Securities Backed Lending in 2025: The Definitive Guide for HNW Borrowers, Developers, and Advisers

Wesley Ranger • 27 August 2025

A 2025 Guide to Borrowing Against Investments Without Selling Assets

In an era where much of the wealth of high-net-worth (HNW) individuals is tied up in stocks, bonds, and funds, accessing cash without disrupting long-term investments has become a prioritywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Securities Backed Lending (SBL) offers a flexible solution by allowing clients to borrow against their investment portfolios instead of liquidating themwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


This comprehensive guide will explain how SBL works, its benefits and risks, and how it’s being used in 2025 by everyone from ultra-wealthy families to property developers. Whether you’re an ultra-HNW individual eyeing a trophy asset, a developer needing quick bridge financing, or a private client adviser crafting a wealth strategy, this guide will show how SBL can fit your needs.


In this guide, we’ll cover:


  • What Is Securities Backed Lending?
  • Key Benefits of SBL in 2025
  • Managing Risks: Margin Calls, Volatility, and More
  • SBL vs. Margin Loans: Differences in Purpose and Risk
  • Cross-Border Lending with Global Portfolios
  • Using SBL for Property Developers’ Liquidity
  • Private Banks vs. Specialist Lenders for SBL
  • Integrating SBL into Wealth and Estate Planning
  • SBL for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients (Trophy Assets & More)
  • Conclusion: Tailoring an SBL Strategy to Your Needs


What Is Securities Backed Lending?


Securities Backed Lending (SBL) is a type of loan secured by a portfolio of investments, rather than by property or other physical assetswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. In practical terms, a borrower pledges their stocks, bonds, or investment funds as collateral to a lender (often a private or investment bank, or a specialist lender). The loan amount is determined as a percentage of the portfolio’s value – typically around 50–70% of a liquid, diversified portfolio in 2025willowprivatefinance.co.uk. More stable assets like investment-grade bonds might get higher loan-to-value (LTV) allowances, whereas volatile or concentrated equity holdings are capped more conservatively.


Importantly, the borrower retains ownership of the investments and continues to benefit from any dividends, interest, or growth. The portfolio stays invested throughout the loan. However, the lender takes a charge over those securities and monitors their value. If the portfolio value falls significantly, the lender can require the borrower to top up collateral or partly repay the loan – a process known as a margin call (more on that later)willowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. On the flip side, if the portfolio rises in value, the borrower keeps the upside (and might even be able to borrow more).


Loan terms for SBL are typically short-to-medium term. Most facilities are structured as interest-only loans for 1 to 3 years, sometimes with a bullet repayment at the endwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This aligns well with scenarios where the borrower expects a liquidity event (like a property sale, business sale, or refinancing) to eventually repay the loan.


To illustrate, instead of selling £5 million worth of stocks to raise £2.5 million in cash, an investor could pledge that portfolio and borrow, say, £2.5 million (at ~50% LTV). This way, they raise the needed cash without selling assets, avoiding any immediate capital gains taxes or disrupting their investment strategywillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The capital remains invested for future growth, and the loan can be repaid once longer-term financing or liquidity is obtained.


Key Benefits of SBL in 2025


Why are HNW borrowers increasingly turning to securities backed loans in 2025? The appeal comes down to liquidity, speed, flexibility, and efficiency:


  • Unlock Liquidity Without Selling Investments: The headline benefit is access to cash without having to sell your investmentswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For wealthy individuals, selling a large position can trigger capital gains tax, incur transaction costs, and upset carefully planned portfolios. SBL lets you borrow against your portfolio’s value, so you can raise funds while your stocks and bonds stay put. This is particularly useful if you have assets with significant unrealized gains or if selling would break your long-term strategy. As one example, an investor with a £10 million equity portfolio and large embedded gains can borrow, say, £5–6 million against it to finance a project, rather than selling and potentially facing a hefty tax billwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


  • Speed and “Cash Buyer” Certainty: Arranging a securities-backed loan can often be much faster than a traditional mortgage or loan, since underwriting is based primarily on the portfolio’s value and quality, not on personal income or property surveyswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. In some cases, SBL facilities are set up in a matter of days – allowing a borrower to act with the speed of a cash buyer in a competitive marketwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For example, international clients buying prime London property have used SBL to produce funds quickly, sidestepping the typically slow process of income verification that UK lenders requirewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This speed and certainty can make the difference in securing a deal when timing is critical.


  • Flexibility in Use of Proceeds: Unlike many traditional loans, SBL proceeds are not restricted to a specific use. You can deploy the funds for virtually any purpose – buying property, investing in a business, paying a large tax bill, funding a luxury purchase or a family need – you name itwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This contrasts with, say, a margin loan from a brokerage (which typically must be used to buy more securities) or a mortgage (which is tied to a property). For HNW clients who often have complex needs, this flexibility is a major advantage. In practice, we see SBL used to finance real estate purchases, cover business opportunities, bridge short-term cash flow gaps, or even support philanthropic and lifestyle goals.


  • No Income or Credit Constraints: Because the loan is secured by the portfolio, lenders place far less emphasis on personal income or credit history. For clients with unconventional income profiles (entrepreneurs, international investors, etc.), SBL can be much easier to obtain than a traditional bank loanwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The collateral essentially “speaks for itself.” This also means borrowing capacity is linked to your assets, not capped by your salary. It’s an efficient way for asset-rich, income-poor clients to tap their wealth.


  • Preserving Investment Strategy: With SBL, your portfolio remains intact and continues working for you. You still earn any dividends, interest, or growth on your investments while the loan is outstandingwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This is a key efficiency: your money is effectively doing two jobs at once – securing a loan and staying invested. For long-term investors, avoiding the “opportunity cost” of selling investments (missing out on future gains or income) is a significant benefit.


