Institutional banking provider, RBS International, has successfully delivered an asset-backed facility to BGF (Business Growth Fund Limited), a UK-domiciled fund which provides long-term growth capital to SMEs across the UK and Ireland.

RBS International, acting in its sole capacity as Documentation and Sustainability Coordinator, Agent, and Security Trustee, has provided a £33.3m hold in the new £100m, 3-year, asset-backed facility. The facility will provide a bridge between investments and exit proceeds and allow further support for UK SMEs.

BGF, one of the most active investors in Europe, was founded in 2011 following the global economic crisis, as the UK government recognised that SMEs play a significant role in a growing and prosperous economy. It has 16 offices across the UK and Ireland and has currently invested over £3bn in more than 450 SMEs.

Brad Mitchell, Director of Institutional Banking at RBS International, said: “We’re very pleased to be supporting BGF and the fantastic work they’re doing to support SMEs – the lifeblood of the UK economy.

“The facility has been structured as a Sustainability Linked Loan, with a focus on supporting the underlying SMEs’ ESG credentials. Therefore, in delivering this facility, we are also growing our objective of supporting like-minded clients which have a strong ESG focus.”

Stephen Welton, Executive Chair at BGF, added: “We’re pleased to be working with RBS International on this asset-backed facility, which offers increased lending flexibility to SMEs we support in the UK. We’re committed to continuing to support ambitious entrepreneurs and SMEs and look forward to building our relationship with the RBS International team.”