Challenger bank SilverRock obtains banking licence
SilverRock Bank has announced the granting of its banking authorisation with restrictions by the Prudential Regulation Authority following the completion of a £50m funding round.
SilverRock’s unique business model and strategy is predominantly built to partner with non-bank and other lenders to support them to compete more effectively over the long term.
Alan Jarman, CEO of SilverRock, commented: “This is the first time that a bank has been established in the UK to focus support on non-bank and other lenders. This is already a £250bn+ market which has the potential for significant expansion as the sector responds to new and emerging customer needs.
“Our focus is on ensuring the borrowing needs of SMEs and consumers in non-standard credit markets can be met. That approach will in turn support and facilitate innovation amongst lenders, enabling them to better respond to the challenges and opportunities in the UK market.”
Market gaps that non-bank lenders address
An Ipsos SME Finance Report in 2022 noted that just 64% of SMEs were obtaining the finance they needed from their first provider. Meanwhile some 11% of mortgage applicants are currently noted as requesting terms that fall outside the parameters required by mainstream providers. These examples highlight the type of market gap that non-bank lenders address.
The capital raise will see SilverRock through its mobilisation and, subject to further regulatory approvals, its full launch phases, with current growth plans projecting a target balance sheet of £3bn by 2029. Lending is scheduled to start later this year.