  • Cross-Border and Expat Advantages: SBL is particularly useful for international clients or expats who face hurdles with local banks. If you’re an overseas investor wanting to buy UK property, for instance, many UK lenders struggle with foreign income or complex tax structures. SBL offers a workaround: you can pledge assets held in your home country to borrow in the UK (often in sterling), without needing UK income or credit historywillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. We’ll discuss cross-border SBL in detail later, but it effectively bridges jurisdictions, letting global investors leverage their worldwide portfolios for local needs.


In short, securities backed lending sits at the heart of bespoke financing strategies for wealthy clientswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. It complements other HNW finance tools – just as private bank mortgages or large bridging loans serve special purposes, SBL adds another dimension of flexibility. By delivering cash flow at speed, with minimal disruption to one’s investments, and broad discretion on use of funds, SBL has become a go-to solution for many HNW individuals in 2025.


Who is using SBL? The use cases are growing. Common borrowers include international property buyers, real estate developers, and ultra-high-net-worth families using SBL within their overall wealth management. Let’s explore how SBL addresses each of these needs, and how to manage the associated risks.


Managing Risks: Margin Calls, Volatility, and More


While the benefits of SBL are clear, borrowers must go in with eyes open to the risks. SBL straddles the worlds of investment and borrowing, meaning market ups and downs can directly impact your loan. The good news is these risks are well-understood in 2025, and there are proven strategies to manage themwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Here are the key considerations:


Market Volatility & Margin Calls: The value of your collateral (the investment portfolio) fluctuates with markets. If the market value drops enough that your loan-to-value (LTV) exceeds the lender’s limit, the lender will issue a margin callwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This is a demand for you to restore the safety cushion – either by adding more collateral (injecting more securities or cash) or by partially repaying the loan to bring LTV back in linewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. If you cannot meet a margin call, the lender has the right to sell some of your portfolio assets to reduce the loan, potentially at an inopportune time.


Margin calls are the most prominent risk in securities based lending. For example, imagine you borrow 60% against a £10 million portfolio (so a £6 million loan). If the portfolio falls by 20% to £8 million, your LTV jumps to ~75%, likely breaching covenantswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The lender might demand ~£600k in additional collateral or loan repayment in short orderwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. If you have spare cash or other securities, you can post those to cure the call. If not, the lender might sell off part of your portfolio (locking in losses) to protect their positionwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


It’s easy to see how forced sales at a market low hurt – you realise losses and could trigger taxes, exactly what you tried to avoid by borrowing.


Managing Margin Call Risk:


Prudent SBL borrowers plan for volatility and maintain buffers. Key risk mitigants include:


  • Diversification of Collateral: A well-diversified portfolio (across asset classes, sectors, regions) is less likely to suffer a steep drop all at once. Lenders favor diversified portfolios and may assign higher LTVs to themwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Avoid pledging a single volatile stock or a very concentrated position – not only will the lender lend less against it, but it could plunge and trigger a call. Including some lower-volatility assets (like bonds or blue-chip equities) helps stabilize the borrowing basewillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


  • Conservative Loan-to-Value: Just because a lender offers 70% LTV doesn’t mean you should take it. Sophisticated borrowers often choose to borrow at a lower LTV (e.g. 50%)willowprivatefinance.co.uk to give themselves more headroom if markets dip. The lower the starting LTV, the more cushion before a margin call is hit. It can be tempting to maximize the loan, but moderation can prevent pain later.


  • Liquidity Reserves: Maintain a separate liquidity reserve (cash or easily sold assets outside the pledged portfolio) to handle any margin callswillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This way, if markets fall, you can inject funds and avoid forced sales of your investments. In practice, this could mean keeping a few hundred thousand pounds in cash or a line of credit unutilized as an emergency buffer. Think of it as rainy-day insurance for your loan.


  • Clear Exit Strategy / Short Term: Remember that most SBL facilities are short- to medium-term (1–3 years)willowprivatefinance.co.uk. They are not meant to be perpetual loans. Have a plan for repayment or refinancing before the loan comes duewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Perhaps you plan to refinance into a conventional mortgage, sell a property, or receive a business payout. If that “exit” is delayed or markets have fallen, you don’t want to be caught scrambling. Many clients use SBL as a bridge to longer-term financing (e.g., using SBL to buy a property, then refinancing into a standard mortgage within 12–24 months)willowprivatefinance.co.uk. If your plan changes, communicate early with the lender and explore extensions or refinancing options well ahead of maturity.


  • Understand Collateral Eligibility: Not all securities are eligible or treated equally. Lenders typically have lists of approved collateral. For instance, they prefer liquid, market-listed stocks and bonds. Risky assets like penny stocks, small caps, emerging market or private equity funds might be excluded or given a low lending valuewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. If your portfolio has a chunk of such assets, your effective borrowing power is lower. It’s wise to clarify with the lender which holdings count and ensure you’re not inadvertently overestimating your cushion. Also, be mindful of currency mismatch – if you pledge a USD portfolio for a GBP loan, a shift in FX rates could affect your LTV (the portfolio’s GBP value can drop if the dollar weakens, for example)willowprivatefinance.co.uk. We’ll talk more about FX risk in cross-border SBL, but it’s part of risk management too.


In summary, SBL works best as part of a well-structured plan: borrow prudently, keep a safety net, and have an exit in mindwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Clients who treat an SBL line as “extra cash” to use indefinitely can get into trouble – it’s not a permanent facility and should be aligned with your broader financial strategywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The good news is that with the right precautions, SBL can be used very safely. Real-world example: an HNW client used a £5 million SBL facility for a year to purchase a property.


When COVID-19 market turmoil hit and the portfolio dipped, they were prepared – they injected additional securities to meet a margin call, avoiding any forced salewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Later, they refinanced the property with a standard loan and paid off the SBLwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The plan worked because they anticipated the risks and had buffers and a refinancing strategy in place.


