Private lending 'expanding rapidly' in commercial finance space
Mortgage aggregator Connective has enhanced its short-term commercial finance capabilities with the addition of non-bank lender Aquamore to its commercial lender panel.
Aquamore’s addition gives brokers a greater diversity of commercial lending options for their clients, particularly in the fields of property acquisitions, debt consolidation and rapid refinancing.
“Aquamore’s consistent and transparent approach aligns with Connective’s commitment to supporting brokers with reliable lending solutions,” said Brent Starrenburg (pictured, right), Connective’s head of commercial and asset finance.
Starrenburg added: “Private lending is expanding rapidly as businesses seek alternative finance solutions.
“With banks tightening credit policies, private lenders like Aquamore play a critical role in supporting SMEs. Brokers are key to this process, ensuring clients access reputable lenders who provide structured, strategic funding solutions.”
Matthew Porch (pictured, left), head of distribution at Aquamore, said the group is “delighted to come on board and is well-placed to meet the increased demand for larger commercial loans – in particular the five to ten million (dollar) market, which is underserved”.
Porch called brokers “inherently solutions focused”, while private lenders such as Aquamore “are well positioned to offer tailored solutions aligned with the shifts in majors lenders’ credit appetites and documentation requirements”.
The addition of Aquamore to Connective’s panel comes amid an expected uptick in commercial financing activity.
Porch said: “Commercial lending is likely to follow global trends, where private credit funds dominate a large share of commercial debt.
“As more capital flows into this space, we’re seeing an increasing number of opportunities that weren’t as prevalent just a few years ago.
“Meanwhile, banks will likely continue to focus on more standardised residential loans, benefiting from the lower cost of capital associated with these relatively less complex offerings."
Brokers will play a “vital role” in helping businesses navigate this landscape, said Starrenburg.
