Atom bank carries out a quarterly poll of commercial brokers, gathering their perspectives on the outlook of the sector.

The latest survey, covering Q4 of 2025, polled brokers on the developments they would most like to see from commercial lenders this year.

Flexible criteria most requested

Almost 80% of those polled said criteria flexibility was at the top of their 2026 wish list.

Second was improvements in speed to offer (67%), followed by better interest rates or incentives (63%) and improved communication (31%).

A year ago, when brokers were polled on their hopes for 2025, better interest rates was the most popular option, with Atom suggesting pricing has become more competitive this year.

When it comes to selecting a lender for an SME client, flexibility of criteria has now become the most important factor, according to brokers. Forty% of brokers said flexibility is the priority, ahead of 36% who pointed to rate, while speed to offer and the relationship with the lender garnered 11% of votes each.

This is the first time since the SME Pulse was launched that rate did not top the list as most important factor when picking a lender. Taken together with the broker wish list for 2026, Atom said criteria flexibility is of paramount importance currently for brokers and their clients.

Brokers optimistic for 2026

The Pulse survey revealed positivity among commercial brokers about their prospects for the year ahead, with more than half (58%) at least somewhat optimistic, and 11% “very optimistic”.

Almost half (46%) said their main focus for the year would be increasing the amount of business they transact in a specific sector, with property and real estate the most common sector identified.

Around a quarter said their priority for 2026 would be client retention, while one in 10 said they would be focusing on lead generation.

•   The Finance Professional Show 2025: The Video
•   Atom introduces rate discount for high debt service cover cases
•   Atom cuts rates on near prime range

Client confidence grows

The Pulse survey revealed brokers are seeing improving levels of confidence among their SME clients.

Sixty-one per cent of respondents said they had seen an increase in appetite for external funding among their clients, the highest proportion since Q2 2024, and a sharp increase from the 41% in the last quarter.

No brokers reported a decline in appetite from clients — a first since the launch of the Pulse in Q3 2023.

Improving interest rates were highlighted by 70% of respondents as the driver for increased appetite among their clients.

Another significant driver of appetite for funding is business confidence, which has risen sharply to 47% of respondents, up from 27% in the prior SME Pulse.

Access to funding has also improved, according to the survey. Just 11% of brokers said they were finding it difficult to access funding on behalf of their clients currently — the lowest figure recorded in the history of the survey.

Tom Renwick, head of business lending at Atom bank (pictured above), commented: “The Q4 SME Pulse reinforces what we’re seeing across our own pipeline — SMEs recognising opportunity and leaning into it, with brokers seeing a sustained appetite for external funding, despite complex economic conditions. Whether businesses paused decisions ahead of the Budget or are now responding to improving rate conditions, the underlying message is one of intent: SMEs want to invest, refinance and grow.

“What’s particularly encouraging is that this confidence is mirrored by brokers themselves. When intermediaries feel optimistic about their prospects, it’s usually because they can see real demand and real deals progressing.

“However, the survey also serves as a clear reminder that lenders have to earn that business. Price remains critical, but it’s not sufficient on its own.

“Brokers value lenders who provide certainty, clarity and a willingness to look at the fundamentals of a case rather than relying on rigid parameters.”