SBL vs. Margin Loans: Differences in Purpose and Risk


At first glance, securities backed lending might sound similar to a margin loan you’d get from a brokerage account – both involve borrowing against your investments. But for HNW borrowers and advisers, it’s crucial to understand that SBL and margin loans are very different tools designed for different purposeswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Here’s how they compare:


  • Use of Funds: SBL gives broad discretion in how you use the money. You can finance property, business needs, personal purchases, etc. In contrast, a margin loan is generally restricted to buying more securities in your investment accountwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Brokers lend you money to leverage your portfolio – essentially to “gear up” and invest more in the market. Using a margin facility for anything outside of investments (like purchasing real estate) is typically not allowed and could violate the loan terms. This is a fundamental difference: SBL is a wealth management and liquidity tool, whereas margin loans are an investment leverage tool.


  • Loan Structure & Term: SBL facilities are usually medium-term (1–3 years) and often interest-only with a clear repayment or refinance plannedwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Margin loans, on the other hand, are open-ended as long as you maintain the required equity in your account. There is no set term or repayment date – but the catch is they can be called in at any time if values fall (leading to immediate asset liquidation). SBL lenders typically do not auto-liquidate your portfolio at the first drop; they issue margin calls and give you a window to respond. Brokerage margin loans may liquidate positions almost instantly if you breach thresholdswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. So margin loans can be far less forgiving.


  • Risk Profile & LTV: Margin loans allow higher leverage on paper (you might borrow 50% or more to buy more stock), but they operate with tighter trigger points and far more sensitivity to daily market swingswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. They are designed to maximize investment exposure – meaning they inherently carry more volatility risk. SBL, by contrast, is structured to preserve wealth, not amp up trading. Loan-to-value ratios for SBL are a bit more conservative and lenders are structuring these loans to be resilient (they want to avoid forced sales as much as you do). It’s still possible to face margin calls in SBL, but the approach is more “wealth planning” oriented vs. “trading leverage” orientedwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. In short, margin loans magnify gains and losses, whereas SBL is about liquidity while keeping your portfolio intact.


  • Suitability for Property Financing: Because of the above points, SBL is suitable for things like property purchases, but margin loans are notwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Many HNW clients initially unfamiliar with SBL ask, “Can’t I just use my brokerage margin loan to buy the house?” The answer is no – virtually all margin loan agreements prohibit using the funds for external purposes like real estate. And even if you tried, you’d be one market dip away from your broker selling your portfolio and jeopardizing the property purchase. SBL was designed for exactly these scenarios – using portfolio value to fund an outside need, like a house down payment or an investment – with more structured terms.


To illustrate the difference: imagine two clients each with a £5 million investment portfolio. Client A uses an SBL credit line to borrow £3 million (60% LTV) and buys a property outright as a cash buyer. Their portfolio stays invested. Within a year, they secure a standard mortgage and use it to pay off the SBL – they successfully bought the property without selling their investmentswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Client B instead takes a £3 million margin loan from their brokerage.


The brokerage contract requires that money to stay in the investment account, so technically they can’t withdraw it for a house – but suppose they find a workaround and use it. Now the market drops 20%; their portfolio falls to £4 million, and the broker immediately sells assets to reduce the loan (likely without warning)willowprivatefinance.co.uk. Client B not only might lose a chunk of the portfolio at a bad time but also loses the liquidity needed for the house purchase. The lesson is clear: for financing anything outside your trading account, SBL is the proper tool; margin loans are for investors looking to leverage investments, not finance new assetswillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


In summary, while both SBL and margin loans leverage your portfolio, they serve different masters. SBL is about strategic liquidity and flexibility for HNW needs, whereas margin lending is about maximizing market exposure. And as a result, SBL carries a more measured risk approach (with structured terms and risk management), whereas margin loans can be far more ruthless in a downturn. HNW advisers in 2025 generally recommend SBL for any significant cash need or property purchase, and leave margin loans to the domain of active investors or traders who specifically want to buy more securities.


Cross-Border Lending with Global Portfolios


Today’s wealthy individuals are more global than ever – you might be an investor in Asia with eyes on a London property, or a U.S. entrepreneur relocating to Europe with assets still in America. Cross-border securities backed lending has emerged as a powerful solution to these scenarios, allowing clients to leverage a portfolio in one country to get a loan in another country/currencywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. In 2025, we’re seeing a surge in cross-border SBL deals as international investors capitalize on their global wealth to seize opportunities abroad.


How Cross-Border SBL Works: At its core, cross-border SBL means a lender in Country A accepts collateral located in Country B. For example, a client holds a $20 million investment portfolio with a U.S. bank, but wants to borrow £5 million to buy a property in the UK. A cross-border SBL arrangement could pledge the U.S. portfolio as security and provide a loan in the UK in pounds sterlingwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The client doesn’t have to sell or move their U.S. assets; the lender simply takes a charge on that portfolio (often via a custody arrangement or bank partnership) and is comfortable extending credit in the foreign jurisdiction.


Why is this advantageous? For one, it bypasses a lot of red tape. In the example above, if the client tried a traditional UK mortgage, the UK bank would ask for UK credit history, proof of UK income, tax returns, etc. – a potentially painful or impossible process for a foreign investor. With SBL, the focus is on the portfolio, not personal foreign income, so the loan can be underwritten more straightforwardlywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The speed can be much faster too: cross-border SBL can often be arranged quicker than international mortgages, enabling overseas buyers to act with the confidence of cashwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


Benefits unique to cross-border SBL include:


  • Funding Overseas Property or Investments Quickly: International buyers of UK prime property commonly use SBL to get funds in sterling fast, secured by their offshore assets. It’s like having a “cash buyer” ability in a foreign market, which is a huge edge in competitive saleswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. No need to transfer money across borders or wait weeks for local loan approval.


