Secure Trust Bank appoints Nick Leitch as head of ABL

Secure Trust Bank Business Finance (STB BF) has appointed experienced lending specialist Nick Leitch as head of asset-based lending (ABL), further strengthening its growth ambitions across the UK mid-market.

With over 30 years’ experience in financial services, Nick has worked across areas including consumer lending, restructuring, debt advisory, private equity, ABL and leveraged finance, with a focus on supporting SMEs and mid-market businesses across the UK.

Beginning his career in a number of high street banks, Nick went on to lead business development activity for restructuring at EY. From there, Nick spent ten years working within private equity at Seneca Partners and Endless, working across origination, equity investment and portfolio strategy.

More recently Nick spent eight years at Shawbrook Bank, leading the firm’s ABL & Leverage corporate lending arm, building the brand’s UK market presence and growing total facilities to £1bn. He joins STB BF from strategic advisory and investment specialist, Heligan Group, where he has served as managing partner of investments.

As head of ABL, Nick will be focused on developing the Business Finance arm’s offering, building on the firm’s strong track record while capitalising on the growth of new markets to best support mid-market businesses across the UK.

Nick Leitch said: “The STB team has built a highly regarded ABL offering, having supported a number of leading businesses right across the UK. It’s why it felt like the right fit to join as head of ABL, leveraging this reputation and team strength to help more mid-market businesses access the funding they need to grow.

“We’re increasingly seeing how ABL is moving into the mainstream, with businesses and sponsors utilising it to diversify senior debt structures and unlock deals. Having worked across leveraged finance and private equity, I’ve seen where all these elements augment together, which will be essential to ensure we continue to evolve our offering and work with key management, investors and funders.”

Luke Jooste, managing director at Secure Trust Bank Business Finance, added: “Nick’s wealth of knowledge and diverse experience across financial services will be essential in ensuring our ABL offering best meets the needs of businesses across the UK. His proven track record of growing national teams will be a core part of our continued expansion across Business Finance, providing a comprehensive service offering for businesses to access the bespoke finance they need to scale and grow.”