Timing is everything for professional athletes and entertainers. Contracts are signed at speed. Tours can be rescheduled in weeks. Property opportunities arise unexpectedly, with exclusivity often dependent on providing proof of funds within days rather than months. The problem is that while opportunities move fast, liquid wealth rarely does.

Many high-net-worth (HNW) clients in sport and entertainment hold significant wealth in investment portfolios, often managed by private banks. These portfolios can be worth millions, but selling assets at the wrong moment can trigger capital gains tax, lock in market losses, or unravel carefully planned wealth strategies. A footballer on the verge of a transfer, for example, might have £10 million in managed funds but only a small amount of cash immediately available. A touring musician might have royalties flowing into structured investments, but very little liquidity when a unique property comes onto the market.

This is where securities-backed lending (SBL) has become a crucial tool in 2025. By pledging investment portfolios as collateral, athletes and entertainers can release liquidity quickly, without disturbing their long-term financial positions. It has become one of the most effective ways to bridge the gap between volatile careers and the demands of high-value property transactions.

What securities-backed lending really is

At its core, securities-backed lending is borrowing against an investment portfolio rather than selling it. The portfolio — typically composed of marketable securities such as shares, bonds, or funds — is pledged to a lender. In return, the borrower receives a credit line or term loan, usually capped at around 50–70 percent of the portfolio’s value.

The advantages are obvious. The portfolio remains invested, continuing to generate returns. There are no realised capital gains, meaning no sudden tax bills. And liquidity becomes available in days rather than weeks.

Private banks have quietly offered these facilities for years, but in 2025 they are increasingly central to the strategies of athletes and entertainers who must act quickly when opportunity arises.

Why timing matters for elite clients

The financial lives of athletes and entertainers are defined by timing. A Premier League footballer might sign a contract in January, but bonuses and relocation allowances are not paid until the summer. A film actor might receive advances in stages over an 18-month cycle. A touring DJ may be due a seven-figure payout — but only once a global tour wraps up.

The challenge is that property deals rarely wait for income cycles to align. A Knightsbridge townhouse, a Belgravia penthouse, or a Surrey estate will not remain off the market for long while a buyer liquidates assets. Sellers want speed and certainty.

Securities-backed lending fills this gap perfectly. By borrowing against existing investments, clients can move at the pace the market demands while keeping long-term wealth structures intact.

An illustrative example

Consider an international tennis player with a £12 million portfolio managed by a Swiss private bank. He identifies a Chelsea townhouse valued at £8 million, but exchange is required in just 21 days. His cash reserves are limited, and most of his wealth is tied up in global equity funds.

Selling down those holdings would mean crystallising capital gains and taking a tax hit. Worse, markets are volatile — liquidating now could lock in unnecessary losses.

Instead, a securities-backed loan is arranged through Willow. The lender advances £4.8 million at 60 percent LTV against the portfolio, releasing the funds within two weeks. Combined with existing cash, the player secures the deposit and completion. The portfolio remains invested, generating returns. Over the next season, as sponsorship instalments and prize money flow in, the facility is reduced and eventually cleared.

The outcome? The property is secured, long-term wealth is preserved, and liquidity is managed seamlessly.

Risks that must be managed

While securities-backed lending can appear almost frictionless, it comes with responsibilities. The most significant is the potential for margin calls. If the pledged portfolio falls in value, the lender can require the borrower to either add more collateral or repay part of the loan. For an athlete mid-season or an entertainer on tour, this can cause stress if not anticipated.

Loan-to-value caps also matter. Most private banks will lend conservatively against diversified portfolios of liquid securities, but they are reluctant to accept highly volatile or illiquid holdings. Private equity funds, for instance, rarely qualify.

Rates, while competitive, are typically variable and linked to benchmark indices. That means borrowing costs can rise if markets shift. For entertainers with unpredictable touring income, or athletes whose contracts are short, structuring repayment plans carefully is vital.

This is where Willow’s role becomes critical. We ensure facilities are structured with clear exit plans, whether through upcoming sponsorship income, transfer bonuses, or longer-term refinancing into a property-backed mortgage.

Private banks vs. high street

High street lenders simply do not offer securities-backed lending. It is the preserve of private banks and specialist institutions with the sophistication to manage wealth-backed credit. The difference in approach is stark.

A high street bank may refuse lending altogether if liquid income appears insufficient. A private bank, by contrast, considers the borrower’s total balance sheet. They recognise that a well-diversified £10 million portfolio is stronger collateral than salary alone.

As we highlighted in Private Banks vs. High Street: Why Elite Clients Need Bespoke Lending, elite clients rarely fit the “vanilla” mould. Securities-backed lending is one of the clearest examples of why bespoke solutions outperform standard criteria.

Bridging deals between seasons

For athletes and entertainers, SBL has become a bridge between the rhythms of career and the demands of property.

A footballer moving clubs may need to secure housing in London before signing bonuses are released. A band heading on tour might wish to buy a base property for their family before ticket sales settle. An actor may want to fund a refurbishment between film projects but is waiting for royalty cheques to arrive.

In each case, securities-backed lending allows the deal to proceed without forcing asset sales at the wrong time. It ensures liquidity is available when it matters most — without jeopardising long-term wealth.

How Willow coordinates securities-backed lending

Our role at Willow Private Finance is to act as the bridge between the borrower’s wealth manager and the lender.

This involves:

• Reviewing which assets qualify as collateral.
• Negotiating the loan-to-value ratio to maximise flexibility without creating unnecessary risk.
• Coordinating terms so that the facility dovetails with the client’s property transaction.
• Structuring clear repayment strategies tied to bonuses, royalties, or refinancing.

The goal is always to anticipate and neutralise potential friction. If a margin call arises, we ensure contingencies are already in place. If refinancing is planned, we align timing with lender expectations. The end result is a facility that works with — not against — the client’s lifestyle and income cycle.

A growing trend in 2025

Five years ago, securities-backed lending was relatively niche. Today, it has become one of the fastest-growing strategies among HNW borrowers, particularly athletes and entertainers. Private banks have expanded their offerings, recognising that clients prefer to preserve portfolios while unlocking liquidity.

For borrowers, the appeal is clear. Property deals can be secured without disturbing carefully built investment strategies. For lenders, the collateral is robust and the relationship deeper. It is a win-win, provided facilities are managed carefully.

Conclusion

For athletes and entertainers, property finance is never just about affordability. It is about timing, flexibility, and the ability to act when opportunity knocks. Securities-backed lending has become one of the most powerful tools for bridging these gaps.

In 2025, it is enabling clients to secure homes between transfer windows, fund refurbishments between seasons, and move quickly on unique property opportunities. By keeping portfolios intact, it protects long-term wealth while delivering short-term liquidity.

At Willow Private Finance, we specialise in structuring these facilities. Working closely with private banks and wealth managers, we ensure risks are managed, exits are clear, and clients can focus on their careers rather than liquidity constraints.

📞 Looking at a property opportunity but most of your wealth is tied up in investments?

Talk to Willow. We’ll unlock the liquidity you need, without forcing you to sell your assets.