  • Fewer Local Income/Residency Barriers: Many expats or non-residents hit walls with local banks due to unfamiliar income sources or tax status. SBL largely sidesteps these concerns – you’re effectively using your balance sheet strength (portfolio) to borrow, rather than your income. This makes it a popular route for, say, Middle Eastern or Asian investors buying in London, or American executives financing a European vacation home, who otherwise don’t fit the local lending profileswillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


  • Tax and Currency Efficiency: Cross-border SBL can also provide currency flexibility and tax advantages. If you have assets in USD but need GBP, an SBL can let you borrow in GBP against your USD assets, matching the currency of your liability to the purchase currencywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This avoids having to convert (and possibly later re-convert) large sums, reducing foreign exchange risk in the short termwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Additionally, by not selling assets, you avoid realizing taxable gains in your home country just to free up foreign cashwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For U.S. taxpayers or others with high capital gains taxes, this is a significant benefit when purchasing abroad.


  • Multi-Jurisdiction Estate Planning: Some family offices even use cross-border SBL to navigate differing regulations. For instance, if a trust in one country holds investments, they might use those to secure financing in another country to assist beneficiaries – all without moving the trust assets. It’s a way to work within the spirit of various rules (since you technically aren’t breaking any – you’re borrowing, not distributing or selling assets).


Real-World Example: A Middle Eastern family office found a £10 million commercial property in London they wanted to acquire. Rather than move cash from the Middle East (incurring currency conversions and delays), they pledged part of their €50 million portfolio managed in Switzerland and secured a £7 million SBL facility from a private bank in Londonwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The loan was in sterling, allowing them to complete the purchase quickly. 18 months later, after obtaining planning approval on that property, they refinanced into a development loan in the UK and paid off the SBLwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Throughout, their international portfolio remained invested and intact. This hybrid approach – fast purchase via cross-border SBL, then transition to local financing once available – is increasingly common.


Risks and Considerations in Cross-Border SBL: All the general SBL risks still apply (market swings, margin calls, etc.), but a few extras deserve attention:


  • Regulatory and Legal Differences: When you pledge assets across countries, different laws and regulations come into play. Each country may treat SBL slightly differently – there could be differences in how collateral is treated if a default occurs, or how interest is taxed, or what disclosure is needed. Work with lenders (and advisers) who understand the cross-border regulatory landscapewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For example, EU regulations might impose certain margin requirements or client protections that a purely UK deal wouldn’t. It’s important to be clear on which jurisdiction’s rules govern the loan and collateral. Generally, private banks offering cross-border loans have legal structures to handle this, but always good to confirm there are no hidden wrinkles.


  • Currency Risk: If the loan is in a different currency than your assets or income, you have an FX risk. In our earlier example, borrowing £ against a $ portfolio, if GBP strengthens significantly against the dollar, your dollar assets are effectively worth less in GBP terms – which can both raise your LTV and make eventual repayment more costlywillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Some clients mitigate this by (a) hedging currency, or (b) planning to refinance the loan into the currency of their assets if needed. On the flip side, some use cross-border SBL to take advantage of currency moves – e.g., borrowing in a strong currency now and repaying when it’s weaker laterwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Either way, be mindful of currency fluctuations during the life of the loan, especially if it might last a year or two.


  • Collateral Eligibility Across Borders: A security that’s readily acceptable in one country might not be in another. Some lenders may not value certain foreign assets as highly. Highly illiquid or exotic holdings could pose a problem if the lender isn’t comfortable enforcing against them from afarwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Generally, large-cap stocks and bonds from major markets are fine, but, say, a portfolio heavy in local domestic funds might not travel well. It’s wise to have a candid conversation about the makeup of your portfolio – lenders can often structure around it (sometimes they exclude certain assets from the LTV calculation). There are also specialist cross-border lenders who step in if mainstream banks can’t handle a complex portfoliowillowprivatefinance.co.uk, albeit often at higher cost.


Despite these complexities, cross-border SBL is thriving. Global private banks have expanded multi-jurisdictional lending desks to serve their cosmopolitan clientswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Boutique lenders are also entering this space for cases where big banks are too cautiouswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Family offices appreciate cross-border SBL as part of their toolkit to finance international investments without unwinding their core holdingswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The bottom line: if you have global assets and global ambitions, SBL can be the thread that stitches them together, giving you global liquidity at your fingertips.


Using SBL for Property Developers’ Liquidity


Property developers, especially in the prime and luxury segment, have started embracing SBL as a secret weapon in their funding mix. Development is a cash-hungry and time-sensitive business – securing land and approvals often requires quick capital, long before traditional bank development loans kick inwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For developers who also have investment portfolios, SBL unlocks that capital quickly without forcing the sale of other assets, providing a flexible bridge to get projects movingwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


Why Developers Need SBL: In the early stages of a project, developers face costs like land deposits, option agreements, planning fees, architects and surveys – all payable up-frontwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Ironically, these early costs are the hardest to finance via normal channels. Banks offering development finance usually want you to have planning permission in hand and even some pre-sales; they come in later with bigger construction loans. Bridging loans are one alternative for upfront costs, but those typically require property collateral (e.g., equity in another property to secure the bridge) and can still be relatively slow due to valuations and legal processeswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Many developers, especially those whose wealth is tied up in investments rather than free-and-clear properties, find traditional bridges either too slow, too onerous, or simply not feasiblewillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


This is where SBL changes the game. With a securities backed facility in place, a developer can react like a cash buyer when a great land opportunity arises. See a prime site and need £2 million next week to secure it? If you have a substantial portfolio, you can pledge it and draw that cash in days, beating competitors to the punchwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. No property collateral needed, no lengthy title due diligence – the portfolio is your ticket. Similarly, for covering pre-construction soft costs, SBL provides a revolving source of funds that you can dip into without selling investments or draining your company’s cash reserveswillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


How Developers Use SBL: There are a few typical patterns:


  • Fast Acquisition / Deposits: Use SBL to fund a deposit on land or even purchase outright if the timeline is too short for a mortgage. Developers can exchange contracts on a site using SBL liquidity, then later arrange a development loan or investor equity at a more measured pacewillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The SBL essentially acts as the initial bridge to secure the deal.


