Lender review · Specialist lending (in run-off)
Masthaven
- Reviewed May 2026
- Editor Oliver Mackman
- Companies House 09660012
- Methodology Public
Masthaven Bank announced its exit from the UK savings market in 2021 and has since wound down. The legal entity (Companies House CN 09660012) now sits under the name Genclose Limited and is in liquidation. Existing borrowers are managed through the run-off; not accepting new applications. Listed here for borrower reference, not as a current option.
Director, BestBusinessLoans
Oliver leads BestBusinessLoans's editorial reviews and methodology. With a background in UK commercial finance, he oversees lender research, rate verification and review independence.
Last reviewed: 8 May 2026
At a glance
- Product
- Specialist lending (in run-off)
- Ticket size
- Closed to new business
- Typical rate
- N/A
- Decision time
- N/A
- Soft search at quote
- No
- Limited companies only
- No
- FCA regulated
- No
- Companies House
- 09660012
- Founded
- 2004
Scores against our methodology
- Rate transparency0/5
- Eligibility clarity0/5
- Decision speed0/5
- Decline handling0/5
How Masthaven works
Masthaven operates as a specialist lending (in run-off) provider in the UK SMB market. Masthaven Bank announced its exit from the UK savings market in 2021 and has since wound down. The legal entity (Companies House CN 09660012) now sits under the name Genclose Limited and is in liquidation. Existing borrowers are managed through the run-off; not accepting new applications. Listed here for borrower reference, not as a current option.
The product mechanic is straightforward in shape but the underwriting is sector-specific. Tickets sit in the Closed to new business band, decisions land within N/A, and the published rate range is N/A. A hard search may apply at quote stage; ask before you submit if credit-file footprint matters to you. Like most UK lenders to limited companies, the standard SMB lending sits outside the FCA perimeter.
Where Masthaven fits best: reference and historical context only. Where it does not fit: any new lending need (in run-off).
Pricing examples
Worked examples using Masthaven's published rate range (N/A). This lender prices by factor rate or bespoke quote, so we show the structure, not a worked APR.
| Ticket | Term | Estimated total cost | Approx monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| £25,000 | 24 months | See lender quote | See lender quote |
| £50,000 | 36 months | See lender quote | See lender quote |
| £100,000 | 48 months | See lender quote | See lender quote |
Indicative only. Confirm on a Masthaven quote.
Eligibility
- Trading time: typically 12 to 24 months minimum for the cleanest pricing.
- Turnover floor: not always published. As a working figure, expect a £100k+ turnover requirement for term loans of £50k+. Smaller tickets and MCA structures have lower floors.
- Sector exclusions: Any new lending need (in run-off).
- Credit profile: Clean credit preferred; older satisfied items often acceptable.
- Company structure: Limited companies and (in some cases) sole traders / partnerships.
- Best fit: Reference and historical context only.
Pros
- + Historical reputation strong on bridging and specialist mortgages during operating years.
Cons
- − Closed to new lending; legal entity in liquidation.
- − Existing borrowers should contact servicing for facility status.
- − Not a current option for any UK SMB or property borrower.
Best for
- · Reference and historical context only
Weak at
- · Any new lending need (in run-off)
When to use Masthaven
Use Masthaven when
Your application matches the best-fit profile: reference and historical context only. The published ticket range (Closed to new business) covers your ask, the decision speed (N/A) fits your cash-gap timeline, and the rate range (N/A) is acceptable to you given your credit profile.
Do not use Masthaven when
Your profile sits in the weak-at list: any new lending need (in run-off). Masthaven will likely decline, and the decline itself can sit on broker records for 90 days. If you have any of these flags, route directly to a specialist (post-decline lender, MCA against card flow, asset-backed alternative) rather than using Masthaven as a screen.
FAQs
What is the minimum trading time for Masthaven?
Masthaven typically asks for 12 to 24 months of trading. Newer businesses can sometimes qualify against alternative underwriting (card flow for MCA, asset security for asset finance), but the cleanest pricing tends to require two full sets of accounts.
Does Masthaven require a personal guarantee?
Most UK SMB lenders require a personal guarantee from at least one director. Masthaven is no exception in the standard case. The few exceptions: asset-backed lending where the asset itself stands as security, and a small number of MCA structures where card flow is the underwriting basis. For specialist lending (in run-off) specifically, expect a PG to be requested.
How fast does Masthaven fund?
Masthaven quotes N/A for an underwriting decision. Funding to bank account typically follows within one to three working days of acceptance, subject to KYC, signed documents, and (where applicable) registration of any debenture or charge.
What rate should I expect from Masthaven?
Masthaven's published range is N/A. The headline number is rarely the offered number. Rate transparency on this lender scores 0/5 in our methodology. Expect the cleaner end of the band only if you have 2+ years of trading, clean credit, and turnover comfortably above the lender's stated floor.
What happens if Masthaven declines me?
If Masthaven declines, you have three realistic next steps. First, ask for the decline reason in writing, most reputable UK lenders will tell you. Second, route the application to a specialist post-decline lender (Bizcap, JPM Capital, Bolton Finance) where credit issues are the constraint, or to an asset-backed alternative where security is available. Third, use a broker panel to fan the application across the lenders most likely to accept your specific decline reason. Masthaven scores 0/5 on decline handling in our methodology.
Where to apply
Apply directly via www.masthaven.co.uk, or use our free quote form to be matched across the UK broker panel most likely to approve your specific profile, not just Masthaven.
Specialty alternatives
See all lender reviews for alternatives.
Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 8 May 2026. Lender website: www.masthaven.co.uk.