The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has reported that its Member firm count reached 1,414 in January 2026, up from 1,338 a year earlier.
The 6% increase marks the fifth successive year of growth for the trade body.
During 2025, more than 100 new independent commercial finance broker firms joined the Association, contributing to the overall rise in membership across the network.
For the first time, the NACFB has also exceeded 3,000 registered individual brokers. A total of 3,011 brokers now operate across its 1,414 Member firms, reflecting what the Association describes as deeper engagement with its professional standards and support framework.
Lender participation has also grown. Patron commercial lender numbers increased from 162 to 177 over the year, representing a 9% rise. The NACFB said the expansion underlines continued lender commitment to intermediary-led distribution.
ASSET FINANCE FOCUS
The lender growth has been supported by a strategy to widen representation across funding sectors, particularly in asset finance. During 2025, the NACFB welcomed several asset finance lenders as Patrons, including Simply Asset Finance, Siemens Financial Services and Investec.
The Association said the additions strengthen its asset finance offering and reflect the breadth of broker-introduced funding solutions available to UK businesses.
The sustained growth comes as the NACFB continues to invest in its broker Assurance framework, with a focus on oversight, consistency and professional standards. Over the past year, it has also expanded the practical services, compliance support and guidance available to Members operating in what it describes as a more complex regulatory and economic environment.
Jim Higginbotham (pictured), chief executive of the NACFB, says: “Delivering a fifth consecutive year of growth is a strong endorsement of the NACFB’s role within the commercial finance ecosystem.
“This sustained, high-quality growth gives us greater confidence and capacity to represent brokers, engage lenders and policymakers, and clearly position the Association as the home of responsible commercial finance broking.
“Our focus remains on raising standards and ensuring brokers remain fully central to how UK businesses access finance.”
Charlotte Loomes, operations director at the NACFB, adds: “Behind these figures is strong engagement with the practical support we provide.
“Brokers are actively using our Assurance framework, guidance and services, which reinforces our focus on helping Members operate confidently, professionally and in the best interests of their clients.”
EXPO RETURNS TO THE NEC
The membership announcement coincides with the opening of registration for the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo 2026, which will return to Hall 3A of Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre on Wednesday 10 June 2026.
The annual event brings together brokers, lenders and other industry stakeholders and is positioned as the flagship gathering for the intermediary commercial finance market.
In terms of market impact, NACFB Member brokers originated an estimated £27 billion of commercial lending in 2024, highlighting the scale of intermediary-led finance across the UK SME economy.
Updated findings from the Association’s latest broker and lender surveys are due to be published later this month.