  • Pre-Development Expenses: Draw on the SBL line to pay for planning application costs, design fees, legal fees, and other overhead that come before any bank will release development fundswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This allows you to progress the project (increase its value by getting permits, etc.) without selling parts of your investment portfolio to raise cash. Once the project reaches a stage where traditional finance comes in (e.g., planning approved), you can refinance and pay down the SBLwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


  • Gap Funding & Bridging: Sometimes SBL is used alongside property financing. For instance, you might have some development finance agreed but need a bit more equity last-minute – you can top up with SBL. Or if your development loan will only fund hard construction costs, you use SBL to cover things like a VAT bill or an urgent cost overrun. In a way, SBL can function like a bridge loan for developers, except the collateral is your stock portfolio instead of a propertywillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


A quick case study: A developer had a £20 million investment portfolio in bonds and equities. They identified an attractive £7 million site in London, but the seller wanted exchange and a large non-refundable deposit in two weeks. Rather than lose the deal, the developer arranged a securities backed loan, pledging the portfolio and drawing £3 million (at ~50% LTV) within dayswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. That covered the 10% deposit and initial fees. With the site secured, they went through the planning process, then a year later, once planning was granted and the GDV increased, they obtained a £15 million development financing, which paid off the SBL in fullwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The SBL essentially enabled them to grab the opportunity and carry it until conventional financing took overwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. They never had to sell their investments (which would have generated taxes and lost future income), and they maintained momentum on the project.


Risks for Developers using SBL: Much like with any SBL, developers must be mindful of market swings. In the middle of a project, a margin call is the last thing you need. So it’s critical to keep a cash buffer outside the portfolio to handle any callswillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Also, since development timelines can be unpredictable, ensure the SBL facility duration covers enough time (with some cushion) or can be extended if your project delays. Align the SBL expiry with when you expect to refinance or finish the project – and always have a Plan B if things take longerwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


Another point: asset eligibility – developers with portfolios heavy in, say, speculative tech stocks might find lenders lend less against themwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Just as a development lender might haircut a land value if it’s risky, an SBL lender will haircut a volatile portfolio. Sometimes the solution is to temporarily rebalance the portfolio toward more lender-friendly assets if you know you’ll use it as collateral.


In 2025, with fierce competition for prime sites and high costs of delays, developers who can demonstrate funds-up-front have a serious edgewillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. SBL is becoming part of the toolkit alongside bridging loans and JV equity. It’s not a replacement for traditional development finance but a complement to itwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Think of SBL as the first domino in the funding sequence: it falls quickly, giving an initial push, which then allows the bigger pieces (bank loans, investor capital) to follow in due coursewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For developers who also have investable assets, it’s a way to put their balance sheet to work and act decisively when opportunity knocks, without jeopardizing their long-term financial position.


Private Banks vs. Specialist Lenders for SBL


When seeking a securities backed loan, one of the key questions is who should provide it. In general, HNW borrowers have two main options: private banks (or large wealth-management banks) and specialist non-bank lenders. Both are active in the SBL space in 2025, but they operate a bit differently. Knowing the differences will help borrowers and advisers choose the right partner for their needs.


Private Banks as SBL Lenders: Many private banks (the kind that manage investment portfolios and provide private banking services) have offered SBL for years as part of their suite of serviceswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. If you already have a banking or brokerage relationship with a major bank – say UBS, Credit Suisse, or a private banking arm of a big firm – they might extend an SBL facility to you relatively seamlessly. The strengths of private banks in this arena are:


  • Integrated Relationship: They already custody or manage your assets, so they have full visibility and understanding of your portfoliowillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This makes the lending process efficient – often, they can approve an SBL by internally assessing the portfolio without requiring lots of extra due diligence. For example, if you tell your private banker you want to borrow £5 million against your £10 million portfolio to buy a property, they might pull it together quickly because they can see your holdings and their risk team is familiar with you.


  • Competitive Pricing: Private banks often price SBL loans attractively, especially if it’s part of a larger relationship. They may consider the loan a way to deepen or maintain your overall business (after all, they earn fees managing your money too). So you might get a lower interest rate than you’d find elsewhere – sometimes just a small margin over base rateswillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. They might also waive certain fees for valued clients. Essentially, private banks might subsidize the loan’s cost a bit to keep you happy as a wealth client.


  • Large Facility Sizes: Big banks can sometimes lend in very large amounts (£10M, £20M, £50M+ facilities) if your portfolio supports it, given their deep balance sheets. They also may allow multi-currency draws, etc., which can be useful for global needs.


However, private banks have limitations too. They can be somewhat rigid in their policies:


  • They often require that your portfolio assets are custodied with them as a condition for the loanwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This could mean transferring your investments to that bank’s platform (if they’re not already there) – a step some clients may not want if they have an existing setup or adviser elsewhere.


  • Private banks might restrict the use of the loan more than a specialist lender would. A few might ask the purpose and if it’s something they deem too risky or outside their mandate, they could say no. (Most are fine with property purchase or general liquidity needs, but, for instance, using SBL to invest in a speculative venture might raise eyebrows unless they’re also involved in that.)


  • Despite being quicker than a retail bank, private banks still have internal committees and approval processeswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. So while many can do a deal in days, others might still take a couple of weeks especially for larger loans, as it goes through risk management reviews. In ultra time-sensitive cases (like needing funds in 48 hours), a private bank might not move quite as fast as an alternative lender could.


Specialist SBL Lenders: These are often boutique finance companies or funds that focus on lending to HNW individuals secured by assets (including securities). They have proliferated over the last 5-10 years, filling the gaps left when banks are too slow or conservativewillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


Their key selling points:


  • Flexibility: Specialist lenders are typically more flexible on collateral and structure. They might accept a more concentrated or volatile portfolio than a bank wouldwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For example, if your wealth is mostly in a single stock or a less conventional asset class, a private bank might decline or offer a very low LTV, whereas a niche lender might say “we’ll make it work” (for a price). They also often have fewer restrictions on how you use the funds – they’re purely asset-based lenders, so they care about the collateral, not the purpose. This is crucial for borrowers like developers covering project costs, or someone needing bridge finance; specialists won’t fuss about the exact deployment as long as the loan is secured.


