What documents will a funder want from my company?
Sterling's answer Bank statements, filed accounts, ID for the directors, and something recent showing how this year is going. Have them in one folder before anyone calls and you save yourself a week of back and forth.
Want a straight answer for your business?
See who'll fund meMost UK funders ask a limited company for the same core pack: recent business bank statements, the latest filed accounts, director ID and address details, and some evidence of how the current year is going, such as management accounts or VAT returns. What they ask for beyond that depends on the product. Having it ready is the single easiest way to speed things up.
The core pack
| Document | Why they want it |
|---|---|
| Recent business bank statements | Shows real takings, other repayments, and how the account is run |
| Latest filed accounts | Turnover, profit and balance sheet; funders also check Companies House |
| Management accounts or a year-to-date P&L | Shows the current year, not last year |
| VAT returns (if registered) | An independent check on turnover |
| Director ID and address history | Identity and anti-money-laundering checks |
| Company number and registered office | Confirms it is a limited company and who controls it |
Check that the turnover in your bank statements roughly matches what you tell them. If it does not (because some takings go through another account, say), explain why up front.
Extra documents by product
- Merchant cash advance. Card processing statements, because the advance is sized and often repaid from card takings. See merchant cash advance.
- Business loan. Accounts and a short explanation of what the money is for and how it repays. Larger loans may need forecasts. See business loans.
- Invoice finance. An aged debtors list and sample invoices. See invoice finance.
- Asset finance. A quote or invoice for the equipment or vehicle. See asset finance.
- Refinancing. The current agreement and a settlement figure from the existing funder.
What trips people up
- Filed accounts that are late or overdue. Funders check Companies House. Overdue filings raise questions before anyone reads the numbers.
- Unexplained transfers. Large movements between your personal and business accounts need a one-line explanation.
- Existing finance you forgot to mention. It will show on the bank statements. Say so first.
- Returned direct debits. A few bounced payments in recent months tell a story. Be ready to explain it.
Sterling's take: funders forgive a bad month far more easily than a surprise.
Keep your data safe
Only send documents to the funder or funding specialist you are actually dealing with, and ask how they want them sent. Ask Sterling never asks for bank statements, passwords or ID. If anyone claiming to be us does, stop and read funding scams.
What to do next
Put the core pack in one folder now. Then check how fast business finance can happen, since the pack is usually what decides the timing, and size your request with how much can my company borrow.
Ready for a straight answer?
Two minutes of questions. One funding specialist. No impact on your credit score.
Questions owners ask
Do I need audited accounts?
Most small limited companies are not audited, and funders know that. Filed accounts plus recent management figures usually do the job.
Why do they want bank statements if they have my accounts?
Accounts show last year. Bank statements show how money moves now, including other finance repayments, returned payments and how the account is run.
Will they need my personal details as a director?
Usually, yes: ID, home address history and, where a personal guarantee is involved, consent to look at your personal credit file.
Can I send PDFs exported from online banking?
Usually, though many funders prefer a secure open-banking link that pulls statements directly. Ask which they accept before you send anything by email.