Introduction to Close Brothers

Close Brothers Group plc, commonly referred to as Close Brothers, is a premier UK-based merchant banking group headquartered in London, England. Established in 1878, the company has evolved into a diversified financial services powerhouse, operating across three core divisions: Banking, Securities, and Asset Management. With a market capitalization exceeding £1.5 billion and a workforce of over 3,000 employees, Close Brothers is recognized as a stalwart of the British financial landscape. The group specializes in providing tailored lending, deposit-taking, wealth management, and corporate advisory services to individuals, SMEs, and large corporations.

Close Brothers’ reputation is built on a foundation of financial prudence, long-term client relationships, and a commitment to specialist expertise. Unlike high-street banks, Close Brothers focuses on niche markets—such as asset finance, motor finance, property lending, and stockbroking—where deep sector knowledge creates competitive advantages. The company’s Banking division, which contributes the majority of revenue, offers bespoke lending solutions secured against assets, while the Securities division provides execution-only and advisory stockbroking services to retail and institutional clients. Asset Management oversees approximately £14 billion in assets under management, catering to wealthy individuals and institutions.

Organizations ranging from property developers to manufacturing firms rely on Close Brothers for flexible financing that traditional banks often cannot provide. The company’s ability to assess risk accurately and structure deals creatively has earned it a loyal client base and consistent profitability, even during economic downturns. As a member of the FTSE 250, Close Brothers is subject to stringent regulatory oversight by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), ensuring high standards of governance and transparency. This introduction sets the stage for understanding why Close Brothers remains a top employer and a trusted partner in the finance industry.

Company History and Business Evolution

Close Brothers traces its origins to 1878 when founder William Brooks Close established a small banking operation in the City of London. Initially focusing on discounting bills of exchange and providing credit to merchants, the firm quickly gained a reputation for reliability. The early 20th century saw expansion into stockbroking and corporate finance, aligning with the growth of London as a global financial hub. By the 1920s, Close Brothers had become a member of the London Stock Exchange, cementing its presence in the securities market.

The post-war era brought significant change. In the 1950s, the company diversified into hire purchase finance—a precursor to modern asset finance—catering to businesses needing equipment financing. The 1970s and 1980s were marked by strategic acquisitions: the purchase of Forward Trust in 1981 bolstered the motor finance portfolio, while the addition of Winterflood Securities in 1988 enhanced the Securities division’s market-making capabilities. The 1990s saw the group list on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: CBG) and expand into wealth management through the acquisition of Close Asset Management.

In the 21st century, Close Brothers weathered the 2008 financial crisis better than many peers, thanks to its conservative lending model and focus on secured lending. Post-crisis, the company invested heavily in digital transformation, launching online platforms for motor finance and asset finance applications. The 2010s were characterized by organic growth and targeted acquisitions: the purchase of BNP Paribas’ UK asset finance business in 2015 added scale, while the integration of Sherwood (formerly Sherwood Commercial Finance) in 2018 strengthened property lending. In 2020, Close Brothers launched a Green Finance Initiative to support environmentally sustainable projects.

Today, Close Brothers operates from over 40 offices across the UK and has a growing international presence through its Asset Management division. The company continues to evolve by embracing fintech partnerships—such as collaborations with nCino for credit origination—and by expanding its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) offerings. This history of prudent yet innovative growth makes Close Brothers a resilient institution in an ever-changing financial landscape.

Close Brothers at a Glance

• Headquarters: 10 Crown Place, London, EC2A 4FT, United Kingdom
• Founded: 1878
• CEO: Adrian Sainsbury (since 2016)
• Chairman: David (Lord) Davies
• Revenue: £1.1 billion (FY 2023)
• Operating Profit: £310 million (FY 2023)
• Assets Under Management (AUM): £14.1 billion
• Loan Book: £9.3 billion
• Employees: Over 3,000
• Stock Exchange & Ticker: London Stock Exchange (CBG)
• FTSE Classification: FTSE 250
• Core Divisions: Banking, Securities, Asset Management
• Key Subsidiaries: Close Brothers Asset Finance, Close Brothers Motor Finance, Close Brothers Property Finance, Winterflood Securities, Close Brothers Asset Management
• Regulatory Bodies: Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Industry Served: Financial Services (Merchant Banking)
• Customer Base: SMEs, large corporates, high-net-worth individuals, retail investors
• Geographic Presence: Primarily UK, with international exposure via Asset Management
• Credit Rating: A- (S&P), Baa1 (Moody’s)
• ESG Rating: MSCI ESG Rating A
• Notable Awards: Best Asset Finance Provider (Leasing World Awards 2022), UK Best Workplaces (Great Place to Work 2023)

Mission, Vision, and Core Corporate Values

Close Brothers’ mission is to “help our clients prosper and grow by providing specialist financial services with long-term commitment.” This mission underscores the company’s dedication to relationship banking rather than transactional finance. The vision is to be “recognised as the leading specialist banking group in the UK, known for our expertise, integrity, and sustainable approach.”