  • Speed: Many specialist lenders pride themselves on being able to execute quickly and with less bureaucracywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Some are small teams that can give an in-principle decision in a day and fund within a week, assuming the legal and transfer mechanics of the collateral are sorted. This agility is a major reason a borrower might go to them – when timing is everything, shaving off days or weeks counts.


  • Tailored Solutions: They often structure deals that banks won’t. For instance, a specialist might lend against a mix of assets (maybe a portfolio plus some investment property together as collateral), or lend to a trust or off-shore entity that banks can’t lend to easily. They might also be creative in solving cross-border collateral issues or working with unique situations, because they’re not bound by one-size-fits-all policies.


The trade-off for this flexibility and speed usually comes in cost. Specialist lenders typically charge higher interest rates than private bankswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. It could be a few percentage points higher (reflecting the higher perceived risk or lack of deposit relationship). They might also charge arrangement fees or exit fees that are a bit heftier. Essentially, you pay a premium for the convenience and acceptability. But for many, it’s worth it – if the alternative is losing out on a lucrative deal or not getting a loan at all from a bank, paying extra interest for a short period is a fair exchange.


Choosing Between the Two: The “best” source depends on your situation.


If you already bank with a private bank, have a diversified portfolio there, and your timeline is reasonable, it often makes sense to approach them first – you might get a great rate and a straightforward experiencewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For example, a long-standing family office client of a Swiss private bank might easily secure a large SBL at an attractive rate to fund a UK property, with minimal fusswillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


On the other hand, if you need funds in a flash, or your assets or needs fall outside the bank’s comfort zone, a specialist lender is invaluable. Think of a developer with a two-week deadline and a portfolio spread across various brokers, including some volatile stocks – a specialist can likely work quickly without requiring the assets to be moved under their custody (sometimes they take a pledge where the assets are, or use derivatives to secure their interest)willowprivatefinance.co.uk. Yes, it might cost more, but it can be the difference between making a profit on a deal or missing out.


In 2025, we see many savvy clients using a combination of both. For longer-term or larger facilities that are less urgent, they go with private banks for cheaper capital. When a short-term or urgent opportunity arises, they aren’t afraid to tap specialist lenders for a quick bridge, then later refinance or consolidate. In fact, some strategies involve taking specialist SBL now, then refinancing into a private bank SBL or mortgage later once timelines allow – effectively using the specialist as the first responder, then moving to a lower rate solution for the longer haulwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


An example of blending: A family office might maintain a standing £50 million SBL line with a private bank at a low rate for general flexibility, but when they suddenly want to invest in a rare £10 million opportunity that requires immediate cash, they might draw a quick £10 million from a specialist lender who can act in days (perhaps because transferring £10M out of the bank’s portfolio on short notice wasn’t feasible without breaking investments)willowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Later, they could repay that specialist loan either from other liquidity or by drawing on the cheaper bank line – whichever makes sense.


Bottom line: Both private banks and specialist lenders offer SBL but with different value propositions. Private banks = potentially lower cost and integrated with your investments, but can be slower or more rigid. Specialists = higher cost, but fast and flexible, willing to do the deals banks won’t. By understanding these differences, HNW borrowers and advisers can choose the right partner for each situation, and even use them complementarily to optimize both cost and speedwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


Integrating SBL into Wealth and Estate Planning


Beyond immediate financing needs, securities backed lending has a strategic role in broader wealth management and estate planning for affluent families. Rather than viewing SBL as a standalone borrowing tool, savvy advisers in 2025 are weaving SBL into long-term financial strategies – using it to solve liquidity puzzles in tax planning, generational wealth transfer, and portfolio managementwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


Liquidity Meets Legacy:


A perennial challenge in wealth planning is how to provide cash when needed (for purchases, taxes, gifts) without dismantling carefully structured investments or trusts. Traditionally, if a client needed substantial cash, something had to be sold – potentially triggering taxes or altering the asset mix. Now, SBL offers an elegant solution: borrow against the assets to meet the need, and keep those assets intactwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. It’s like a pressure valve that releases liquidity from a portfolio without breaking the portfolio apart.


Tax Efficiency – Avoiding Capital Gains Triggers:


High-net-worth individuals often have assets with large unrealized gains. Selling them could mean giving a big chunk to the taxman. By borrowing against a portfolio instead of liquidating it, you defer or entirely avoid realizing those capital gainswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For example, an investor in the UK or US with stocks that have doubled in value might owe 20%+ tax on gains if sold. If they borrow against those stocks to fund a major expense, they keep deferring the tax indefinitely (potentially until death, where some jurisdictions step up asset values). This strategy can be particularly valuable for U.S. taxpayers (where capital gains and state taxes add up) and for UK residents who have reached their CGT annual exemptions, etc.willowprivatefinance.co.uk. In essence, SBL can serve as a tax-efficient financing source, akin to how some use credit lines instead of selling investments to manage cash flow.


Estate Planning & Intergenerational Support:


Wealthy families often want to help children or grandchildren (for home purchases, businesses, etc.) but face a dilemma: giving or distributing assets now might disrupt long-term estate plans or trust arrangements. SBL provides a path to inject liquidity for the next generation without unwinding holdingswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For instance, parents could take an SBL loan to give a child a down payment for a house, rather than pulling money out of a family trust or selling investments earmarked for inheritance. The loan could later be repaid from the child’s own financing or from the estate when appropriate. This way the family’s investment strategy stays intact while still meeting family needs.


SBL can also work in conjunction with trusts and life insurance: If a family trust holds a big investment portfolio, the trustees might use SBL to provide a beneficiary with funds (for a house, etc.) rather than an outright distribution – so the trust’s assets remain invested, and the beneficiary gets liquidity. Even in estate settlement, executors can use SBL to raise cash to pay inheritance taxes or expenses (similar to how some use bridging loans for estates), using the deceased’s investment account as collateralwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. This can prevent having to fire-sell assets or break up property at a rushed pace to meet tax deadlines.


