Bibby Financial Services vs eCapital: UK Invoice Finance Comparison 2026

Bibby Financial Services edges this one in our 2026 UK review at 4.4 of 5 against 4.0 for eCapital. Both are UK independent invoice finance providers, freer than banks on covenants and faster on decisioning. The difference is sector specialism, headline rate and minimum turnover floor. Bibby Financial Services advances up to 90% with setup in 5 working days; eCapital advances up to 90% with setup in 5 to 10 working days. eCapital still wins where recruitment and transport ledgers matters more than the headline score. Read the side-by-side, then check the "when X wins" sections for the buyer-fit logic.

Side-by-side

As of 2026-05-27. Headline rates and advance percentages reflect each provider's published or commonly-offered position; bespoke pricing applies above ~£1m ledger so verify before signing.
Bibby Financial Services eCapital
Cluster independentindependent
Product type Invoice finance (factoring, CID, ABL)Invoice finance (factoring, CID, ABL)
Min turnover £100k£100k
Advance rate Up to 90%Up to 90%
Typical fee 0.5% to 3% service charge plus discount marginNegotiated service charge plus discount margin
Contract / commitment Whole-ledger or selectiveWhole-ledger or selective
Confidential available? YesYes
Factoring available? YesYes
Setup speed 5 working days5 to 10 working days
Best for Construction subcontractors; Recruitment agencies; SME manufacturingRecruitment and transport ledgers; SMEs wanting factoring plus ABL; Businesses declined by banks
Overall rating 4.4 / 54.0 / 5
Last reviewed 2026-05-122026-05-27

When Bibby Financial Services wins

  • UK independent leader by volume, 9,000+ clients.
  • Sector-specialist underwriting teams for construction, recruitment, manufacturing.
  • Setup faster than high street banks (5 days vs 10-15).
  • Acquired Aldermore Working Capital Finance 2023, broadest UK panel.

Best for

Construction subcontractors, Recruitment agencies, SME manufacturing.

Watch outs

  • Service charge rate negotiable but rarely undercuts Close Brothers headline.
  • Personal guarantee standard for smaller facilities.
  • Larger facilities reviewed by credit committee, slower than fintech.

When eCapital wins

  • Full range: factoring, confidential discounting and ABL under one roof.
  • International group backing with UK underwriting.
  • Experience across recruitment, transport and wholesale ledgers.
  • Will consider businesses banks decline.

Best for

Recruitment and transport ledgers, SMEs wanting factoring plus ABL, Businesses declined by banks.

Watch outs

  • Headline rates negotiated rather than published.
  • Setup can run longer than fintech competitors.
  • Brand familiarity lower than the high street and large independents.

FAQ

Bibby Financial Services or eCapital: which is the better UK invoice finance provider in 2026?

Bibby Financial Services scores higher overall in our 2026 review at 4.4 of 5 versus 4.0 for eCapital. That headline does not settle the answer though. Bibby Financial Services is the stronger pick for construction subcontractors; eCapital is the stronger pick for recruitment and transport ledgers. If your business fits one of those use cases, ignore the rating and pick the right fit.

What are the headline commercials, Bibby Financial Services vs eCapital?

Bibby Financial Services advances up to 90% at 0.5% to 3% service charge plus discount margin. eCapital advances up to 90% at negotiated service charge plus discount margin. Minimum turnover is £100k for Bibby Financial Services and £100k for eCapital. Setup runs 5 working days for Bibby Financial Services and 5 to 10 working days for eCapital. Bespoke pricing is common above £1m ledger so verify before signing.

Can I get a confidential facility with either Bibby Financial Services or eCapital?

Bibby Financial Services offers confidential invoice discounting (your customers are not notified). eCapital offers confidential invoice discounting. If your customer relationships make disclosure a non-starter, that determines the answer regardless of headline rate.

Where does each one struggle?

Bibby Financial Services is the wrong fit for sub-£100k turnover. eCapital is the wrong fit for buyers wanting published headline pricing. If either describes your business, browse the side-by-side or get matched against the wider UK panel via our quote form.

Can Market Invoice help me choose between Bibby Financial Services and eCapital?

Yes. We are an independent UK invoice finance comparison operated by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937). We are not tied to either provider. Tell us monthly turnover, sector, debtor profile and whether you need the facility confidential. We match you against the UK invoice finance providers most likely to approve at a competitive rate, then stay your editorial reference for life.

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Reviewed by Oliver Mackman, Director. Last reviewed: 2026-05-27. Editorial by Best Business Loans Ltd (16833937).