Core values guide every decision at Close Brothers:

• Expertise: Deep sector knowledge enables tailored solutions; staff are encouraged to become specialists in their respective fields.
• Integrity: Honest dealings, transparent communication, and adherence to ethical standards are non-negotiable.
• Long-term Orientation: Decisions are made with a multi-year horizon, focusing on sustainable growth rather than short-term profits.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: The company empowers employees to innovate and take ownership, mirroring the agility of a smaller firm within a large group.
• Inclusion: A diverse workforce is seen as a competitive advantage; initiatives like the Close Brothers Women’s Network and mental health support programs foster belonging.

These values are embedded in hiring, performance reviews, and customer interactions. For employees, they create a culture of accountability and pride. For clients, they translate into reliable, bespoke service.

Business Strategy and Future Roadmap

Close Brothers’ strategy is built on four pillars: specialist lending, digital enablement, talent development, and responsible growth. In specialist lending, the group continues to deepen its expertise in asset finance, motor finance, property lending, and invoice discounting. The aim is to capture market share from mainstream banks that have retreated from these segments.

Digital enablement focuses on automating credit processes and enhancing customer portals. The company has invested over £50 million in technology in the last three years, including a new loan origination system for Property Finance and a customer app for Motor Finance. The roadmap includes deploying machine learning models for credit risk assessment and expanding open banking integrations to streamline affordability checks.

Talent development is a priority: Close Brothers recently launched a “Future Leaders” programme and increased apprenticeship hires by 30% in 2023. The goal is to build a pipeline of diverse leaders who embody the company’s values.

Responsible growth involves aligning lending with ESG criteria. The group has committed to net-zero operations by 2030 and aims to grow its green lending portfolio to £1 billion by 2025. Additionally, Close Brothers is exploring partnerships with fintechs to offer embedded finance solutions to non-financial platforms.

Looking ahead, the company targets mid-single-digit loan book growth and a return on equity above 15%. Geographic expansion remains selective—likely via acquisitions in asset management—while the Securities division looks to capitalise on increased retail trading volumes through Winterflood.

Products, Technologies, and Services

Close Brothers offers a wide array of financial products and services across its divisions:

• Banking: Asset Finance (equipment leasing, vehicle funding), Motor Finance (car loans, hire purchase), Property Finance (bridging loans, development finance, commercial mortgages), Invoice Finance (factoring, discounting), and SME loans.
• Securities: Winterflood Securities provides market-making and execution-only stockbroking for retail and institutional clients. It also offers research and corporate access services.
• Asset Management: Close Brothers Asset Management delivers discretionary portfolio management, financial planning, and pension advice to high-net-worth individuals and institutions. It also runs a range of OIEC and investment trusts.

Technologically, Close Brothers uses a proprietary credit engine called Close Score for rapid decisioning in motor and asset finance. The company has also adopted Salesforce Financial Services Cloud for CRM, and SAP for back-office operations. In securities, Winterflood’s Nexus platform provides real-time pricing and execution for over 10,000 instruments.

Innovation is driven by the Close Brothers Innovation Lab based in London, which prototypes new digital services. Recent projects include a blockchain-based invoice platform and an AI-driven advisory tool for wealth managers.

Industries and Markets Served

Close Brothers serves a diverse set of industries, reflecting its specialist lending focus:

• Transport & Logistics: Financing for trucks, trailers, and fleet vehicles.
• Construction & Property: Development finance, bridging loans, and plant & machinery funding.
• Manufacturing: Equipment leasing and invoice discounting for production companies.
• Healthcare: Funding for medical practices, dental surgeries, and care homes.
• Agriculture: Tractor and combine harvester finance.
• Technology: Financing for IT equipment and software.
• Hospitality: Loans for hotels, pubs, and restaurants.

The customer base ranges from sole traders to FTSE 350 companies. Notably, Close Brothers does not serve “universal” mass-market retail banking needs but focuses on those requiring bespoke, secured finance.

Leadership and Management Philosophy

Close Brothers is led by a seasoned executive team. CEO Adrian Sainsbury joined in 2016, bringing extensive experience from Lloyds Banking Group and a focus on operational excellence. The management style is decentralised: each division operates with considerable autonomy, allowing business heads to make quick decisions tailored to their markets.

