Why This Decision Matters in 2025

For high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) borrowers, the question of whether to approach a private bank directly or work with a specialist broker is more relevant than ever in 2025. While the mainstream mortgage market can be highly competitive for straightforward residential purchases, complex requirements often fall outside standard lending parameters.

The right choice can determine whether your finance is secured on time, at the right rate, and on terms that work for your broader wealth strategy. Understanding the differences between these two routes is the first step in making an informed decision.

The Case for Private Bank Lending

Private banks are designed to cater to clients whose needs extend beyond conventional mortgage products. They can take a holistic view of your finances, considering assets under management, offshore holdings, investment portfolios, and complex income sources when assessing an application.

For borrowers seeking multi-million-pound lending, particularly for prime or ultra-prime property, a private bank can offer a truly bespoke approach. Loan sizes of £2 million to £10 million or more are not unusual, and repayment structures can be tailored to your specific circumstances. Many clients also value the integrated service — a single relationship managing both their banking and lending needs (Private Bank Mortgages Explained: Benefits and Drawbacks).

However, this level of flexibility often comes with a requirement to place assets under management (AUM) with the bank. This means transferring a portion of your investments or cash deposits for the bank to manage alongside your lending relationship.

The Role of Specialist Brokers

A specialist broker, such as Willow Private Finance, operates across the whole of the market, from private banks to niche lenders and international institutions. This allows us to compare multiple options and select the most suitable lender for your circumstances.

Working with a broker means your case is packaged to highlight your strengths, address potential challenges, and meet the expectations of the target lender. This can be particularly valuable if your income is irregular, derived from multiple sources, or based overseas (Can I Get a Mortgage with Complex Income?).

Brokers also negotiate on your behalf, leveraging lender competition to secure favourable rates and terms. Crucially, we can approach several potential lenders at once — without impacting your credit profile — ensuring you have options before committing.

Choosing the Right Path

If you have an existing relationship with a private bank and are comfortable with their AUM requirements, going directly to them can be efficient and beneficial. This is especially true if you value the convenience of a single point of contact for both your investments and lending.

On the other hand, if you want to explore the full market before committing, or if your situation requires specialist expertise — such as bridging finance (What Is Bridging Finance and When Should You Use It?) or development funding (How to Access Development Finance in the UK) — a broker-led approach will usually deliver better results. In many cases, the most effective strategy is a hybrid: using a broker to secure a private bank facility, combining tailored underwriting with independent market comparison.

How Willow Private Finance Can Help

At Willow Private Finance, we regularly arrange finance through both private banks and specialist lenders. Our role is to identify the most suitable solution for your profile, structure your application for approval, and manage negotiations from introduction to completion.

Whether you require a large mortgage, recognition of complex income, or a multi-jurisdiction facility, we ensure you have access to the right lenders — and the confidence that your finance will complete on time and on the right terms.

📞 Need Help Choosing Between a Private Bank and Specialist Broker?

Book a free strategy call with one of our mortgage specialists.

We’ll help you find the smartest way forward — whatever your plans in 2025.