Franchise Banks & Funding Sources

A guide to franchise banks & funding sources

Finding the right funding is one of the most important steps any prospective franchisee takes, and the franchise banks and funding sources category on FindMyFranchise brings together 12 specialist affiliates who can help make that journey smoother. From high-street banks with dedicated franchise lending teams to innovative fintech platforms, this section covers a broad range of financial partners supporting franchisees at every stage. Because these are affiliate partners rather than franchise opportunities to purchase themselves, the investment involved varies entirely depending on the franchise you choose to finance — meaning there is genuinely a range of investment levels catered for here.

How much does a franchise banks & funding sources affiliate cost?

Unlike a traditional franchise listing with a fixed entry fee, the partners in this category are funding and banking affiliates whose role is to help you finance your chosen franchise — not to sell you a franchise themselves. The cost of working with them is therefore tied to the funding product or lending facility you take out. To reflect the breadth of support available, the 12 affiliates can be loosely grouped by the type of finance they offer:

• High-street franchise lending: Barclays Bank, HSBC UK, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, Metro Bank Plc, and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) all offer dedicated franchise finance teams, with loan amounts typically aligned to the investment level of your chosen franchise concept.
• Alternative and specialist business finance: Novuna Business Finance, Ocean Capital Exchange, and Capital Fleet Solutions provide specialist lending solutions including asset finance and equipment funding, suited to franchises with significant equipment or fleet requirements.
• Fintech and funding platforms: Liberis and Swoop operate as digital-first funding platforms, helping franchisees access a range of finance products and compare options quickly online.
• Location-based financial services: Location Bank offers financial services with a focus on location intelligence and targeted business support.

Types of franchise banks & funding sources

• Dedicated high-street franchise banking: Major banks such as Barclays Bank, Lloyds Bank, NatWest, HSBC UK, Metro Bank Plc, and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) have specialist franchise units staffed by managers who understand franchise business models, making them well placed to assess lending applications from prospective franchisees.
• Asset and equipment finance: Partners such as Novuna Business Finance and Capital Fleet Solutions focus on financing physical assets — vehicles, machinery, and equipment — which is particularly relevant for franchises in sectors such as logistics, cleaning, or trades.
• Alternative lending and funding marketplaces: Swoop and Ocean Capital Exchange act as brokers or marketplaces, helping franchisees explore multiple funding routes — from loans and grants to equity — through a single platform.
• Revenue-based and flexible finance: Liberis specialises in flexible, revenue-based funding products that can suit franchisees looking for repayment structures tied to business performance rather than fixed monthly instalments.

Is a franchise banks & funding sources affiliate right for you?

If you are seriously exploring a franchise investment, engaging with the right financial partner early can make a significant difference to the strength and speed of your application. The affiliates here suit prospective franchisees at any investment level — whether you are funding a modest owner-operator concept or a larger multi-unit operation. It is worth considering whether you need a lender with deep franchise sector knowledge, flexible repayment terms, or access to a broad panel of funding options, as different partners excel in different areas.

Look for a funding partner that understands your chosen franchise’s business model, can clearly explain the terms on offer, and has experience working with franchisors in your sector. Support beyond the initial loan — such as ongoing account management or access to business tools — can also be a valuable indicator of a strong long-term financial partner.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to use a franchise funding affiliate?
These affiliates do not charge a franchise fee. Any costs are associated with the lending or finance product you take out, and will depend on the size of your investment and the specific terms agreed with the provider.

Do I need experience in business or finance to approach these lenders?
Not necessarily. Many of the partners here, including Barclays Bank, NatWest, and Lloyds Bank, have specialist franchise teams who are accustomed to working with first-time business owners, and will assess your application based on the franchisor’s track record as well as your own background.

Can I approach more than one funding source at the same time?
Yes. Platforms such as Swoop and Ocean Capital Exchange are specifically designed to help you compare multiple options, and it is common practice to speak with several lenders before making a decision.

What types of franchise can these affiliates fund?
The partners cover a wide range of sectors. Asset finance providers such as Capital Fleet Solutions and Novuna Business Finance are particularly well suited to franchises requiring vehicles or equipment, while high-street banks and fintech platforms can typically support franchises across most industries.

Will a franchisor’s accreditation with a bank help my application?
It can do. Several of the major banks, including HSBC UK and Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), operate formal franchise accreditation schemes, and choosing a franchise brand already approved by your lender may simplify and speed up your funding application.