Simply Asset Finance, a specialist SME lender founded in 2017, has announced a new partnership with Lombard, the asset finance arm of NatWest Group, aimed at expanding access to finance for small and medium-sized businesses across the UK.
The tie-up will see Lombard provide Simply Asset Finance with a wholesale lending facility during an initial three-month deployment phase. The arrangement is designed to extend Lombard’s reach into the scale-up market, with further development planned to broaden the lending offering available to UK businesses over time.
Under the partnership, approved SME customers will be able to access finance through Simply’s proprietary end-to-end lending platform, which incorporates AI agent Kara to support quick processing and application management.
The combination of Simply’s technology infrastructure and Lombard’s institutional backing is intended to help businesses avoid traditional funding delays and secure capital for growth opportunities.
Lombard managing director, wholesale and specialist businesses Andrew Kilheeney said, “SMEs across the UK need fast, reliable access to finance to manage uncertainty and pursue growth. By partnering with Simply, we are combining Lombard’s strength with an innovative, technology‑led platform to help more businesses access the funding they need to succeed.
“Lombard has a proven track record of working with industry specialists to create partnerships that add value to our customer proposition. A special thanks goes to the multiple teams across Simply, NatWest and Lombard that supported the delivery of this partnership.”
Simply Asset Finance co-founder and COO Ylva Oertengren said, “We are incredibly excited to be able to join forces with Lombard through this partnership. The combination of our market leading capabilities and Lombard’s track record as the largest provider of asset finance will not just super-charge our ability to help SMEs achieve their growth ambitions but also unlock new pools of business and reach new customer segments. This origination will be key to driving UK growth.”
Copyright © 2026 FinTech Global
