James joins from Funding Circle, where he held a number of roles working with brokerages of varying sizes across the UK. During his time there, he was promoted to a senior position within the business development team, reflecting his strong performance in originating and supporting SME funding opportunities through intermediary partners.
Across his career, James developed a comprehensive understanding of the commercial finance market and the breadth of funding solutions available to SMEs. He built an extensive network within the UK commercial finance broker community, working closely with introducers to structure appropriate funding options for their clients.
James is known for his solution-oriented approach, focusing on understanding each SME’s specific requirements and tailoring funding structures accordingly. His style is collaborative and relationship-driven, aiming to provide brokers and their clients with clarity, responsiveness and consistently high service levels.
In his new role at Momenta Finance, James will work with brokers nationwide to support a wide range of SME clients, from early-stage businesses to more established firms. He will focus on delivering tailored funding solutions that help businesses access the capital they need to invest, grow and achieve their strategic objectives.
Commenting on the appointment, Chris Forrest, Chief Commercial Officer at Momenta Finance, said:
“James brings a strong track record of working with brokers across the UK commercial finance market, combined with a genuinely solution-led approach to supporting SMEs. His experience and network will play an important role in helping us broaden our reach, deepen our broker relationships and deliver flexible funding solutions to even more businesses.”
Connect with James today: james.sharpe@momentafinance.co.uk
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a range of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, as well as bridging. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
Steven’s career spans a wide range of senior roles in debt and real estate. Prior to joining Momenta Finance, he was Chief Operating Officer at a well-known brokerage, where he built finance platforms for a Top 10 property services company and a leading UK private bank. In these roles, he focused on creating scalable, customer-centric platforms that improved access to real estate finance for a broad range of clients.
His background also includes senior positions with mezzanine lenders and serving as Deputy Managing Director at Close Brothers’ property fund management platform, which later became Alpha Real Capital/Time Investments in 2011. This experience has given Steven a deep understanding of the full real estate capital stack and investor requirements across market cycles.
Steven has set up and built several successful lending platforms during his career. He is known in the market for being highly solutions focused, with a strong reputation for delivering excellent service supported by first-class market knowledge and a pragmatic, deal-focused approach.
In his new role at Momenta Finance, Steven will lead the real estate strategy, working closely with brokers, borrowers and partners to structure tailored funding solutions. His focus will be on combining fast, flexible decision-making with institutional-quality structuring, to support transactions across the real estate spectrum.
Chris Forrest, CCO of Momenta Finance, commented:
“Steven brings exactly the kind of experience and pace that drives our business forward. He understands how to build platforms that actually work for brokers and borrowers, and he has a real track record of getting deals done. His arrival strengthens our real estate capability at a time when clients need fast, flexible and well‑structured funding more than ever.”
Connect with Steven today: steven.oliver@momentafinance.co.uk
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a range of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, as well as bridging. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
This landmark transaction will enable Momenta to launch an innovative, streamlined tiered loan structure designed to scale origination across its core SME lending offering. The new structure complements Momenta’s existing product mix and helps bridge the gap left by high-street banks.
Momenta will now be able to offer loans with interest rates starting from just 7% per annum, alongside extended tenors. With this enhanced suite of products, the company is well positioned to compete more effectively with industry leaders in the SME lending space and to continue fulfilling its mission of being a leading provider of capital to the sector.
New Leadership Driving Growth
This major strategic milestone is delivered under the guidance of Momenta’s recently appointed executive leadership team, who are steering the company on its ambitious growth journey.
Tim Boag, who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2025, brings over 35 years of financial services experience. His career includes senior positions at RBS and NatWest, and most recently, he served as Group Managing Director of Business Finance at Aldermore Bank.
His vision to scale the platform is supported by Chris Forrest, the recently appointed Chief Commercial Officer. Formerly Head of SME at Barclays UK, Chris’s deep expertise in funding SMEs is central to Momenta’s strategy of strengthening intermediary relationships and expanding distribution.
