LHV Bank sees 30% loan book growth in Q1 as UK SME lending accelerates

29 April 2025

LHV Bank has announced a robust set of first quarter results, showing continued growth across its core business areas. The bank’s loan book grew by over 30% compared to the end of 2024, reaching £0.4 billion, while deposits rose to £0.7 billion.

The figures mark a significant year on year step forward for LHV Bank’s UK business, which continues to expand its support for small and medium sized enterprises and property investors.

The bank issued more than £130 million in new loans in Q1 2025 alone, driven by sustained broker demand and growing interest in the lender’s commercial and investment finance offering. The growth follows a £10 million capital injection into the bank in March, supporting its plans for further expansion in the UK market. The pipeline of loans approved by the Credit Committee but not yet completed remains at a high level, supporting strong growth for the next quarter.

The latest results come ahead of a broader retail campaign, as LHV Bank gears up to formally launch its UK retail banking app in May. The app will provide access to a current account, debit cards, and a range of competitive savings products.

In Q1 2025, LHV Bank reported a net profit of almost £1.8 million and a return on equity (ROE) after tax of 9.6%. The bank’s capital ratio stood at 22.7% at the end of March, underlining its position as a well capitalised institution focused on sustainable growth.

Erki Kilu, CEO of LHV Bank, said:

“This has been a strong start to the year, driven by growing demand for the type of straightforward, responsive finance we are offering to UK SMEs and property investors.

“While we are proud to have expanded our loan book and grown our deposit base in a challenging market, what matters most is achieving sustainable profitability. The first quarter results, and the positive momentum we are seeing, reflect the strength of our business model and the clarity of our strategy.

“We are building a bank that puts customers first, balances technology with trust, and supports both businesses and individuals to achieve their financial goals. There is more to come in the months ahead, particularly as we expand our current account and savings offering for consumers.”