Quick answer: are our partners FCA‑authorised?

Yes — where FCA regulation applies to a broker or lender’s activity, the firms we connect you with for asset finance will hold the relevant FCA permissions or will be clear about operating outside the FCA perimeter (commercial-only activity). UK Business Loans is an introducer and does not provide regulated financial advice or lend money. You can always verify any partner’s status on the FCA register.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check

How UK Business Loans vets asset finance brokers and lenders

We match growing UK companies with specialist asset finance brokers and lenders that can fund equipment, vehicles, plant and machinery. Our panel includes mainstream brokers, specialist asset finance houses and regional lenders selected for sector experience and responsiveness.

Partner onboarding & checks

• FCA register lookup (where applicable): confirm firm name and FRN and the permissions they hold.
• Company checks: Companies House, key people, trading history and online reputation.
• Service and complaints review: published procedures, DISP awareness and customer feedback where available.
• Commercial suitability: experience in construction, transport, manufacturing or sustainability asset finance.

Ongoing monitoring

Partners are periodically re‑checked and we monitor performance indicators such as response times, complaint volumes and outcomes. If a partner changes status or fails our checks, we suspend referrals until issues are resolved.

Note: some specialist commercial-only lenders do not require FCA permissions for certain B2B lending activity — in those situations we make the firm’s regulatory position clear so you can make an informed choice. Get a Free Eligibility Check

FCA regulation: brokers vs lenders — what it means for asset finance

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates firms that carry out specified activities in the UK financial services market. Whether a business must be authorised depends on the activity it performs and the customers it serves.

Key points for asset finance:

• Many brokers who arrange business asset finance and many high-street and specialist lenders hold FCA permissions. FCA authorisation brings conduct standards, complaint-handling requirements and regulatory oversight.
• Some commercial-only lenders and certain specialist funding models operate outside the FCA perimeter for B2B lending — they may be subject to other rules or simply be unregulated by the FCA. That does not automatically mean they are unreliable, but it does change the protections available.
• FCA authorisation ensures a firm is listed on the FCA Register and that it has declared the permissions it holds (for example, arranging business credit or acting as a credit broker).

What FCA authorisation does — and doesn’t — mean:

• Means: regulated conduct standards, required disclosure, complaints processes (DISP), and a published firm reference number (FRN) you can check.
• Doesn’t mean: guaranteed rates, automatic approval, or that a product is the cheapest — it’s a regulatory status, not a commercial promise.

If you’re considering leasing, hire purchase or finance lease for plant, vehicles or green equipment, ask the broker or lender for their FRN and permissions, and check the FCA register (steps below). Start your Free Eligibility Check

How to check a firm on the FCA register (step‑by‑step)

1. Go to the FCA Register: https://register.fca.org.uk
2. Enter the firm’s name or FRN (firm reference number) into the search box.
3. Confirm the firm’s status and listed permissions (arranging credit, acting as a credit broker, etc.).
4. Check contact details and whether there are any restrictions or warnings.

Tip: if you’re unsure of the exact trading name, ask us for the firm’s FRN — we’ll share it so you can verify directly. Need help verifying a lender? Contact us or start an enquiry: Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Our compliance and financial promotions approach

UK Business Loans acts as an introducer that connects businesses with lenders and brokers. We do not lend or give regulated financial advice.

In our promotional materials and on this site we follow clear principles designed to be fair, clear and not misleading:

• We state our role as an introducer and make no regulated advice claims.
• We encourage prospective customers to verify any firm’s FCA status and to read lender terms carefully.
• We do not promise rates or guaranteed approvals — we connect you to suitable partners who will assess your circumstances.
• We handle data securely and only share your details with selected partners to help match you to the right solution.

When you submit an enquiry, potential lenders or brokers may carry out their own checks. Any offer you receive is subject to their underwriting and contract terms. Get a Free Eligibility Check

Why choose asset finance through our network

Using our matching service saves time and increases the chance of a suitable outcome. We focus on UK businesses seeking asset finance of approximately £10,000 and upwards, and connect you to providers who understand your industry.

Typical asset finance use-cases:

• Construction plant & machinery (excavators, rollers)
• Vehicle fleets and commercial vans
• Manufacturing and production equipment
• Renewable energy and sustainability equipment (solar, EV chargers)

We match businesses to specialist brokers and lenders rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. For more on how asset finance can work in your sector see our industry pages or ask us directly when you Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

For an overview of specialist asset finance options see our partner industry guide on asset finance.

What to expect after you submit an enquiry

Submitting our short enquiry does not affect your credit score. It gives us the information needed to match you with relevant brokers or lenders.

Typical timeline:

• Submit short enquiry (under 2 minutes) — Get Quote Now.
• We match you to suitable partners and pass on your details.
• A broker or lender typically contacts you within hours to discuss requirements and next steps.
• If you proceed, lenders may request financial documents and undertake underwriting checks.

There’s no obligation to accept any quote — you can compare offers and choose what suits your business best.

Client case study & trust signals

Case (anonymised): A regional contractor needed £120,000 to replace ageing excavators. After a single enquiry we introduced a specialist asset finance broker and two lenders. The client received competitive hire‑purchase quotes within 48 hours and completed funding within three weeks — keeping the project on schedule.

Selected testimonials:

“Fast match to a specialist broker — quotes arrived quickly and the process was straightforward.” — S. (Construction, Midlands)

“Saved us time and found competitive terms for new vans.” — J. (Logistics)

We work with a vetted panel of UK brokers and lenders. If you’d like examples of partners we work with in your sector, start an enquiry: Free Eligibility Check.

Frequently asked questions

Are UK Business Loans’ partners FCA‑authorised brokers and lenders?

Where FCA regulation applies, our partners hold the necessary permissions. If a partner operates outside the FCA perimeter for purely commercial B2B lending, we will state that clearly. Always confirm by checking the FCA register.

Are UK Business Loans partners regulated by the FCA as brokers and lenders?

Many are regulated; some specialist commercial lenders are not required to be FCA-authorised for B2B activity. We make regulatory status transparent so you can check before engaging.

How can I check a partner’s FCA status?

Visit the FCA register at https://register.fca.org.uk, search by firm name or FRN and review permissions and contact details. If you need the FRN, ask us and we’ll provide it where available.

Will submitting an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry through our site does not impact your credit score. Lenders or brokers may carry out credit checks later with your consent if you progress an application.

What if a lender is not FCA‑authorised?

If a provider is not FCA‑authorised for the activity you require, we explain the implications. We recommend you ask the provider about alternative protections, commercial terms and any dispute resolution route they offer.

Next steps — get a free eligibility check

Ready to explore asset finance options? Complete a short enquiry and we’ll match you with a broker or lender that fits your business needs. No obligation, free to use.

Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check