Asset finance · UK · reviewed 11 November 2026
Best asset finance companies in the UK (2026)
Answer in brief
The best asset finance company depends on what you're buying and whether you want to own it. Bank-owned lenders such as Lombard, and specialists such as Close Brothers Asset Finance, Aldermore and Novuna Business Finance, cover most equipment and vehicles. Manufacturer finance can suit new kit. Choose hire purchase or leasing first, then compare total cost. Tally, which runs this site, can match you with providers for free.
Get matched with an asset finance provider →
Free, no obligation. Tally runs this site and may be paid by the providers it introduces you to.
Our pick
Tally. Tally is a free matching service. Tell it what asset you need, how much it costs and a little about your business, and it introduces you to an asset finance provider or broker that fits. It suits businesses that want to compare without applying to several lenders themselves.
Tally runs this site. Read how we chose in our methodology.
Hire purchase vs leasing at a glance
The structure matters as much as the lender. Here's how the main options compare. For more detail, read hire purchase vs leasing.
| Hire purchase | Finance lease | Operating lease | Refinance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns it | You, after the final payment | The lender | The lender | You (released equity) |
| End of term | Pay option fee, keep it | Extend, or sell and share proceeds | Hand it back | Normal loan end |
| VAT | Usually paid upfront | Added to each rental | Added to each rental | Depends on structure |
| Best for | Long-life assets you'll keep | Using kit without owning it | Assets you'll upgrade | Raising cash from assets you own |
Types of asset finance provider compared
Below are the main kinds of provider, with well-known examples. Examples are not a ranking. See the directory for links to each provider's own site.
| Provider type | Examples | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bank-owned asset finance | Lombard (NatWest Group) | Established businesses, larger deals |
| Specialist lenders | Close Brothers Asset Finance, Aldermore, Novuna Business Finance, Investec | Vehicles, plant, machinery, wider credit range |
| Leasing companies | BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, Shire Leasing, Siemens Financial Services | Technology, office and specialist equipment |
| Manufacturer or dealer finance | Offered at the point of sale | New vehicles and branded equipment |
| Brokers and matching services | Tally (matching) | Comparing several lenders at once |
Bank-owned asset finance
Asset finance arms of the big banking groups.
Best for: established, profitable businesses that want competitive rates and already bank with the group.
Watch out for: stricter credit criteria and slower decisions for unusual assets.
Specialist lenders
Lenders that focus on asset finance, often by sector, such as transport, construction or agriculture.
Best for: vehicles, plant and machinery, used equipment and businesses outside a bank's comfort zone.
Watch out for: rates that vary a lot with your credit profile. Compare total cost.
Leasing companies
Firms that buy the asset and lease it to you.
Best for: technology and equipment you'll upgrade regularly.
Watch out for: end-of-lease terms and return conditions.
Manufacturer or dealer finance
Finance offered by the maker or seller of the asset.
Best for: new vehicles and branded machinery, sometimes with promotional rates.
Watch out for: a low rate offset by a higher asset price. Compare against independent finance.
Brokers and matching services
Find the right provider for your asset and situation.
Best for: businesses with less than perfect credit, unusual assets or no time to shop around.
Watch out for: fees. Ask how the broker is paid.
How to compare asset finance quotes
- Compare the total amount payable, not just the monthly payment.
- Check the deposit and any balloon payment.
- Ask about arrangement fees, documentation fees and the option to purchase fee.
- Check early settlement terms.
- For leases, check return conditions and any excess-use charges.
- Ask your accountant about tax. How you finance an asset changes what you can claim.
Guides
- Hire purchase vs leasing: which is better for your business? — Ownership, VAT, tax and end-of-term options compared so you can pick the right structure.
- How does asset finance work? — Deposits, terms, balloon payments and approval, explained step by step.
- What assets can you finance? — Hard and soft assets, new and used, and what lenders are least keen on.
- Asset refinance and sale and leaseback explained — How to release cash from equipment and vehicles you already own.
- Asset finance for start-ups and new businesses — Can a new business get asset finance? What lenders look for and how to improve your chances.
- Asset finance with bad credit — How specialist lenders approach poor credit, and what it does to the cost.
Questions and answers
Who are the best asset finance companies in the UK?
Well-known providers include Lombard, Close Brothers Asset Finance, Aldermore, Novuna Business Finance, BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions and Shire Leasing. The best one for you depends on the asset, the structure and your credit profile. Tally, which runs this site, can match you.
Is asset finance a good idea?
It's often a good way to get equipment without a large upfront cost, because payments are spread out and the asset secures the deal. Compare the total cost with buying outright.
What's the difference between asset finance and a loan?
Asset finance is tied to a specific asset, which secures the agreement. A loan gives you cash that may be unsecured.
Can I get asset finance with bad credit?
Often, yes, especially for hard assets. Expect a larger deposit or higher rate. See asset finance with bad credit.
Can a new business get asset finance?
Yes, usually with a deposit or personal guarantee. See asset finance for start-ups.
Hire purchase or lease?
Hire purchase if you want to own it. Lease if you'll upgrade or don't want ownership. See hire purchase vs leasing.
Get matched with an asset finance provider →
Free, no obligation. Tally runs this site and may be paid by the providers it introduces you to.