A reliable intermediary bank for complex lending and international financial facilitation
Intermediary banks have become essential for smooth global transactions, especially when two financial institutions do not share a direct relationship. Among them, Clydesdale Bank stands out for its strong underwriting team, flexible mortgage policies, and professional-focused lending solutions.
This comprehensive guide explains how Clydesdale Bank for Intermediaries works, the types of mortgage solutions it offers, how to register, and why it is a preferred lender for brokers handling complex cases.
Key Takeaway
Clydesdale Bank offers specialized intermediary lending, including large loans, non-standard income assessments, buy-to-let products, contractor lending, and insurance intermediary solutions — supported by a strong underwriting team and competitive LTV structures.
What Is an Intermediary Bank?
An intermediary bank acts as a middle financial institution between the sender’s bank and the recipient’s bank in international transfers. These banks facilitate transactions when both institutions:
- Do not have a direct relationship
- Operate in different countries
- Require routing through a SWIFT-connected intermediary
How it Works
- The sender’s bank routes the payment to the intermediary bank
- The intermediary then transfers funds to the receiving bank
- The sender does not need intermediary-specific beneficiary information — only the final recipient’s details
Intermediary banks ensure that international wire transfers are completed securely, especially when banking networks are not directly connected.
Clydesdale Bank Intermediary Mortgage Solutions
Clydesdale Bank offers a wide portfolio of intermediary mortgage solutions, designed to support brokers who manage clients with complex income structures, large borrowing needs, or non-traditional financial profiles.
Below is a breakdown of their key offerings.
1. Non-Standard Income Borrowers
Clydesdale is known for its flexible approach to income assessment.
It considers a wide range of non-standard income sources, such as:
- Irregular bonuses
- Commission-based income
- Dividends
- Investment income
The bank discusses individual cases with brokers to find the best fit at competitive rates.
2. Buy-to-Let (BTL) Solutions
Clydesdale supports both:
- First-time landlords
- Experienced investors
- Non-owner occupiers
Their BTL offering includes:
- 5-Year Fixed Rate at 60% LTV
- Detailed affordability assessments
- Flexible approach to portfolio landlords
3. Large Loans
Clydesdale is a strong choice for high-value borrowing due to:
- Direct access to underwriters for loans £750k+
- Up to 75% LTV for loans up to £2 million
- Capital & Interest lending up to 80% LTV
- A range of fixed and discounted offset products
This makes it suitable for high-income clients and complex wealth profiles.
4. Interest-Only Mortgages
For clients with strong financial strength and repayment strategies, Clydesdale offers:
- Up to 75% LTV
- Flexible repayment structures
- Case-by-case underwriting
5. Self-Employed Borrowers
Clydesdale is known for its transparent and fair self-employed assessment criteria.
Requirements:
- 3 years of accounts
- Average income calculated over the latest 2+ years
- Includes share of pre-tax profit plus director remuneration
This approach benefits small business owners and company directors who prefer lenders that understand business financials.
6. Professional Mortgages
Professionals on Clydesdale’s approved occupation list can access competitive lending at higher LTVs.
Eligibility
Loans available:
- £80k to £750k nationwide
- Up to 90% LTV
- Up to £750k in London and £570k across the UK with LTV above 85%
Accepted Professions Include:
- Accountant
- Architect
- Barrister
- Chartered Surveyor
- Dentist
- Engineer
- Financial Advisor
- Medical Doctor / Nurse
- Optometrist
- Pharmacist
- Pilot
- Police Officer
- Solicitor
- Teacher
- Veterinary Surgeon
These clients typically benefit from stable career income, allowing Clydesdale to offer more flexible terms.
7. Contractor Mortgages
Clydesdale accommodates contractors with modern employment patterns.
Requirements:
- Income grossed up using 46 working weeks
- 1 year contracting history required
- 2 years contracting history if income is below £50k
This helps contractors whose income may fluctuate but who maintain steady work assignments.
Clydesdale as an Insurance Intermediary
Beyond mortgages, Clydesdale also supports insurance brokerage by acting as an intermediary. Their approach focuses on:
- Relationship-driven brokerage
- Acquisition support for regional brokers
- Helping firms retain control and grow portfolios
Their human-centric model distinguishes them from larger, more automated insurers.
How to Register With Clydesdale Bank for Intermediaries
Registration is a two-step process:
Step 1: Register with Virgin Money
Since Clydesdale operates under Virgin Money UK PLC, all intermediary registrations begin there.
Step 2: Email Clydesdale
Send your contact details and FCA firm information
How to Contact Clydesdale Bank
Clydesdale offers multiple phone lines depending on your case type.
Underwriting Support (Large Loans)
📞 0113 224 1369
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm
For loans over £750k or scenarios not meeting standard criteria.
General Intermediary Support Line
📞 0800 6783 066
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm
Application Assistance
📞 0800 9178 363
Mon–Fri: 9am–5pm
(Wednesdays: 9:30am–5:30pm)
Clydesdale recommends using the case tracker whenever possible before calling.
The Bottom Line
Clydesdale Bank for Intermediaries is a trusted, flexible lender offering:
- Large loans with direct underwriter access
- Professional and contractor-friendly mortgages
- Non-standard income assessments
- Buy-to-let and interest-only products
- Insurance intermediary support
Its versatility makes it a preferred choice for brokers handling complex, high-value, or non-standard mortgage applications.
FAQs
What is Clydesdale Bank’s Standard Variable Rate?
As of January 2022, Clydesdale’s SVR is 4.49%, with offset variable rates at 4.70% and investment offset rates at 5.10%.
Is Clydesdale Bank now called Virgin Money?
Not exactly. Clydesdale Bank still exists but operates under Virgin Money UK PLC. Registration for intermediary services begins through Virgin Money.
Which banks are linked to Clydesdale?
Clydesdale, Yorkshire Bank, B, and Virgin Money all operate under the CYBG PLC banking license.
Is Virgin Money a safe bank?
Yes. Virgin Money follows strict anti-fraud policies and advises customers never to share PINs, passwords, or hand over cash/cards during unsolicited calls or emails.