“This is a pivotal moment for Momenta Finance and, more importantly, for the brokers and SMEs we serve. We are delivering institutional power with the agility of an alternative lender, ensuring that UK businesses can access the right capital, at the right price, exactly when they need it.”
– Tim Boag, CEO of Momenta Finance
Additionally, Jonathan Stern, Chief Financial Officer at Momenta Finance, said:
“This new facility represents an important step forward in Momenta’s growth journey and directly supports our strategic ambition to become an alternative lender across multiple SME-focused products with an exceptional roster of institutional funding partners.”
Streamlined Operations for Brokers
The launch reinforces Momenta’s position as a broker-centric lender. The new structure utilises a single-application workflow, removing the need for brokers to pre-judge a client’s eligibility. Momenta will assess the application and offer the most competitive tier available based on the trading history and asset profile.
The new tiered pricing and extended terms are effective immediately for all new business loan applications.
About Momenta Finance
Headquartered in London, Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative business and property finance, offering borrowers and brokers fast access to tailored solutions across the UK. With funding lines from respected banking partners and a proven track record since 2013, Momenta Finance is committed to transparency, agility, and client-focused service.
Ayesha brings a wealth of experience from the banking sector, having spent over three years at Metro Bank as a Relationship Business Manager. During her tenure, she focused on supporting SME and commercial clients with bespoke banking services. She was responsible for managing and growing a diverse portfolio, achieving success through the development of long-standing, trusted relationships and a deep understanding of her clients’ operational needs.
In her previous roles, Ayesha became known for her relationship-led and commercially focused approach. She has a proven track record of advising on complex lending while working closely with key business influencers, including accountants and brokers, to support sustainable business growth.
Now at Momenta Finance, Ayesha will leverage her deep SME banking expertise and extensive introducer network to support brokers and their clients. Her primary focus will be on building trusted partnerships and delivering flexible funding structures that help businesses thrive.
Chris Forrest, CCO of Momenta Finance, commented:
“We are thrilled to welcome Ayesha to the team. Her background in managing commercial portfolios and her dedication to a relationship-first approach align perfectly with our values. Ayesha’s expertise in the SME space will be instrumental as we continue to expand our reach and provide certain, transparent funding to the market.”
For brokers and introducers looking to partner with a BDM who understands the intricacies of SME growth and commercial lending, Ayesha is ready to assist.
Connect with her today: ayesha.butt@momentafinance.co.uk
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a range of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, as well as bridging. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
Andrew brings 25 years of experience across banking and specialist real estate finance. He began his career at NatWest/RBS, where he spent 16 years in a range of senior roles, including real estate finance, before transitioning into the specialist lending market.
Andrew has since held senior business development and leadership positions at Mint Bridging, Vitvo, and Acre Lane Capital, where he spent eight years as Sales Director, delivering bridging, development, and ground-up funding solutions.
Now Sales Director for Real Estate at Momenta Finance, Andrew will work closely with brokers and borrowers to structure pragmatic, execution-focused funding across bridging, development, ground-up schemes, and real estate throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
“Andrew’s extensive background and proven leadership in property finance make him a perfect fit for Momenta Finance. We’re confident that his expertise will help us deliver even more tailored solutions to our clients and drive our business forward,” said Chris Forrest, CCO of Momenta Finance.
For introducers looking to connect with a seasoned professional who understands the nuances of the property industry, Andrew is the go-to person. Connect with him now here: andrew.gagan@momentafinance.co.uk.
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a range of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, as well as bridging. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
Business Highlights and Awards
Over the past 12 months, Momenta Finance has reached several pivotal milestones, with 2025 marking a record year for lending as we supported more clients than at any other point in our history. We also secured an enhanced funding facility with Shawbrook Bank. This upsized £50 million line, coupled with a three-year extension, has significantly bolstered our capacity to support UK property lending and underscores the confidence our funding partners have in our robust business model.
