Competition fears over SME lending

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) said its initial work identified possible competition concerns in the sector, including suggestions that there is not enough incentive for banks to compete on price, service or quality.

The watchdog will pass on its study to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) - the UK’s lead competition and consumer body from next month - which will decide in the summer if the criteria for a full-blown inquiry have been met.

The OFT said significant concerns have been raised that banks may be hindering SMEs in accessing finance from alternative providers such as peer-to-peer lenders and new financial technology lending platforms.

Alternative finance providers have complained that there are often significant delays in banks waiving security in respect of existing loan arrangements or agreeing the documentation for them to take a second charge.

OFT chief executive Vivienne Dews said: “SMEs are a vital driver of growth in the UK. They need access to banking services and loans which meet their needs.

“Our work suggests there may be competition concerns in this sector. We will continue our work over the coming weeks and hand this on to the CMA to conclude the analysis, and decide on the next steps.”