Aldermore

Aldermore was founded in 2009 in the aftermath of the financial crisis, with a mission to serve customers overlooked by the high-street banks. The bank was established to provide a more personal, flexible approach to lending, focusing on borrowers with complex income or property finance needs.

The bank gained its full UK banking licence in 2012 and has since grown into one of the UK's leading specialist lenders. In 2018, Aldermore became part of FirstRand Group, a major South African financial services group, which has provided additional capital and stability while allowing Aldermore to retain its specialist focus and intermediary-led distribution model.

Aldermore's lending philosophy centres on relationship-based underwriting. Rather than relying solely on automated credit scoring, their teams assess each application on its merits, which has made them a popular choice for self-employed borrowers, contractors, and professional landlords who may not fit standard high-street criteria. The bank operates exclusively through mortgage brokers and intermediaries, ensuring borrowers receive advice tailored to their circumstances.

Today, Aldermore offers residential mortgages, buy-to-let products, commercial mortgages, and development finance under one roof. Their professional landlord and development finance teams are particularly well regarded among brokers for competitive rates and pragmatic decision-making.