Close Brothers Group plc is a leading UK merchant banking group focused on delivering lending, deposit taking, wealth management services, and securities trading. Established in 1953 and headquartered in London, it employs approximately 3,000 people primarily in the United Kingdom and Ireland, supporting small businesses and individuals through specialist financial services. The group operates a prudent business model emphasizing secured lending with conservative loan-to-value ratios, small loan sizes, short maturities, and consistent criteria across economic cycles. Its distinctive approach includes deep sector knowledge for swift lending decisions, diverse funding sources, and a conservative capital position. Businesses span asset finance, aviation, property finance, invoice finance, retail, commercial banking, and securities via Winterflood. Committed to values of service, expertise, integrity, and prudence, Close Brothers Group plc fosters long-term client relationships and reliability, playing a key role in the UK's regional banking and merchant banking sectors.