Core Viewpoint - KBRA assigns an issuer rating of A-, a senior unsecured debt rating of A-, and a junior subordinated debt rating of BBB to MidCap Financial Issuer Trust, indicating a strong credit profile for the company [1] Group 1: Ratings and Financial Structure - MidCap Financial Issuer Trust is a wholly-owned subsidiary of MidCap FinCo Intermediate LLC, which serves as the guarantor of the debt [1] - The company specializes in providing senior secured debt solutions to various industries [1] - The ratings outlook reflects the company's financial stability and operational capabilities [1]

Group 1 - Demand for asset finance among SMEs in the UK is expected to grow over the next year, with 72% of commercial finance brokers indicating it will be the main area of business funding demand [1] - Business acquisition and expansion loans are anticipated to see higher interest, with one in four brokers highlighting these areas as likely to attract attention [2] - The Finance and Leasing Association reported an 11% year-on-year increase in new asset finance business in September, indicating a positive trend in the sector [3] Group 2 - Nearly 60% of brokers observed a rise in client requests for financing related to buying businesses or completing management buyouts (MBOs) [3] - Asset Advantage has introduced two new loan products aimed at supporting UK SMEs, including a CapEx term loan for investment in non-standard assets and a business acquisition loan for acquiring companies or partners [5][6] - Gary Thompson, sales director at Asset Advantage, noted that SMEs are shifting from short-term cash-flow loans to funding that supports growth, with asset finance being a top priority [4]

Core Viewpoint - The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has appointed Simon Featherstone as its new chair for a two-year term, emphasizing the importance of his extensive experience in the commercial banking and SME lending sectors [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership and Experience - Simon Featherstone brings over 30 years of experience in commercial banking and has held senior roles at Barclays and Lloyds TSB Commercial Finance, as well as serving as the global chief executive of Bibby Financial Services [1][2]. - In recent years, Featherstone has also been involved in non-executive and advisory roles at specialist lenders such as Funding Xchange and Oxbury Bank [2]. Group 2: Goals and Objectives - As chair, Featherstone aims to collaborate with the NACFB board and leadership team to maintain established structures, strengthen advocacy activities, and support brokers and their business clients [2][3]. - Featherstone expressed his commitment to building on the strong foundation of the NACFB and ensuring continued support for brokers and small businesses [3]. Group 3: Transition and Future Plans - Featherstone succeeds Adrian Coles, who served as interim chair during the transition period for the NACFB [3]. - Jim Higginbotham has been appointed as chief executive in October 2024, focusing on operational stability and planning for the association [4]. - The appointment of Featherstone is seen as a significant endorsement of the NACFB's role in the commercial finance intermediary market [5].

Core Insights - A recent study by Asset Advantage indicates a growing interest among clients in acquiring funding for business purchases, with nearly 60% of commercial finance brokers reporting an increase in demand [1][2] Group 1: Demand for Acquisition Funding - 47% of brokers have observed a modest rise in requests for acquisition funding, while 12% have seen a substantial increase; only 3% reported a decline in demand [2] - 38% of brokers noted that the level of demand for acquisition funding has remained steady [2] Group 2: Challenges in Securing Finance - 50% of brokers identified challenges faced by clients in securing finance for acquisitions [2] - Nearly half of the brokers indicated that clients often lack the necessary knowledge to navigate financing for acquisitions, management buy-outs (MBOs), and management buy-ins (MBIs) [3] - Clients frequently come unprepared with essential information, documentation, and comprehensive business plans required for financial transactions, particularly struggling with management information and financial projections for smaller deals [3] Group 3: Market Trends - The increase in demand for acquisition funding aligns with data from the UK's Office for National Statistics (ONS), which reported over a 20% increase in completed mergers and acquisitions in Q2 2025 compared to the previous quarter, with the value of domestic mergers and acquisitions reaching £3.4 billion, a £600 million increase from Q1 [4] Group 4: Industry Insights - Gary Thompson, sales director at Asset Advantage, emphasized the knowledge gap among clients regarding business acquisitions and the complexity involved, highlighting the need for funders to assist brokers in building their knowledge to better support clients [5]