At the very top of the wealth spectrum, financial strategies look very different. Ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) often have vast global portfolios, complex ownership structures, and lifestyle ambitions that extend far beyond ordinary borrowing needs. Whether acquiring a £20 million London townhouse, investing in a country estate, or funding large-scale family commitments, the liquidity required is substantial.

In 2025, Securities Backed Lending (SBL) has become a core solution for UHNW lending. By pledging investment portfolios as collateral, clients unlock liquidity without disturbing long-term strategies, providing the flexibility to fund property acquisitions, refinance assets, or meet lifestyle obligations. Facilities regularly exceed £10 million and, in some cases, reach £50 million or more.

This blog explores how SBL is powering ultra-high-net-worth borrowing in 2025, from prime property finance to lifestyle liquidity, and why it has become the preferred choice for wealthy clients seeking speed, discretion, and efficiency.

Why UHNW Clients Choose Securities Backed Lending

For ultra-wealthy clients, liquidity is rarely about affordability — it is about efficiency. Many UHNWIs hold substantial wealth in diversified portfolios, private equity positions, or family office structures. Liquidating assets to fund purchases is rarely attractive. It may crystallise capital gains tax, undermine diversification, or disrupt intergenerational strategies.

SBL provides a way to unlock liquidity without selling. By pledging portfolios, clients retain exposure to growth and dividends while raising cash for immediate needs. Unlike traditional mortgages, SBL requires minimal income verification or affordability checks, focusing instead on the quality of assets pledged. For UHNW clients with global wealth structures, this makes it a far more suitable option than conventional lending.

£10M+ Property Acquisitions

One of the most common uses of SBL among UHNW clients is prime property acquisition. In London, trophy assets often command £10 million or more. Country estates can stretch even higher, while luxury developments require buyers who can demonstrate liquidity at speed.

A client with a £50 million portfolio may draw £20 million against it to acquire a Belgravia townhouse or Mayfair penthouse. Another may use SBL to purchase a £15 million country estate, completing within weeks rather than months. Because the facility is secured on securities rather than property, the process is faster and less restrictive.

This approach aligns with the trends we’ve seen in large mortgage loans and prime property finance, where speed and certainty are the decisive factors in securing transactions. For UHNWIs, being able to operate as a “cash buyer” while preserving portfolio value is a significant competitive edge.

Lifestyle Liquidity: Beyond Property

UHNW borrowing is not limited to property. Lifestyle liquidity plays a major role. Clients may use SBL to fund:

• The acquisition of yachts, jets, or art collections.

• Family commitments, such as multi-generational property purchases or succession planning.

• Investments in private equity or new ventures.

Because SBL facilities are flexible in use, they can cover both property and lifestyle objectives within a single structure. A client might, for instance, draw £30 million, using part for a prime residential purchase and part for other commitments. This discretion is one reason SBL has become central to ultra-high-net-worth lending.

Real World Example: The Trophy Home Buyer

Consider a Middle Eastern client with a $200 million portfolio managed in Geneva. They wish to purchase a £25 million Knightsbridge townhouse as a London base. Rather than selling investments or arranging a conventional mortgage, they pledge a portion of the portfolio and secure a £20 million SBL facility. The funds are advanced in sterling, enabling completion within three weeks.

The facility is structured for two years, interest-only, giving the client time to arrange a longer-term financing strategy or simply repay from future liquidity events. The portfolio remains invested, tax liabilities are avoided, and the client secures the property with the speed of a cash buyer.

Case Study: Financing Multiple Goals

Another example is a European family office holding €300 million in diversified securities. In 2025, they wish to purchase both a £12 million country estate and a £10 million collection of modern art. By securing a £15 million SBL facility in sterling, they fund the estate purchase immediately. Simultaneously, they arrange a €10 million facility in euros for the art acquisition.

This cross-currency approach demonstrates the flexibility of SBL for ultra-wealthy clients. Funds are advanced in the currency required, backed by global portfolios, allowing clients to pursue multiple objectives seamlessly.

Risks at Ultra-High Levels

The risks of SBL remain present even at ultra-high levels. Market volatility is magnified, with large facilities more exposed to portfolio fluctuations. Margin calls can occur if values fall, potentially requiring tens of millions in additional collateral.

Currency risk also grows. Borrowing sterling against dollar or euro portfolios introduces exposure to exchange rate movements. For facilities of £10 million or more, these fluctuations can materially impact repayment strategies.

Finally, facility terms require careful management. UHNW clients must ensure that loan durations, repayment obligations, and margin call processes are fully aligned with their broader wealth strategies. A misstep at this level can disrupt estate or family office planning.

These considerations mirror the warnings highlighted in Willow’s earlier analysis of SBL risks. The scale may differ, but the principles are the same: SBL must be used strategically, with protections in place.

The 2025 Lending Market

In 2025, private banks and specialist lenders alike are expanding their ultra-high-net-worth offerings. Private banks favour clients with existing relationships, often offering lower pricing in exchange for custody of assets. Specialist lenders, meanwhile, provide speed and flexibility, particularly for clients with unconventional portfolios or urgent requirements.

UHNW clients are often best served by combining both approaches. A family office may maintain a £50 million facility with a private bank at competitive pricing while using a specialist lender for a £10 million tactical drawdown to fund an immediate property purchase. This layered approach ensures cost efficiency and agility.

How Willow Can Help

At Willow Private Finance, we work extensively with ultra-high-net-worth clients and family offices to arrange securities backed lending facilities at scale. We understand the complexities of managing portfolios across jurisdictions, structuring facilities in multiple currencies, and aligning lending with tax and estate strategies.

Our role is to connect clients with the right providers — whether private banks offering competitive long-term terms or specialist lenders delivering immediate liquidity. We negotiate terms, manage structuring, and ensure facilities integrate into the broader wealth framework.

For clients acquiring £10 million+ properties or pursuing major lifestyle investments, we provide the expertise and market access to unlock liquidity quickly, discreetly, and strategically.

📞 Want Help Navigating Today’s Market?

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

We’ll help you find the smartest way forward—whatever rates do next.