Secured Lending

Private
Products
Secured Lending

Features & benefits

Stay invested while accessing liquidity – maintain your long-term portfolio strategy without selling existing holdings

Capture new opportunities with confidence – borrow against eligible assets to fund additional investments without disrupting your current allocation

Diversify your funding approach – complement traditional credit lines and avoid asset sales by leveraging your portfolio

Attractive lending rates – designed to align with your portfolio objectives and enhance overall financial flexibility

Streamlined process and quick access – benefit from an efficient approval process for timely execution of your plans

Please note: We do not provide advice on whether a secured loan is suitable for your individual circumstances. We strongly recommend that you seek independent legal, financial, or other professional advice regarding the nature of the loan, its implications, your potential liabilities, and the associated risks.

Features & benefits

Stay invested while accessing liquidity – maintain your long-term portfolio strategy without selling existing holdings

Capture new opportunities with confidence – borrow against eligible assets to fund additional investments without disrupting your current allocation

Diversify your funding approach – complement traditional credit lines and avoid asset sales by leveraging your portfolio

Attractive lending rates – designed to align with your portfolio objectives and enhance overall financial flexibility

Streamlined process and quick access – benefit from an efficient approval process for timely execution of your plans

What is Secured Lending?

Secured Lending allows eligible clients to borrow against an investment portfolio held with Santander International. Rather than selling investments to access capital, clients may be able to use eligible assets as collateral for a lending facility.

Secured Lending is also referred to as Lombard lending. The term “Lombard lending” dates back to the merchant bankers of Lombardy in northern Italy, who became Europe's leading financiers during the Middle Ages. From the 13th century onwards, they provided loans secured against valuable assets such as gold, jewellery and merchandise, allowing borrowers to access cash without selling their possessions. Their influence became so widespread that the word Lombard became synonymous with secured lending, and even gave its name to Lombard Street in the City of London, the historic heart of British banking. Today, whilst the collateral has evolved from jewels and cargoes to investment portfolios and securities, the principle remains much the same: unlocking liquidity while retaining ownership of valuable assets.

Why might I choose Secured Lending instead of selling investments?

Selling investments may disrupt a long-term investment strategy and could mean missing out on future market performance. Secured Lending may provide access to liquidity while allowing you to remain invested in eligible assets.

What can Secured Lending be used for?

Clients use Secured Lending for a variety of purposes, including investment opportunities, property purchases, car purchases, home improvements, business ventures and bridging short-term funding requirements. The suitability of any lending arrangement will depend on individual circumstances and lending criteria.

Reinvestment opportunities

Stay invested while pursuing new opportunities

Market opportunities can arise when you least expect them. Rather than selling existing investments and potentially disrupting your long-term strategy, Secured Lending may allow you to access liquidity to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

Whether you're looking to increase your exposure to financial markets, diversify your investment portfolio or explore alternative investment opportunities, Secured Lending can provide the flexibility to act while remaining invested in your existing holdings.

Example: A client identifies an attractive investment opportunity but prefers not to sell assets that form part of their long-term wealth strategy. By using Secured Lending, they can access liquidity while maintaining their existing portfolio.

Property purchases

Helping you move quickly when the right property becomes available

Property opportunities don't always appear at convenient times. Whether you're purchasing a second home, an overseas property or an investment property, Secured Lending may provide access to funds without requiring the immediate sale of your investment portfolio.

This can be particularly beneficial when timing is important and you want the flexibility to secure a property opportunity whilst preserving your broader investment strategy.

Example: A client identifies an apartment overseas and wants to proceed with the purchase without liquidating investments that continue to support their long-term wealth objectives.

Classic & prestige cars

Enjoy the things you've worked hard for

Whether it's a classic car you've admired for years, a prestigious collector's vehicle, or a high-value performance car, opportunities don't always arise at the right time from a cash flow perspective.

Secured Lending may provide eligible clients with access to liquidity by borrowing against their investment portfolio, allowing them to pursue significant purchases without immediately selling investments that form part of their long-term wealth strategy.

Example: A client identifies a rare classic car for sale and wishes to act quickly without disrupting their existing investment portfolio. Secured Lending may provide access to funds while allowing them to remain invested.

Bridging a transaction

Access liquidity while waiting for funds to become available

There are occasions when a property sale, business transaction or other source of capital is expected but not yet complete. Secured Lending may help bridge the gap, providing access to funding until anticipated funds are received.

This can help clients move forward with important opportunities without being constrained by timing differences between transactions.

Example: A client has agreed to purchase a new property but is waiting for the completion of another sale. Secured Lending provides temporary liquidity until the sale proceeds are received.

Home improvements

Invest in your home without disrupting your investment strategy

From major renovations and home extensions to significant refurbishment projects, Secured Lending can help provide access to funding while allowing your investments to remain invested.

For many clients, this can be a practical way to improve or enhance an existing property whilst maintaining their long-term financial plans.

Example: A client wishes to build a large extension and modernise their home but prefers not to sell investments that have been accumulated as part of their longer-term wealth strategy.