The management philosophy emphasises “servant leadership”—managers are expected to support their teams, remove obstacles, and foster psychological safety. Regular town halls and “open door” policies ensure transparency. The board is committed to Sustainability, and executive compensation is now partially linked to ESG targets.

Corporate Events, Conferences, and Community Engagement

Close Brothers sponsors several annual events: the Close Brothers Property Finance Summit (held in London), the Winterflood Markets Conference (for institutional investors), and the Close Brothers Motor Finance Dealer Awards. The company also participates in UK Finance conferences and Alternative Finance Awards.

Community engagement is robust. The Close Brothers Charitable Trust donates over £1 million annually to causes like financial literacy and homelessness support. Employees receive two paid volunteering days per year, and the company matches fundraising efforts pound-for-pound.

Employees and Workplace Culture

Close Brothers employs over 3,000 people, with a majority based in the UK. The culture is described as collaborative and professional yet friendly. The company has been listed in Great Place to Work UK’s Best Workplaces for five consecutive years. Benefits include private medical insurance, pension contributions up to 12%, share schemes, and flexible working arrangements (most roles adopt hybrid model).

Diversity and inclusion programs include Women in Finance, LGBTQ+ Allies Network, and Mental Health First Aiders. The company also sponsors a Financial Services Apprenticeship Scheme to attract non-graduate talent.

Job Details & Requirements for this Posting

Role: Senior Financial Analyst – Corporate Banking

Location: London (hybrid – 3 days in office)

Salary: £70,000 – £90,000 per annum + bonus + benefits

Job Type: Full-time, permanent

Reporting to: Head of Corporate Banking

Department: Banking – Corporate Credit

Responsibilities:

• Prepare detailed financial analysis and credit risk assessments for corporate lending opportunities (typically £1m–£50m).
• Build and maintain financial models to evaluate cash flow, profitability, and sensitivity scenarios.
• Review and interpret financial statements, business plans, and asset valuations.
• Present credit papers to the Credit Committee with clear recommendations.
• Monitor existing loan portfolios for covenants, performance, and early warning indicators.
• Collaborate with relationship managers to structure deals (terms, pricing, security).
• Support due diligence on acquisition opportunities for the division.
• Stay updated on macroeconomic trends and industry sectors served.
• Contribute to the development of internal credit risk policies and procedures.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field; MBA or CFA preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in corporate banking credit analysis within a bank or specialist lender.
• Strong proficiency in financial modeling (Excel, VBA an advantage).
• Excellent knowledge of accounting standards (IFRS/UK GAAP).
• Familiarity with syndicated loans, leveraged finance, or asset finance is a plus.
• Proven track record of writing high-quality credit papers.
• Strong verbal communication and ability to challenge assumptions constructively.
• Team-oriented with ability to work under tight deadlines.

Why Join Close Brothers?

• Be part of a FTSE 250 company with a 145-year legacy of stability.
• Work on complex, bespoke transactions across diverse industries.
• Competitive compensation with performance-related bonus and 9% pension contribution.
• Clear career progression path: opportunities to move into relationship management or risk management.
• Access to internal training academy and external certification support (CFA, CISI).
• Hybrid working, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, private medical cover.
• Collaborative culture where your analytical insights directly influence lending decisions.

Customer Reviews and Industry Reputation

The reputation of Close Brothers is a critical factor for potential employees and clients. Below is an exhaustive analysis based on multiple review platforms and industry sources.

GLASSDOOR

On Glassdoor, Close Brothers enjoys an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on over 800 reviews. Employees frequently praise the work-life balance (4.2 stars) and job security (4.0). Many reviews highlight the collegial atmosphere and supportive management within divisions. Common positive themes: “good benefits package”, “interesting work in specialist lending”, and “opportunities to grow without being in a huge faceless bank”. Constructive feedback often points to legacy IT systems in some areas and siloed communication between divisions. The CEO approval rating stands at 84%, higher than the industry average. Recruitment processes are described as thorough but fair, with emphasis on cultural fit.

INDEED

Indeed reviews paint a similar picture with an average of 4.0 stars from 500+ reviews. Employees appreciate competitive salaries and the ability to work with experienced colleagues (e.g., “learn from the best in asset finance”). Negative comments include limited career progression in smaller offices and occasional bureaucracy in risk functions. Overall, Close Brothers is considered a good long-term employer for finance professionals.

GARTNER PEER INSIGHTS

Close Brothers receives a rating of 4.3 out of 5 for its banking services. Customers specifically cite responsive relationship managers and fast turnaround on finance applications (especially in motor finance). The company is noted for its flexibility in tailoring loan terms compared to larger banks.

