Recognise Bank
Challenger BankRecognise Bank is a challenger bank focused on commercial property lending, development finance, and bridging loans for UK SMEs and property professionals. As a PRA-regulated bank, they combine the flexibility of specialist lending with the stability of a deposit-taking institution.
About Recognise Bank
Recognise Bank is a challenger bank focused on commercial property lending, development finance, and bridging loans for UK SMEs and property professionals. The bank holds a full UK banking licence and is regulated by the FCA and PRA. Recognise combines the flexibility of specialist lending with the stability of a deposit-taking institution.
Recognise serves SMEs and property professionals through intermediaries. The bank offers commercial mortgages, development finance, and bridging loans with a focus on relationship-based lending. Recognise has built a reputation for understanding the needs of business owners and property investors.
Recognise Bank is broker-only and works with commercial and property finance intermediaries. The bank's PRA regulation provides additional stability compared to some specialist lenders. Recognise has grown steadily since its launch.
Lending Focus
Recognise Bank offers mortgage products across 4 categories including Commercial, Bridging, Development and 1 more.
Key Features
- PRA-regulated challenger bank status
- Commercial mortgage lending for SMEs
- Development and bridging finance for property professionals
- Relationship-based underwriting approach
- Broker-only distribution with dedicated support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- PRA-regulated challenger bank — combines specialist flexibility with bank stability
- Offers bridging, development, and commercial lending in one place
- Relationship-based underwriting for tailored decisions
- Focused on SMEs and property professionals
Cons
- –Broker-only — no direct access for borrowers
- –Very new bank — established 2020 with limited track record
- –No residential mortgage products
Fees & Charges
- Arrangement Fee
- Typically 1.5–2% of the loan amount for bridging; varies for commercial
- Valuation Fee
- Varies by property value — instructed upon application
- Early Repayment Charge
- No ERC on bridging products — ERCs apply on term lending
- Overpayment Allowance
- No restrictions on bridging — term products vary
Mortgage Rates
Rate data coming soon. View rates on Recognise Bank
| Product | Initial Rate | Type | Initial Term | Revert Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Year Fixed | TBC | Fixed | 24 months | TBC |
| 5 Year Fixed | TBC | Fixed | 60 months | TBC |
| Tracker | TBC | Variable | 24 months | TBC |
Application Process
- Processing Time
- 2–4 weeks for bridging; 4–8 weeks for commercial term loans
- Online DIP
- No — via broker or branch
- Offer Valid For
- 4–6 weeks from date of offer
Lending Criteria
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Recognise Bank regulated?
Yes, Recognise Bank is a PRA-regulated and FCA-authorised bank, which means it has the regulatory oversight and deposit protection of a full bank.
Does Recognise Bank offer bridging loans?
Yes, Recognise Bank provides bridging finance alongside commercial mortgages and development loans for property professionals and SMEs.
Can I apply directly to Recognise Bank?
No, Recognise Bank is broker-only. You will need to work with a qualified intermediary to access their products.
What types of borrowers does Recognise Bank serve?
Recognise Bank focuses on UK SMEs and property professionals, offering commercial, bridging, and development finance through intermediary partners.
How to Apply
Broker only. Recognise Bank products are available through mortgage brokers. Find a broker with Recognise Bank on their panel.
Similar Lenders
View all lenders| Name | Niches | Type | Max LTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawbrook Bank | Buy-to-Let, Commercial, Bridging+2 | Specialist | 75% |
| Octopus Real Estate | Buy-to-Let, Commercial, Bridging+3 | Specialist | 75% |
| Hampshire Trust Bank | Buy-to-Let, Commercial, Bridging+1 | Specialist | 80% |
| Paragon Bank | Buy-to-Let, Commercial, Development+2 | Specialist | 80% |
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