Our commitment to excellence was also recognised by the industry. We were proud to be ‘Commended’ in both the Best Business Loan Provider and Best Alternative Business Funding Provider categories at the Business Moneyfacts Awards 2025. Furthermore, ending the year on a high note, we were shortlisted for ‘Unsecured Lender of the Year’ at the NACFB Commercial Lender awards in November.
Success Stories
Our core mission remains supporting UK SMEs with tailored financial solutions. throughout 2025, we have worked closely with our network of introducers to deliver funding across a diverse range of sectors.
The speed and flexibility of our team remain our greatest assets. Reflecting on a complex development refinance, Jenna O’Sullivan of Henray Capital noted, “Momenta Finance impressed us with how rapidly they structured a comprehensive solution, enabling seamless refinancing.” This ability to move at pace was echoed by Myles Smyth at TSF Finance, who described our competitive offering for a North East fire protection firm as “second to none” in the market.
Whether it was funding yard refurbishment for landscape contractors or growth capital for London-based consultancies, our focus has been on balancing “flexibility with affordability.” As Sean Thorogood of British Business Funding observed, our collaborative approach ensures that clients secure terms that “fully support their ambitions” without the constraints of traditional lending.
Team Growth and Community Engagement
2025 was a year of significant leadership appointments. In September, we welcomed Tim Boag as our new Chief Executive Officer to drive our ambitious growth trajectory. This was followed by the appointment of Chris Forrest as Chief Commercial Officer, further strengthening our commercial strategy.
We also continued our active engagement with the broker community, with our stand at the NACFB Commercial Finance Expo in June serving as a vibrant hub for connecting with partners and discussing the future of commercial finance. Our Business Development Managers continued to perform strongly within the broker community, engaging them at multiple events. These touchpoints have deepened relationships with partners and introducers and ensured we remain closely aligned with current industry trends.
Looking Forward
The successes of 2025 have set a strong platform for the future. With a strengthened leadership team, increased funding capacity, and a proven track record of delivery, we are excited about the opportunities 2026 will bring. We remain committed to maintaining the high standards of transparency and tailored funding that have made us a trusted partner for businesses across the UK.
”Our people-centric approach enables us to support brokers, and ultimately businesses, who require flexibility and speed from their lenders. We have made significant progress in 2025, and I am looking forward to 2026, which will be a transformational year for Momenta.“
– Tim Boag, CEO
To our introducers, partners, and clients, thank you for your continued trust and collaboration.
Chris Forrest joins with deep experience in corporate and commercial banking. Most recently, Chris served as Head of SME at Barclays UK, where he led the national relationship and business development teams, supporting SMEs across a range of sectors. Chris has been central to developing distribution networks and championing customer-focused innovation.
In his role as Chief Commercial Officer, Chris will be responsible for leading Momenta Finance’s commercial strategy across both SME and property. He will focus on expanding distribution, strengthening intermediary and broker relationships and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience.
“I am pleased to welcome Chris to Momenta at this exciting time,” said Tim Boag, CEO of Momenta Finance. “His commercial expertise, strong business development network, and passion for customer outcomes will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and grow to serve many more SMEs.”
Chris Forrest commented: “I’m delighted to join Momenta Finance at such a dynamic and ambitious stage. The chance to shape the commercial direction of a fast-growing, progressive business with a focus on empowering SMEs and property clients is a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with the wider team to drive the next phase of growth.”
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a panorama of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, bridging and cash advances. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
Tim Boag brings with him more than 35 years of experience in financial services. His career spans major UK banking institutions and specialist lenders, equipping him with a unique perspective to lead Momenta Finance into its next phase.
Most recently, Tim served as Group Managing Director of Business Finance at Aldermore Bank, where he led the commercial lending portfolio, driving strategic initiatives, delivering growth and strengthening credit performance.
His prior leadership roles include senior positions at Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest, including Managing Director, Corporate & Commercial Coverage for London & South East, and Managing Director, Structured Finance, UK.
