Market Harborough Building Society receives regulatory approval to enter motor finance market

12 May 2026

Complex case and bridging finance lender Market Harborough Building Society (MHBS) has received regulatory approval to commence operations in the motor finance sector. As an established specialist lender, the move represents a logical extension of MHBS’s expertise and supports its long term objectives for sustainable growth and financial resilience.

The Society is now preparing to launch a fair, transparent, and customer-centric lending proposition within the coming months, supported by a dedicated specialist team.

The Society’s entry into motor finance will sit alongside its core mortgage lending focus, with continued investment in its award-winning mortgage broker support and delivery of its Best for Brokers promise.

Iain Kirkpatrick, CEO, stated,

“Securing regulatory approval marks a significant milestone, enabling us to proceed confidently as we enter the motor finance arena. Our dedication to placing customers at the forefront is integral to our culture, and we’re committed to maintaining standards of fairness, transparency, and customer-focused lending. We aim to drive positive change within the industry, illustrating how member-owned organisations can benefit individuals and the communities they serve.”

The UK motor finance industry is a multi-billion pound sector, serving millions of customers purchasing vehicles each year. The industry has faced heightened scrutiny from regulators and consumer groups, shining a spotlight on issues of transparency, fairness, and customer outcomes. In response to these challenges, MHBS identified an opportunity to introduce a fresh approach - one that puts customers at the centre of every decision and strives to set a new benchmark for openness and transparency within the sector.

By prioritising clear communication and ethical practices, MHBS aims to raise standards and rebuild trust in motor finance. The Society’s recent B Corps accreditation reinforces this focus, highlighting a steadfast commitment to responsible practices as it launches a lending solution designed specifically around customer needs.

The Society has worked closely with the regulatory authorities whose collaboration and guidance has played a key role in enabling MHBS to confidently enter the motor finance sector while protecting consumer interests.

As the MHBS expands, it not only broadens its reach but also strengthens its ability to reinvest in the communities it serves. Unlike organisations focused exclusively on profit, the Society’s Thrive programme allocates resources to local initiatives, supporting projects and causes that generate enduring positive impact. This approach ensures that each stage of growth strengthens the Society’s ongoing commitment to creating tangible benefits for members and communities.

The Society’s move into motor finance also supports Government objectives to foster growth within the mutual sector and exemplifies how mutual businesses can deliver value, drive innovation, and prioritise customer needs across financial services.

Further information regarding products, launch timing, and distribution will be shared closer to the official market entry next month. In the interim, the Society remains dedicated to building the necessary capability and infrastructure to operate responsibly and deliver outstanding outcomes for customers.

More information about the specialist lender can be found by calling 01858 412345 or visiting www.mhbs.co.uk/intermediaries.