The UK Bond Network (UKBN) is launching the UK’s first p2p bond and loan platform. The site will provide sophisticated and institutional investors with access to quoted and unquoted UK SMEs in need of finance.
The UKBN platform will enable select companies to raise between £500k and £4m. It is ideally placed to bridge the gap between the Retail Bond Market – which is generally not viable for companies seeking less than £20m – and smaller alternative finance providers. The site also gives investors access to secured investments – security is typically valued more highly than the debt itself.
Chris Maule, Chief Executive and Founder of UKBN, commented:
“There are high-quality SMEs out there that have struggled to source suitable funding as a result of the tight financing environment. Through our strong network of both individual and institutional investors, we know that there’s an appetite for investing on commercial terms in these businesses, many of which are underserved in the current market.
“The companies we are looking to work with are at the centre of the UK’s economic recovery, and through our unique platform, a broad investor base can support these businesses. We believe our platform is unique and look forward to continuing to support both SMEs and lenders alike.”
The UKBN is already being lauded for its flexibility – allowing fundraising companies to structure finance on terms that best suit their business. The innovative platform is now set to list its second auction, a loan for an LSE-listed company with a mark capitalization of circa £100m. The first listing in December 2013 saw Red Rock Resources PLC – an AIM-listed mineral exploration and production company – raise £500k.
You can learn more here: https://www.ukbondnetwork.com/home
