base Rate plus 3% per annum, alongside arrangement fees starting from 2%. As with other products, a first charge, debenture, and personal guarantees are standard security requirements.
• Bridging Finance: Offering short-term financial solutions, bridging loans from Assetz Capital are available for £500,000 to £50 million over terms of two to twenty-four months. These loans are often used to bridge gaps between property transactions or for quick acquisitions. Monthly interest rates begin from 0.85%, with arrangement fees starting from 2%. Security follows the same pattern of first charge, debenture, and personal guarantees.
• Residential Refurbishment: Designed for developers focused on enhancing residential properties, these loans range from £500,000 to £50 million. Terms are typically between six and twenty-four months, with monthly interest rates commencing from 0.85%. Arrangement fees for refurbishment loans start from 1%. Security measures are consistent across the portfolio, requiring a first charge, debenture, and personal guarantees.
• Secured SME Term Loans: Businesses looking for medium-term funding secured against property can access these loans, ranging from £2 million to £50 million over terms up to five years. The interest rate is generally Bank Base Rate plus 4% per annum, with arrangement fees from 2%. These loans also require a first charge, debenture, and personal guarantees.
• Buy-to-Let for Landlords: This product supports experienced landlords with funding from £750,000 up to £50 million. Terms are available for two to five years, with interest-only options. Interest rates are set at Bank Base Rate plus 3% per annum, with arrangement fees from 2%. A crucial requirement is a minimum rental coverage of 1.35 times, subject to robust stress testing, alongside the standard security package.

All loans provided by Assetz Capital are secured against property, offering a layer of protection for both the lender and the borrower, ensuring that the funding is tied to tangible assets within the United Kingdom property market. The specific rates and fees are indicative and can vary based on the borrower's credit profile, the loan-to-value ratio, and the complexity of the project.

Application Process, Requirements, and Operational Insights

Engaging with Assetz Capital for finance involves a streamlined yet thorough process, ensuring robust due diligence while aiming for efficiency. Prospective borrowers primarily interact with the company through its online borrower portal on its website or via direct introductions facilitated by its nationwide network of Relationship Directors. It is important to note that Assetz Capital does not operate a dedicated mobile lending application; its existing "Community Circle" app is geared towards property rewards rather than loan application or management.

The Know Your Customer (KYC) and onboarding procedures are rigorous, aligning with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. This includes comprehensive identity verification through documents such as passports or driving licenses, proof of address, and all necessary corporate documentation. The involvement of Relationship Directors is a key differentiator, providing face-to-face support and ensuring personalized due diligence, which is particularly valuable for complex property-backed loans in the UK market.

Credit scoring and underwriting at Assetz Capital are based on a holistic property-backed appraisal. The firm employs sophisticated internal risk models combined with extensive real property expertise. For development and refurbishment finance, monitoring surveyor reports are routinely commissioned to track project progress and ensure funds are drawn down in alignment with milestones. Discretionary provision funds may also be available for certain accounts, offering an additional layer of risk management. Loans are disbursed via bank transfer, with drawdown schedules meticulously aligned with project milestones, ensuring funds are released as needed to support construction or refurbishment phases.

For collection and recovery, interest payments can be retained or serviced monthly, depending on the loan structure. For development finance, a bullet repayment is typically expected from property sales or refinancing upon project completion. Assetz Capital employs proactive loan monitoring through its Relationship Directors. Should issues arise, recovery procedures involve the legal enforcement of security charges, a testament to the robust, property-backed nature of their lending model.

Regulatory Status, Market Position, and Competitor Landscape in the UK

Assetz Capital operates under strict regulatory oversight within the United Kingdom. Its lending activities are authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under Assetz SME Capital Limited (FRN 724996), specifically for consumer credit and regulated lending. This means the company adheres to comprehensive FCA rules and, where applicable, Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) directives concerning credit-related activities, with its status publicly available on the FCA register. Consumer protection is central to its operations, demonstrated through transparent indicative credit-backed terms, standard FCA-mandated disclosures, and cooling-off rights where applicable. Notably, there have been no known FCA or PRA enforcement actions against Assetz Capital itself, though the FCA has issued warnings regarding a clone fraudster attempting to use the Assetz name.