Business opportunities

Supporting entrepreneurial ambitions and business growth

Whether you're investing in a growing business, acquiring a stake in an established company or funding a new commercial venture, Secured Lending may provide a flexible source of capital.

By borrowing against an eligible investment portfolio, clients may be able to pursue business opportunities without needing to immediately access capital from other long-term investments.

Example: A business owner identifies an opportunity to invest in a new venture and wishes to access funding while keeping their investment portfolio intact.

These examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not represent recommendations or financial advice. Eligibility for Secured Lending is subject to assessment, and lending terms and conditions apply.

How does it work?

Secured loans are designed to be straightforward, flexible and tailored to your needs:

The loan is granted alongside a charge over the investments held in your account with us, which serve as collateral for the facility
You can access your investment assets during the term of the loan, as long as the loan remains adequately secured
Investment assets can be used as collateral for borrowing, up to a defined percentage of their value - known as the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
We will regularly monitor the performance and value of your investments charged as collateral for the loan
The amount we can lend will depend on several factors, including the type, currency, quality, volatility, and marketability of your investment assets, as well as the overall diversification of your portfolio
If the value of your investment assets falls, or if their loan-to-value ratios are adjusted following our monitoring, you will need to either provide additional collateral or reduce the outstanding loan accordingly. Failure to meet these obligations on time may result in the bank liquidating the charged assets
You can draw and repay the loan at any time within the loan term, subject to minimum utilisation requirements, in line with your liquidity needs

What can you borrow against?

The investment assets must be marketable and easily convertible to cash during the loan term. Subject to eligibility criteria, you can borrow against:

Cash deposits

Equities

Bonds (Fixed Income)

Mutual Funds

Exchange Traded Funds

Structured Products

What are the risks?

Secured loans can be a powerful financial tool, offering flexibility and a range of benefits for different needs. At the same time, it’s important to understand the potential risks to make informed decisions.

Market risks

If the value of your investments falls below the level required to cover your loan, you may be asked at short notice to provide additional collateral or repay part of the outstanding amount to restore coverage. This is called a margin call and is often referred to as ‘topping up’ your loan.
As a last resort, if you are unable to meet a margin call within the required timeframe or under extreme market conditions, we may liquidate sufficient investments to close your position and repay the outstanding loan, in full or in part. This process is referred to as a ‘close-out event.’ In the worst-case scenario, you could lose your entire investment and remain liable for any shortfall to the bank, which may exceed your original investment.

Interest rate risks

Fluctuations in the loan’s interest rate may increase borrowing costs, which could result in the total cost of the loan over its term exceeding the anticipated return on your investment assets.

Loan-to-value ratio adjustments

Loan-to-value ratios may change as a result of our regular monitoring. When the loan-to-value of the collateral is reduced, you will need to have sufficient liquidity to ‘top up’ your loan at short notice.

Foreign exchange risks

Taking a loan in a currency different from your collateral assets exposes you to exchange rate risk. If the rate moves against you, your repayment amount may rise, and you could be required to provide additional collateral to ‘top up’ the loan.

Leverage effect

When loan proceeds are used to purchase additional investment assets, secured lending can amplify both potential gains and potential losses, depending on market conditions.

Illustrative example: You hold a Mutual Fund valued at £100,000 with an LTV ratio of 65%. We grant a secured loan facility of £65,000, which you use to purchase additional units in the same fund.

Investment without Secured Lending - Capital Gain / Annual Return Scenario

Investment Capital

Capital Gain

Annual Return

£100,000

(£4,000)

(4% of £100,000)

(£4,000)

Investment without Secured Lending - Capital Loss / Annual Loss Scenario

Investment Capital

Capital Loss

Annual Loss

£100,000

(£3,000)

(3% of £100,000)

(£3,000)

Investment with Secured Lending - Capital Gain / Annual Return Scenario

Investment Capital

Capital Gain

Annual loan interest

Annual Return

£165,000

(£6,600)

(4% of £165,000)

£1,300

(2% of £65,000)

(£5,300)

Investment with Secured Lending - Capital Loss / Annual Loss Scenario

Investment Capital

Capital Loss

Annual loan interest

Annual Loss

£165,000

(£4,950)

(-3% of £165,000)

£1,300

(2% of £65,000)

(£6,250)

You must have the financial capacity to withstand fluctuations in the value of your investments and potential losses. It is also required that you possess adequate knowledge and experience to assess the risks associated with such investments and understand the consequences of a decline in value. Additionally, your net income and/or net asset position must be sufficient to ensure that any losses incurred during the investment period do not materially affect your financial circumstances and remain proportionate to your overall wealth.

Product Features

This table summarises the main features of our Secured Lending product, as well as the security requirements for the loan, and the criteria we will apply in assessing your credit worthiness.

