Lombard Marine Finance - NatWest Group's Specialist Lending Arm
Lombard is NatWest Group's asset finance division and one of the UK's largest specialist lenders by balance sheet. In the marine sector, Lombard competes at the top end of the market - consistently relevant for larger vessels where institutional credibility and relationship banking matter as much as rate.
Where JBR Capital operates as a true specialist in prestige marine finance with deep sector expertise, Lombard's advantage lies in its institutional scale: the ability to fund very large transactions, multi-currency facilities structured within the NatWest group's FX operations, and the trusted familiarity of an existing private banking relationship. For a borrower who already banks with NatWest's private banking division, Lombard is often the first and most competitive port of call.
That said, Lombard's underwriting criteria are more conventional than JBR Capital's. They require a strong, clean borrower profile and are generally less accommodating of complex offshore ownership structures, live-aboard arrangements, or significant adverse credit history. For straightforward applications from well-qualified borrowers - particularly those purchasing larger motor yachts in the £1 million to £5 million range - Lombard's rates are highly competitive and their processing is well-organised.
Doulton Bridging Finance approaches Lombard regularly on behalf of clients, alongside JBR Capital, Barclays Marine, and specialist private bank lenders, to ensure every client sees the full market before committing to a facility.
Current Lombard Marine Finance Rates
Rates are indicative as of October 2026 and subject to individual credit assessment, vessel survey, and full application.
| Product | Vessel Value | Rate From | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Yacht - Hire Purchase | £150k – £5m | 5.7% APR | Prime borrowers; NatWest relationship preferred |
| Finance Lease | £150k – £5m | 5.3% APR | Business use; VAT deferral benefit |
| High-Value Yacht - HP | £5m+ | 6.2% APR | Bespoke terms; private banking introduction recommended |
| Multi-Currency Facility | £150k+ | Available | GBP, EUR; USD by arrangement |
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum Loan | £150,000 |
| Preferred Vessel Range | £500,000 – £5 million |
| Loan Terms | 5 to 15 years |
| Borrower Profile | Strong credit; income-verified; ideally NatWest group relationship |
| Vessel Registration | UK Part I preferred; some offshore by arrangement |
| Multi-Currency | GBP, EUR; USD for US-manufactured or US-berthed vessels |
| Adverse Credit | Limited flexibility; clean profile required |
| Ownership Structure | Personal or limited company; offshore structures case-by-case |
Lombard vs JBR Capital - Which Lender Is Right for You?
The choice between Lombard and JBR Capital is rarely binary - in most cases we approach both simultaneously and present whichever offers the better terms for your specific situation. However, certain borrower and vessel profiles favour one lender over the other.
| Criteria | Lombard (NatWest) | JBR Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum loan | £150,000 | £100,000 |
| Offshore structures | Limited / case-by-case | BVI, Cayman, IoM accepted |
| Multi-currency | GBP, EUR (USD by arrangement) | GBP, EUR, USD |
| Adverse credit | Minimal flexibility | Some flexibility |
| Live-aboard | Generally declined | Considered case-by-case |
| Large vessel (£5m+) | Stronger (institutional depth) | Weaker above £2m |
| Finance lease (business) | 5.3% from | 5.2% from |