In terms of market position, Assetz Capital has established itself as one of the largest UK marketplace lenders for property-secured SME finance. By 2020, it was recognized as the second-largest peer-to-peer SME lender, reflecting its significant footprint in the alternative finance sector. Its primary competitors in the UK include other alternative finance platforms such as Funding Circle and LendInvest, specialist banks, and a range of non-bank lenders. However, Assetz Capital differentiates itself through its deep property-expert underwriting capabilities, flexible deal structuring, and a commitment to providing fast credit-backed offers—often within 24 hours for straightforward cases. This speed and specialization are critical in the dynamic UK property market.

The company continues its growth trajectory, evident in the launch of its "Assetz Elevate" product in June 2025, specifically designed for residential developments under £1.5 million. Assetz Capital has also forged strategic partnerships over the years, including a referral deal with the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2015, a significant £150 million funding line from Victory Park Capital in 2015, and a £15 million commitment from British Business Investments in 2020. More recently, an introducer arrangement with Atom Bank for commercial mortgages further solidifies its position within the broader UK financial ecosystem, demonstrating its capability to collaborate with established institutions.

Customer Experience, Reviews, and Practical Advice for Borrowers

Customer experience with Assetz Capital presents a mixed picture, primarily influenced by the distinction between its lending operations and its historical peer-to-peer investment platform. On Trustpilot, the company holds a "Bad" rating of 1.6 out of 5, with common complaints often citing login issues on the now-discontinued retail investor reward app and concerns about fee transparency during the wind-down of P2P accounts. However, it is important for potential borrowers to understand that reviews specific to the lending platform generally highlight positive experiences regarding the speed and support received. Feedback often praises the efficiency of the lending process and the responsiveness of the dedicated Relationship Directors.

Customer service is a strong point for Assetz Capital's lending arm. Each borrower benefits from a dedicated Relationship Director, ensuring personalized support throughout the loan lifecycle. Additionally, a New Business Team is available to assist brokers, and online enquiry support provides initial guidance. Case studies, such as the £4.99 million development loan for Forge Care's specialist childcare facility and the £600,000 CBILS-backed development funding for Amor Homes in Cheshire, underscore the company’s ability to finance diverse and impactful projects, showcasing its expertise in the property development sector.

While specific financial performance figures like revenue and profitability are not publicly disclosed, the company’s group accounts are filed at Companies House. Its funding history, characterized by a transition to institutional funding since 2015 and a cumulative lending volume of £1.7 billion as of mid-2025, demonstrates significant financial capacity. Assetz Capital maintains a low default profile, attributed to its rigorous property security requirements. Every loan is secured by a first charge, often supplemented by personal guarantees, and closely monitored by surveyors. A discretionary provision fund also exists to cover some missed repayments, reflecting a robust risk management framework.

For potential borrowers in the United Kingdom considering Assetz Capital, here is some practical advice:

• Understand Secured Lending: Be fully aware that all Assetz Capital loans are secured against property. This means your assets are at risk if you fail to meet repayment obligations.
• Prepare Thorough Documentation: Have all corporate documents, financial statements, and property-related information readily available. A complete application package can significantly expedite the process.
• Engage with Relationship Directors: Utilize the expertise of the dedicated Relationship Directors. They can provide tailored advice and guide you through the complexities of property finance.
• Clarify All Fees and Rates: While indicative rates and fees are provided, always obtain a personalized quote and understand all associated costs before committing to a loan. Ensure clarity on arrangement fees, interest rates, and any other potential charges.
• Review Loan Terms Meticulously: Pay close attention to the loan term, repayment schedule, and any specific conditions attached to your funding, especially for development or refurbishment projects with milestone-based drawdowns.
• Consider the Institutional Funding Model: The shift to institutional-only funding means stability and significant capital availability, which can be an advantage for larger projects requiring substantial finance.

By carefully considering these aspects, UK businesses and developers can effectively leverage Assetz Capital's specialized financial solutions to achieve their property and growth objectives.