NACFB appoints Jim Higginbotham as CEO

The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) has appointed Jim Higginbotham as its new CEO.

Jim most recently served as Group CEO at STAR Asset Finance, where he led the brokerage through a period of change, enhancing the risk control framework, upgrading the IT infrastructure, centralising the core business functions across four previously independent brokerages and increasing the group balance sheet by 50%. He has previously held senior roles at Lombard, Barclays, and GE Capital, where he developed an extensive understanding of asset finance, risk management, and stakeholder engagement across a variety of financial sectors.

As Jim assumes his new role, Norman Chambers will transition to the position of non-executive director on the NACFB board later this year. 

The NACFB recently surpassed the milestone of 1,300 member firms and represents more than 2,750 individual registered commercial finance brokers and 160+ commercial lender patrons.

Jim Higginbotham said: “I am honoured to have been chosen by the NACFB board to lead the Association into its next chapter of development. With over three decades of experience across all areas of commercial finance, I feel well placed to represent and deliver against the needs of our members and patrons. Over the last ten years, the importance of the commercial finance broker in the UK’s financial ecosystem has continued to increase. For more and more UK SMEs, our members act as trusted business partners, unlocking access to the most appropriate finance solutions, independent of product or provider.

“As the regulatory and competitive landscape becomes ever more challenging, I want to ensure our members benefit from the best possible support to help them succeed and prosper. I also look forward to strengthening our partnerships with patrons and ensuring the highest levels of professionalism and trust in our community. I’m excited to meet with the membership and listen to their views on how the NACFB can best serve the commercial finance community in the years ahead.”

Adrian Coles, interim chair of the NACFB, commented: “Jim was a standout choice for the NACFB board. His experience, leadership, and vision make him the ideal person to guide the Association into the future. We are confident that Jim will build upon solid foundations, confidently steering the NACFB whilst ensuring it remains at the forefront of the intermediated business finance sector. The board and I look forward to working closely with him as we navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”