Question 1

What is Cambridge & Counties Bank?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge & Counties Bank is a specialist UK bank focused on providing lending and deposit products for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The bank specializes in property finance, asset finance, and classic car finance, operating with a relationship-led approach that combines traditional banking values with modern service standards.

The bank has a unique ownership structure, being owned jointly by Trinity Hall (a college of the University of Cambridge) and Cambridgeshire Local Government Pension Scheme. It is a B Corp Certified institution, scoring 92.8 in its B Impact Assessment, reflecting its commitment to positive environmental and social impact.

Question 2

When was Cambridge & Counties Bank founded?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge & Counties Bank was established in June 2012 and launched operations across Great Britain shortly thereafter. The bank was founded through a partnership between Trinity Hall Cambridge and Cambridgeshire County Council (through its pension scheme), bringing together academic and public sector institutional ownership.

The bank achieved break-even on a monthly trading basis within its first year and has grown consistently since launch, reaching over £1 billion in balance sheet assets by 2019.

Question 3

Where is Cambridge & Counties Bank headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge & Counties Bank is headquartered in Leicester, England. The bank maintains regional offices in Sheffield, Birmingham, and Bristol, with satellite representation in Manchester, Cardiff, and Glasgow.

This network of offices enables nationwide coverage while maintaining the personalized, relationship-based service model that defines the bank's approach. The bank's classic car finance division also operates from the Leicester head office.

Question 4

Where does Cambridge & Counties Bank operate?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge & Counties Bank operates throughout the United Kingdom, providing nationwide coverage through its head office in Leicester and regional offices across England and satellite offices in Scotland and Wales. The bank serves customers in all regions of the UK.

Its network includes offices in Sheffield (covering the North and Scotland), Birmingham (covering the Midlands), Bristol (covering the South West and Wales), with additional representation in Manchester, Cardiff, and Glasgow ensuring comprehensive geographic reach.

Question 5

What services does Cambridge & Counties Bank offer?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge & Counties Bank offers specialist lending services across three core divisions: property finance, asset finance, and classic car finance, alongside savings products for businesses and individuals.

Property finance products include commercial investment mortgages, residential buy-to-let mortgages, owner-occupier commercial mortgages, bridging finance, houses in multiple occupation (HMO) financing, holiday let mortgages, mixed-use property loans, refurbishment finance, and secured pension lending. Loan amounts typically range from £150,000 to £10 million with terms from 1 to 30 years depending on the product.

Asset finance products include hire purchase and finance lease arrangements for businesses acquiring essential assets such as equipment, plant, machinery, and vehicles. The division won New Challenger of the Year at the Leasing World Awards in 2016 and has grown exposures to £83 million, with a 17% increase in 2023.

Classic car finance offers purchase finance, equity release, and auction finance for classic cars, vintage cars, modern classics, and racing cars. This specialized division has grown to £51 million in lending, showing 18% annual growth in 2023.

Savings products include notice savings accounts and fixed-rate bonds available to businesses, charities, clubs, associations, trusts, and credit unions, as well as retail customers through deposit intermediaries. Deposits are protected up to £120,000 through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (increased from the standard £85,000 limit).

The bank operates a traditional manual underwriting process where experienced underwriters make individual decisions on applications, combining modern service with traditional banking judgment. Digital capabilities include online account management, though the bank emphasizes relationship-led service through its network of Relationship Managers who work with business introducers and directly with customers.

Question 6

What makes Cambridge & Counties Bank unique?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge & Counties Bank's unique ownership by Trinity Hall Cambridge and Cambridgeshire Local Government Pension Scheme sets it apart from typical commercial banks. This institutional ownership structure provides stability and a long-term perspective aligned with the investors' patient capital approach.

The bank's B Corp Certification, achieved in June 2023 with a score of 92.8, demonstrates its commitment to using business as a force for good. This certification places it among a small group of banks globally that meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance.

The bank's relationship-led model emphasizes experienced bankers providing deep, personalized support rather than relying on automated processes. It maintains consistently high customer satisfaction, with 99% customer satisfaction ratings maintained over multiple years and 99% of customers willing to recommend the bank.

The specialist focus on SME lending, particularly in property investment, asset acquisition, and classic car finance, allows the bank to develop deep expertise in these niches rather than competing across all banking products. This specialization, combined with flexible underwriting that considers individual circumstances rather than rigid criteria, enables it to serve customers that mainstream banks might overlook.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Cambridge & Counties Bank?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge & Counties Bank is a specialist commercial bank operating in the United Kingdom. It is registered under Company Registration Number 07972522 and authorized by the Prudential Regulation Authority with regulation by both the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register Number 579415).

As a bank, it is a deposit-taking institution with full banking authorization, distinguishing it from non-bank lenders. Its specialization lies in SME lending, particularly property finance and asset finance, rather than retail banking services like current accounts or consumer credit cards.

The bank is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, reflecting its significant asset finance operations. Its specialist focus on SME lending positions it as a challenger bank in the UK market, competing with both traditional high street banks and other specialist lenders.

Question 8

How has Cambridge & Counties Bank performed financially?

Accepted Answer

Cambridge & Counties Bank has demonstrated consistent financial growth since its founding. In 2023, the bank delivered record gross lending of £328 million, a 6% increase from the previous year, with total customer loans reaching £1.10 billion (5% annual growth) and customer deposits at £1.15 billion (5% growth).

Pre-tax profits for 2023 reached £40.9 million, representing a 44% annual increase. This strong profitability enabled the bank to maintain a return on capital of 13.6% in 2019 while continuing to invest in capabilities and enhance capital levels.

The bank's cost-income ratio improved from 44% to 37% between 2022 and 2023, reflecting good cost control combined with income growth. Staff numbers have grown to 225 employees as of 2023, a 10% increase supporting the bank's expansion.

Cambridge & Counties Bank has maintained very low levels of non-performing loans throughout its history, with credit losses consistently below budgeted expectations, demonstrating strong risk management and underwriting quality.

Cambridge & Counties Bank

in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧

Crypto-Friendliness

All done!

About Cambridge & Counties Bank in the United Kingdom