Where will the next wave of asset finance funding come from?

As the UK’s asset finance landscape evolves, independent lenders face a crucial question: where will tomorrow’s wholesale funds come from? At the Asset Finance Connect UK Autumn Conference 2025, the Asset Finance stream tackles this head-on – examining how the mix of bank lending, British Business Bank (BBB) support, and private credit will shape the next generation of SME finance.

Increasing supply: where will the wholesale funds come from?

Independent and specialist lenders remain vital to the SME economy, yet their growth depends on access to reliable and flexible funding. With traditional banks cooling on wholesale lending, the market is in flux. The British Business Bank is scaling up its reach, while private credit providers – with their appetite for yield and structured opportunities – are circling the space.

This session will explore how those shifting dynamics could redefine wholesale funding for the sector. Expert speakers will debate the risks, opportunities, and long-term sustainability of different funding sources – and what lenders must do to remain attractive partners for capital providers.

You’ll learn how to:

Understand the evolving role of banks, the BBB, and private credit in wholesale funding.
Hear whether new BBB capacity and guarantee schemes can truly diversify the market.
Find out how to attract institutional capital into SME finance without breaking the risk/reward balance.

Speakers include:

Christian Roelofs (Moderator) – CEO, Finativ
Peter Bousquet – Partner, D3T Capital
Simone Westerhuis – Managing Director, Investments, LGB & Co
Stefan Wolvaardt – CFO, Simply Asset Finance

Also in this stream: Finding margin in the middle – UTB’s asset finance playbook

In a competitive and margin-tight market, how does a challenger bank carve out profitable growth?

United Trust Bank’s Nathan Mollett joins Finativ’s Christian Roelofs to discuss UTB’s asset finance strategy — and how focus, flexibility, and a measured approach to risk can turn size into an advantage.

From “storybook” underwriting and broker partnerships to selective higher-yield plays, this fireside discussion will unpack how UTB builds margin and market share while maintaining disciplined risk control.

You’ll learn how to:

Understand the competitive dynamics facing challenger banks in asset finance.
Hear how UTB balances automation, personal underwriting, and broker relationships for growth.
Find out what strategic moves and risk guardrails are shaping UTB’s 2026 priorities.

Speakers:

Christian Roelofs (Moderator) – CEO, Finativ
Nathan Mollett – Head of Asset Finance, United Trust Bank

Join the conversation

The AFC UK Autumn Conference brings together leading thinkers, funders, and innovators shaping the future of business finance. Whether you’re a lender, investor, or service provider, this stream offers unparalleled insight into how capital, credit, and competition will evolve over the next few years.

Date: November 25, 2025
Venue: County Hall, London
Find out more: https://afcconferenceuk.com/Nov25/en/page/asset-finance-connect-homepage
Register now: https://afcconferenceuk.com/Nov25/en/page/book-now