Investment Strategy Alignment:


From an investment management perspective, one of the worst things that can happen is being forced to sell at the wrong time – whether due to a cash need or a market dip. SBL helps avoid that by acting as a bridge over short-term needs, preserving the long-term strategywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For example, an investor might strongly believe in their current portfolio positions for long-term growth. If they suddenly need cash for an opportunity, selling would not only incur tax but also derail their investment plan. By borrowing, they pursue the new opportunity and keep their strategy on track. In a sense, SBL lets different financial goals (buying property, funding family needs) be met without interfering with the core investment approach – it segregates liquidity needs from investment decisions.


Be Mindful of Risks in a Wealth Plan:


When integrating any debt into a wealth plan, caution is warranted. Over-leveraging can expose a family to risk if markets tumble or if the loans come due at a tough time. Advisers typically ensure that SBL remains a relatively small proportion of the total asset base – a tool to enhance flexibility, not a crutch that props up an unsustainable budget. Additionally, consider the impact on an estate: if a patriarch takes an SBL loan and passes away, that loan will need to be settled (possibly by selling some assets) unless other arrangements exist. It’s important to communicate and perhaps even structure SBL facilities to align with insurance or other provisions to cover repayment if needed.


Furthermore, cross-border families should coordinate SBL with their tax and legal advisors, since pledging assets in one country for a loan in another can have cross-border tax implications (for instance, how interest is deducted, or whether moving money could trigger any settlement issues in trusts)willowprivatefinance.co.uk. But generally, these are manageable with planning.


Example in Action:


A family office oversees $50 million in investments. They have two adult children whom they’d like to help each buy a home (~£5 million each in value). Instead of selling $14 million of stock (and incurring tax) to gift the cash, the office arranges a £7 million SBL facility secured by the portfoliowillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The children use the loan funds to purchase their properties. The idea is that over time, perhaps the children will take out mortgages or the family will use another liquidity event to pay off that £7 million. Meanwhile, the $50 million portfolio stays fully invested (in fact, if it grows, it might cover the loan interest many times over). The family achieved their intergenerational goal without disturbing the investment engine that powers their wealthwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


In 2025, these kinds of strategies are more common as tax rates and cross-border considerations make flexibility crucial. Private banks themselves are encouraging clients to consider SBL for its strategic benefits – it’s not just an isolated loan product, but part of holistic wealth managementwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Specialist lenders too serve family offices who have unique assets or time-sensitive trust needswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. The growing consensus: liquidity planning is now as important as investment planning for HNW families, and SBL is a key tool to balance liquidity with long-term growthwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


SBL for Ultra-High-Net-Worth Clients (Trophy Assets & More)


When we move into the ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) realm – individuals and families with, say, £50 million, £100 million, or more in net worth – the scale of financing needs changes, but SBL remains just as relevant (if not more). In fact, for the ultra-wealthy, securities backed lending has become a preferred way to finance big-ticket purchases and strategic investments, often exceeding £10 million in a single facilitywillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


Why do UHNW clients love SBL? In a word: efficiencywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. At that level, it’s seldom about whether they can afford something – it’s about how to do it in the smartest way possible. Many UHNW individuals have complex global portfolios, family businesses, or trusts. Liquidating $20 million of assets to buy a yacht or a new property is rarely appealing; it could trigger massive taxes and upset an intricately planned asset allocationwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. SBL steps in as a versatile liquidity source that doesn’t rock the boat of their broader financial strategy.


Common UHNW Uses of SBL:


  • Trophy Real Estate Purchases: Think £10M–£50M homes or estates – super-prime residences in London, large country estates, overseas villas, etc. UHNW buyers often use SBL to act swiftly on such purchaseswillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. For example, a client might draw £20 million against a £50 million portfolio to snag a Mayfair penthouse in a matter of weekswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. They enjoy the advantage of being a “cash buyer” (often necessary at the top end where sellers expect a quick close), and they keep their investments intact for future growthwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Later, they might refinance with a longer-term loan or simply pay it off from other liquidity, but the key was winning the deal. In cities like London, where competition for trophy assets is global, having an SBL facility can be the secret weapon to win a bidding war or execute quietly and quicklywillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


  • Investments and Business Opportunities: UHNW families are often investors at heart – they might see a private equity opportunity, a stake in a new venture, or a chance to buy another asset (like a stake in a sports team or a work of art). SBL gives them firepower to invest in these opportunities at short noticewillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Since SBL funds can be used flexibly, an ultra-wealthy client might take, say, £10 million from an SBL line to invest in a pre-IPO funding round, without having to disturb their core holdings.


  • Lifestyle & Luxury Assets: It’s not all serious business – sometimes SBL finances the fun stuff. Yachts, private jets, art collections, classic car collections – these are significant purchases that UHNW individuals make, and many prefer not to tie up a lot of cash in them upfrontwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Instead, they’ll use an SBL credit line to effectively finance the purchase at a low interest rate, while maybe their portfolio yields returns that offset some of that cost. It’s a way of keeping money working in investments while still enjoying luxury assets. Plus, it can simplify things like buying at auctions or making quick deals on unique items – you have liquidity ready without having to shuffle money around.


  • Family and Philanthropic Funding: At the UHNW level, families often have multi-generational planning structures, trusts, foundations, etc. SBL can fund large one-off family expenditures or philanthropic commitments in a tax-efficient manner. For example, if an UHNW family commits £15 million to a philanthropic project but their funds are tied in investments, they could use SBL to meet the pledge now and then fulfill the loan from planned asset sales or as part of rebalancing over years.


Multi-Currency and Cross-Border Complexity:


Ultra-wealthy clients frequently need to manage multiple currencies – maybe a euro-denominated portfolio, a dollar portfolio, but expenses or purchases in pounds, and so on. One strength of SBL at this level is that lenders can often accommodate multi-currency facilitieswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. A family might simultaneously arrange, say, a £15 million line and a €10 million line secured by one global portfolio, effectively segmenting liquidity for different goals (as in one of the examples above where a family used a sterling facility for a property and a euro facility for art at the same timewillowprivatefinance.co.uk). This shows the high degree of customization possible – something ultra-HNW clients both expect and require.


