Leading funder joins the 2026 front row, strengthening 18-strong sponsor cohort
The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has announced that Close Brothers has joined its 2026 front-row Patron lender sponsor cohort, completing the 18-strong roster for the year.
A longstanding and well-established name in the intermediary market, Close Brothers brings significant depth across asset finance, invoice finance, property finance, and wider commercial lending, further strengthening a cohort that reflects the breadth and maturity of the broker-led lending landscape.
The NACFB’s front-row sponsor model places lenders at the heart of the Association’s activity, with enhanced visibility across flagship events, thought leadership, and targeted engagement with its national broker community. The programme is designed to support meaningful, sustained interaction between lenders and brokers, helping to align propositions with real-world SME funding needs.
Richard Cameron, CEO, Broker and Professional Solutions, at Close Brothers, said: “We’re pleased to be joining the NACFB’s front-row lender cohort for 2026. The broker channel remains central to how we support UK businesses, and this partnership gives us a strong platform to deepen our engagement with the intermediary community.
“Through closer collaboration with NACFB Members, we look forward to showcasing the breadth of our proposition and working together to deliver the right funding solutions for SMEs across the UK.”
Jim Higginbotham, CEO of the NACFB, said: “We’re proud to welcome Close Brothers to our front-row sponsor cohort. As a funding heavyweight with a well-established broker proposition, their presence further strengthens what is already a highly credible and diverse group of lenders.
“Their full product suite, combined with a deep understanding of the intermediary channel, means they are exceptionally well placed to benefit from closer engagement with our Members. We’re looking forward to supporting their enhanced presence across the NACFB community throughout the year.”