eCapital UK appoints John Nelson as Managing Director

eCapital UK has appointed John Nelson as managing director of its UK business as the specialist invoice finance provider reports growth in funds advanced to clients.

Nelson takes over after funds advanced to clients rose 46% over three years and the client base grew by more than 32%. The business has also moved into larger funding facilities of up to £6 million.

He will work alongside David Tilling, who is moving from chief executive officer to executive chair as part of the leadership transition. Nelson will lead day-to-day operations and join the UK board, while Tilling focuses on long-term strategy, company culture and the relationship with the group's US parent.

Nelson will oversee a lender focused on invoice finance, asset-based lending and working capital for small and medium-sized businesses. It operates from five regional offices across England, Scotland and Wales, serving sectors including food and beverage, recruitment, human resources, transport and manufacturing.

His appointment comes as smaller businesses face tighter access to finance. Traditional lenders have been pulling back from parts of the market, pushing more companies to seek alternative working capital providers.

Nelson brings nearly 40 years of experience in financial services. He has held senior roles at Lloyds Banking Group, Royal Bank of Scotland and Investec, and has spent almost two decades specialising in receivables finance and asset-based lending.

His background spans corporate banking, risk, portfolio management and commercial leadership. That experience aligns with a market in which non-bank and specialist lenders are trying to win more business from companies seeking funding tied to invoices and other assets.

Leadership change

The reshuffle also includes a title change for Mark Finn, from group managing director to chief revenue officer, to align with the wider group structure.

Tilling said the transition is intended to preserve continuity as the business expands its position in the UK market. He said the company's approach to clients and introducers will remain the same under the new management structure.

"John is an exceptional leader with extensive experience across financial services and a deep understanding of the receivables finance and asset-based lending market. His strategic insight, commercial expertise and collaborative leadership style make him the ideal person to lead the UK business through its next chapter.

"His appointment reflects continuity rather than change. Our strategy, commitment to the market and focus on delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and introducers remain firmly in place.

"We've built tremendous momentum in recent years by supporting more businesses and expanding the scale and sophistication of the funding solutions we provide. As I transition into the role of executive chair, I do so with complete confidence that John and the leadership team will build on this success and deliver the next stage of our growth strategy."

David Tilling, executive chair of eCapital UK, said.

Market backdrop

The lender's growth figures point to continued demand for invoice finance among smaller companies seeking access to cash tied up in unpaid invoices. In the UK, these products are often used by businesses that need short-term liquidity without relying solely on conventional bank lending.

eCapital UK is part of a wider group operating in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. In Britain, it has more than 20 years of history in the market.

Nelson said the company has room to increase its share of the UK market and deepen its work with intermediaries that refer clients.

"I am delighted to be joining eCapital UK at such an exciting point in its journey. The business has established an excellent reputation in the market, underpinned by a talented team, strong client relationships and the backing of a strong parent.

"There is a significant opportunity to continue growing our presence in the UK by helping more businesses access the flexible funding they need to thrive. Developing relationships with valued introducers will also remain a key focus as the business continues to expand.

"I look forward to working with colleagues across the business to build on the company's success and deliver the next phase of growth."

Nelson said.