Lender Landscape for UHNW SBL:


Private banks aggressively court ultra-wealthy clients with SBL offerings, often giving top-notch rates and terms if the client keeps large assets with themwillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk. At the same time, specialist lenders also cater to this segment by providing financing when a client doesn’t want to move assets or needs a rapid standalone facility. It’s not uncommon for a UHNW individual to maintain an ongoing large SBL with a private bank (as part of their general liquidity management), and simultaneously dip into specialized lending for a tactical movewillowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


Risks at Scale:


While the principles of risk (margin calls, etc.) remain the same, the magnitude is larger. A 20% drop on a £50M portfolio is a £10M swing – which could mean a margin call for additional collateral in the millionswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. UHNW borrowers need to be extremely clear on their risk management. Typically, family offices will maintain even larger liquidity buffers and perhaps lines of credit elsewhere to meet any callswillowprivatefinance.co.uk. They also negotiate bespoke terms if possible: for example, maybe a slightly longer window to meet margin calls, or higher thresholds due to their relationship (though in a crisis, no bank is truly lenient, but big clients sometimes get a bit more flexibility). Additionally, because UHNW loans can be cross-currency, they keep a close eye on FX risk – sometimes even using financial hedges or derivatives to manage that exposure, separate from the SBL agreement.


Another consideration is alignment with big-picture planning. For instance, if an ultra-wealthy family has a lot of leverage (via SBL or otherwise) when a patriarch/matriarch dies, it could complicate the estate. So estate lawyers often coordinate with the borrowing to ensure that life insurance or other liquid assets can cover any debt if needed. The overarching advice remains: even for billionaires, don’t treat SBL proceeds as free money – it’s a strategic tool that must be managed responsiblywillowprivatefinance.co.uk. Many ultra-HNW folks lived through 2008 or 2020 market crashes and are very cognizant that leverage, if unchecked, can erode even large fortunes.


Happily, when used prudently, SBL at the UHNW tier provides incredible financial agility. It enables what one might call “multi-dimensional liquidity” – you can be invested across the globe, yet deploy tens of millions on a week’s notice wherever an opportunity or need arises, all without liquidating in haste. This agility, combined with the discretion SBL affords (no public records as would be with mortgages, etc.), makes it the preferred choice for many ultra-wealthy clients financing major purchases or transactions in 2025willowprivatefinance.co.ukwillowprivatefinance.co.uk.


It’s not an exaggeration to say SBL has become a cornerstone of UHNW financial strategy – a sort of financial Swiss Army knife that, when wielded with skill, brings efficiency and speed to wealth management at the highest levels.


Conclusion: Tailoring an SBL Strategy to Your Needs


Securities Backed Lending in 2025 has truly come of age. It’s no longer a niche product or last resort – it’s front and center in the playbook of high-net-worth finance. We’ve seen how SBL can unlock liquidity without sacrificing your investments, how it can be deployed for everything from property deals to supporting your estate planning, and how it empowers both the moderately wealthy and the ultra-wealthy to move quickly and strategically.


The key to success with SBL is tailoring it to your specific circumstances. Every borrower’s situation is unique: the composition of your portfolio, your risk tolerance, your goals for the funds, and your timeframe all dictate how an SBL facility should be structured. An international adviser will weigh cross-border factors; a developer will focus on aligning the loan with their project timeline; a wealth manager will integrate the facility into a broader estate strategy. It’s essential to calibrate the LTV, choose the right lender (or combination of lenders), and set up contingency plans (like margin call buffers and exit strategies) that make sense for you.


One recurring theme is that SBL is most powerful when used as part of a bigger plan – not as an isolated loan, but as a piece of your overall financial puzzle. When woven in thoughtfully, it provides flexibility and efficiency that can actually enhance your wealth creation and preservation, rather than detract from it. By avoiding forced asset sales and enabling timely opportunities, SBL can help you have your cake and eat it – keep your investments growing while putting their value to work elsewhere.


That being said, prudent management is paramount. Work with advisers who understand both your investment world and lending landscape to avoid pitfalls. Regularly review your SBL strategy, especially if markets move or your needs change. And remember, just because the loan is available doesn’t mean it must be maxed out; often, leaving some cushion is the wisest course for peace of mind.


Ready to Unlock Liquidity? Contact Willow Private Finance


If you’re considering leveraging your investment portfolio to meet a financing need, or simply want to explore your options, Willow Private Finance is here to help. We specialize in crafting bespoke securities backed lending solutions for HNW individuals, property developers, and advisers, aligning each facility with your goals and risk profile.


Get in touch with us today to discuss how SBL can be tailored to your situation – whether it’s funding a property acquisition, optimizing your wealth plan, or enabling a strategic investment. Our experts will guide you through the process, comparing private bank and specialist offers, managing the details, and ensuring your portfolio-backed loan is both competitive and secure.


Contact Willow Private Finance for a free, confidential consultation – and discover the smartest way to unlock liquidity while keeping your wealth strategy on track. Whatever your financing challenge in 2025, our team will help you find the smartest way forward.



About the Author: Wesley Ranger


Wesley Ranger is the Founder and Director of Willow Private Finance. With more than 20 years of experience advising high-net-worth clients, developers, and international investors, 


Wesley specialises in structuring bespoke property and investment finance solutions. His expertise in securities backed lending, private bank relationships, and alternative lending makes him a trusted partner for clients seeking tailored access to liquidity



Important Notice: The information contained in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Securities backed lending facilities are subject to lender criteria, portfolio eligibility, market conditions, and regulatory requirements. Borrowers should be aware of risks including market volatility (which can trigger collateral calls), currency fluctuations, and repayment obligations. Always seek professional legal, tax, and financial advice before entering into any lending arrangement

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