As Momenta Finance looks ahead, the group remains firmly committed to empowering SMEs with fast, flexible, and transparent financing solutions. Under Tim’s leadership, the company plans to expand its product offering, deepen its use of technology and data-driven decision-making, and extend its reach to support more businesses across a broad range of sectors.
“We are delighted to welcome Tim as CEO at this pivotal moment in our growth journey,” said Jonathan Stern, CFO of Momenta Finance. “Tim’s appointment reflects our commitment to ambitious expansion, continuous innovation, and our mission to empower UK SMEs with the capital they need to thrive.”
Tim Boag commented: “I am excited to join Momenta Finance at this key point in its evolution. I look forward to contributing to its ambition to become the UK’s leading non-bank SME specialist lending platform.”
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a panorama of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, bridging and cash advances. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank and upholds the highest industry standards.
Product Overview
With borrowing amounts ranging from £350,000 to £500,000 and repayment terms spanning from 6 to 72 months, this unsecured loan provides businesses with the financial freedom to invest in a variety of areas. Whether you’re looking to refinance existing debt, expand your operations, purchase property or machinery, invest in marketing, or manage day-to-day working capital, our loan is tailored to meet diverse business needs.
One of the standout features of this loan is the absence of early or over-repayment fees, giving businesses the flexibility to manage repayments on their own terms. To ensure responsible lending, a personal guarantee from at least two homeowners is required. Additionally, we offer convenient payment options, including direct debit, bank transfer, debit card, or PayPal, making it easier for businesses to stay on top of their repayments.
Applying for the loan is straightforward and designed to be hassle-free. Our online application process does not impact your credit score, and we aim to provide quick decisions so you can access funds promptly and take advantage of growth opportunities without delay.
At Momenta Finance, we are committed to providing transparent, accessible, and responsible lending solutions that help UK businesses thrive. Our Enhanced Unsecured Business Loan is a testament to this commitment, offering the financial support SMEs need to seize new opportunities and overcome challenges without risking their valuable assets.
If you’re ready to explore how this loan can support your business ambitions, we invite you to apply online or get in touch with our team for more information. Call us on 0800 848 8480 or email broker@momentafinance.co.uk.
Empower your business with the financial flexibility it deserves – choose Momenta Finance’s Enhanced Unsecured Business Loan.
About Momenta Finance
Momenta Finance, formerly Merchant Money, is a leading provider of alternative finance solutions headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Established in 2013, Momenta offers a suite of lending options, including unsecured and secured business finance, bridging and cash advances. The company’s commitment to transparency, tailored and credible funding has made it a trusted partner for businesses seeking financial support. Momenta Finance is accredited by the British Business Bank.
Momenta Finance today announces that Luke Jooste is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer to take on a new role as Managing Director of Business Finance at Secure Trust Bank.
During his tenure, Luke played a pivotal role in shaping Momenta Finance’s growth strategy, solidifying its position as a leading provider of business loans, property finance, and asset finance solutions for UK SMEs. The Company is pleased to confirm that following his departure, Luke will continue to contribute to Momenta in a Non-Executive Director capacity.
Momenta is entering an exciting new phase and remains fully committed to its ambitious growth plans. With the strong backing of its shareholders and lending partners, the business is well-positioned to accelerate its expansion and continue delivering outstanding financial solutions for UK SME’s. To ensure a smooth transition, Jonathan Stern has been appointed Interim CEO, effective immediately, while the Board of Directors undertakes a comprehensive search for a permanent successor.
In addition, the Board will be further strengthened with the appointment of principals from its two anchor shareholders, reinforcing governance and demonstrating their long-term commitment to Momenta’s success. With strong funding lines, a best-in-class technology platform, and an exceptionally talented team, Momenta is poised for a dynamic future. This leadership transition marks an exciting opportunity to build on Momenta’s strong foundation and unlock new avenues for growth,innovation and long term success.
Momenta extends its gratitude to Luke for his invaluable contributions and wishes him every success in his new role. Momenta looks forward to maintaining a strong professional relationship with both him and Secure Trust Bank in the future.
London, 3 March 2025