TRUSTPILOT

Close Brothers’ consumer-facing brands (e.g., Close Brothers Motor Finance) have a mixed presence on Trustpilot. The main group page (not formally promoted) shows roughly 2.5 stars—primarily from customers frustrated with collections processes or early repayment charges. However, it’s important to note that the company does not aggressively solicit reviews, and the sample skews toward complaints. Professional clients in asset finance rarely post there.

G2

G2 reviews are not applicable as Close Brothers does not sell standalone software products. However, its banking technology integrations (e.g., Salesforce) receive positive remarks in the “Financial Services FinTech” category through partner mentions.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Google reviews for Close Brothers offices (e.g., 10 Crown Place) average 4.5 stars, praising the modern building, on-site café, and helpful staff. Business clients often note the professionalism during loan signings.

LINKEDIN REPUTATION

Close Brothers’ LinkedIn page has over 150,000 followers and is active with thought leadership content. The company’s “Life at” posts showcase employee stories and community events. In LinkedIn’s “Top Companies UK” list, Close Brothers appears in the top 50 for financial services. Professionals associate the brand with expertise and stability. Industry influencers often comment on its prudent risk culture.

Why Organizations Choose Close Brothers

Companies select Close Brothers as a financial partner for several reasons:

• Specialist Expertise: Unlike generalist banks, Close Brothers understands niche sectors like independent garages, dental practices, or manufacturing lines—enabling faster, more informed decisions.
• Relationship Focus: Clients deal with the same relationship manager over years, fostering trust and continuity.
• Certainty of Funding: Because Close Brothers funds loans primarily from its own balance sheet (not wholesale markets), it can guarantee funding even in volatile times.
• Flexible Structures: The ability to tailor repayment schedules, security arrangements, and covenants to specific business cash flows.
• Speed: Decisions on standard asset finance applications can be made within 24 hours, leveraging automated credit scoring.
• Ethical Reputation: The bank’s responsible lending ethos and ESG commitments align with corporate values of modern businesses.

Official Contact Information

For inquiries and assistance, please reach out to Close Brothers using the following contact details:

Close Brothers Group plc
10 Crown Place
London EC2A 4FT
United Kingdom
Contact Number: +44 (0)20 7655 3100
Support Number: 0800 169 8121 (UK only)
Helpdesk Number: +44 (0)20 7655 3500
Website: www.closebrothers.com

Official Social Media Presence

• LinkedIn:Close Brothers on LinkedIn
• Twitter/X:@closebrothers
• Facebook:Close Brothers Group
• Instagram:@closebrothersgroup
• YouTube:Close Brothers Channel

SEO FAQ Section

Close Brothers is a UK merchant banking group providing specialist lending, securities trading, and asset management services to businesses and individuals.

Close Brothers is headquartered at 10 Crown Place, London, EC2A 4FT, United Kingdom.

Adrian Sainsbury serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Close Brothers.

Close Brothers was founded in 1878.

Yes, Close Brothers is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker CBG and is a constituent of the FTSE 250.

Close Brothers operates three core divisions: Banking, Securities (Winterflood), and Asset Management.

Close Brothers employs over 3,000 people.

Close Brothers offers asset finance, motor finance, property finance, and invoice finance.

Yes, through Close Brothers Asset Management, which manages £14 billion in assets.

For a Senior Financial Analyst in London, the salary ranges from £70,000 to £90,000 plus bonus.

Yes, Close Brothers is recognized as a Great Place to Work, with strong employee ratings on Glassdoor and Indeed.

Close Brothers has a Green Finance Initiative and targets net-zero operations by 2030.

Benefits include private medical insurance, 12% pension contributions, share schemes, and hybrid working.

Competitors include Shawbrook Bank, Aldermore Bank, and Metro Bank in specialist lending; and Rathbones in wealth management.

Yes, Close Brothers offers a rotational graduate programme across its divisions.

Applications are accepted via the careers page on the Close Brothers website.

Close Brothers holds an A- rating from S&P and Baa1 from Moody’s.

Yes, Close Brothers runs a Financial Services Apprenticeship Scheme.

Close Brothers uses Salesforce, SAP, and proprietary credit engines like Close Score.

Yes, by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

For additional insights into the financial services industry and expert content creation, businesses often rely on Close Brothers as a benchmark for specialist banking. The company’s commitment to transparency and expertise is reflected in its thought leadership publications and partnerships with content marketing platforms. Those looking to enhance their online presence through authoritative content can explore Guest Posting as a strategy to build brand authority and backlinks. Whether through high-quality articles or sponsored posts, integrating guest posting services into a marketing plan can amplify reach, similar to how Close Brothers leverages its network to disseminate industry knowledge.