Secured Lending	Fully flexible loan – borrower can drawdown and repay any amount, up to the maximum loan amount at any time in the loan term subject to the minimum utilisation requirements.
Loan type	Sterling
Loan currency	Minimum: £250,000
Loan amount	£75,000
Minimum utilisation amount	£75,000 at all times within the loan term
Minimum utilisation balance	5 Years, repayable on demand
Loan term	Interest only
Repayment basis	Subject to our approval, may include (but are not limited to) cash, equities, bonds, Mutual Funds (UK regulated unit trusts and OEICs, and offshore funds (UCITS)), Exchange Traded Funds and Structured Products. The investment portfolio acting as collateral for each loan must be adequately diversified by issuer and sector.
Eligible assets	LTVs will be dependent on the type, currency, quality, volatility and marketability of the investment assets, as well as on the diversification of the investment portfolio acting as collateral for the loan.
Loan-to-value (LTV) ratios	At least daily
Secured assets monitoring frequency	% over respective Central Bank Base Rate. Pricing is subject to individual approval and depends on loan size.
Indicative pricing	Monthly
Interest servicing frequency	1% of total loan amount
Arrangement fee	Security establishment fee: £455 Any legal fees (if required) as specified in the facility letter
Other costs	First ranking security interest over the borrower’s rights in and to: 1. The documents entered into, in connection with the operation of the investment account 2. Any eligible investment assets held by the Custodian on the borrower’s behalf 3. All bank accounts the borrower holds with Santander International
Security requirements	The bank will assess whether the borrower has the financial means to service the loan interest and meet margin calls without the bank having to liquidate the investment portfolio acting as collateral. This will be based on the borrower’s total net worth and net liquid assets
Affordability & debt servicing assessment

All lending is subject to status and/or lending criteria.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Can I use Secured Lending for investment opportunities?
Yes. Secured Lending can provide access to liquidity for new investment opportunities while allowing you to maintain your existing portfolio. This may enable you to act on opportunities without selling assets that form part of your long-term investment strategy. However, borrowing to invest increases financial risk and may not be suitable for all clients.

Q2. Can I use Secured Lending to purchase property?
Subject to eligibility and lending criteria, Secured Lending can be used to help fund a property purchase. This could include a second home, overseas property or investment property, without the immediate need to liquidate investments.

Q3. Can I use Secured Lending to purchase a classic or prestige car?
Secured Lending can help finance significant purchases, including classic, collector or prestige vehicles. By borrowing against an eligible investment portfolio, you may be able to access liquidity while remaining invested. Lending is subject to status, affordability, lending criteria and ongoing collateral requirements.

Q4. Can Secured Lending be used as a bridging solution?
Yes. In certain circumstances, Secured Lending can provide short-term liquidity while you await funds from another source, such as a property sale, inheritance or business transaction. All applications are subject to assessment and approval.

Q5. Can I use Secured Lending for home improvements?
Secured Lending can be used to support major home improvement projects, including renovations, refurbishments and extensions, while allowing you to retain your investment portfolio.

Q6. Can Secured Lending be used for business opportunities?
Eligible clients may use Secured Lending to access capital for business investments, acquisitions or growth initiatives. Each application is assessed on its own merits, taking into account the client's circumstances and the assets offered as collateral.

Q7. Is Secured Lending suitable for me?
Secured Lending is not appropriate for everyone. Before proceeding, we recommend obtaining independent legal, financial or other professional advice to ensure you understand the nature of the facility, your obligations and the associated risks.

Secured Lending risk warning

Please note: We do not provide advice on whether a secured loan is suitable for your individual circumstances. We strongly recommend that you seek independent legal, financial, or other professional advice regarding the nature of the loan, its implications, your potential liabilities, and the associated risks.

News and insights

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Interest rate increases for Banking and Savings Accounts

09 October 2026

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Interest rate change for our Euro Notice Accounts

02 October 2023

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If you’re looking for a financing solution to optimise your cash flow or seize short-term market opportunities without changing your long-term asset allocation, a secured loan could be an attractive option.

Features & benefits

Stay invested while accessing liquidity – maintain your long-term portfolio strategy without selling existing holdings

Capture new opportunities with confidence – borrow against eligible assets to fund additional investments without disrupting your current allocation

Diversify your funding approach – complement traditional credit lines and avoid asset sales by leveraging your portfolio

Attractive lending rates – designed to align with your portfolio objectives and enhance overall financial flexibility

Streamlined process and quick access – benefit from an efficient approval process for timely execution of your plans

Stay invested while accessing liquidity – maintain your long-term portfolio strategy without selling existing holdings

Capture new opportunities with confidence – borrow against eligible assets to fund additional investments without disrupting your current allocation

Diversify your funding approach – complement traditional credit lines and avoid asset sales by leveraging your portfolio

Attractive lending rates – designed to align with your portfolio objectives and enhance overall financial flexibility

Streamlined process and quick access – benefit from an efficient approval process for timely execution of your plans

What is Secured Lending?

Why might I choose Secured Lending instead of selling investments?

What can Secured Lending be used for?

Reinvestment opportunities

Property purchases

Classic & prestige cars

Bridging a transaction

Home improvements

Business opportunities

Secured Lending risk warning

News and insights

Interest rate increases for Banking and Savings Accounts

Interest rate change for our Euro Notice Accounts