STB Commercial Finance launches speciality finance offering

Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance (STB CF), the asset-based lending arm of Secure Trust Bank (STB), has launched a dedicated speciality finance division targeting UK non-bank specialist lenders.

Headed up by newly appointed Mike Knox (pictured above), the division will focus on providing funding solutions to established specialist lenders operating in real estate finance, SME finance and consumer finance sectors.

Mike, who joined STB CF earlier this year, brings over 20 years of experience in finance, spanning real estate, restructuring and financial institutions.

He joined from Cynergy Bank where he set up its speciality finance offering.

Mike commented: “The specialist lending market has really matured over recent years, with a number of well-established lenders with strong origination capability and proven credit performance creating a multi-billion-pound market.

“However, many of these lenders are either over-reliant on a single funding line, operating facilities that don’t fit their collateral, or leaving growth on the table.

“This is where the opportunity lies for us to provide a more tailored solution for specialist lenders, becoming a true capital partner.”

STB said a full team will be built out by the end of the year, prioritising long-term relationships with clients over volume.

Talal Malghani was recently appointed as head of credit, joining from ThinCats where he was senior director of capital markets.

In his new role, Talal will lead on credit and underwriting for speciality finance, helping to establish robust processes and scale the division as the team builds its presence in the market.

Talal said: “Given STB’s reputation as a highly respected specialist and well-capitalised bank, this provides the perfect platform for us to support speciality lenders across multiple asset classes with their growth aspirations.”

Mike added: “STB sits in the sweet spot for specialist lenders in this market.

“We’re not as big and restrictive as larger banks, but we still have the institutional capital and process discipline needed to bring the scale and long-term commitment needed by specialist lenders.

“It’s an area we’ve already built credibility in, and this is the next step in building an enduring presence in the market.”