Intelligent Lending Launches binq: First‑of‑Its‑Kind AI Platform to Boost Business for the UK’s 5.5 Million SMEs

Intelligent Lending binq is a new AI-powered platform designed to help SMEs manage and grow their businesses. The binq app leverages Smart Search technology and open banking data to recommend funding, scan for cost-saving opportunities, and deliver insights through its virtual assistant, Ali.

• Proprietary Smart Search technology speeds up applications and analyses open banking data to match SMEs with personalised funding options, cheaper insurance and energy offers, better banking, and more. 

• Ali, binq’s 24/7 AI assistant understands your business from day one. It surfaces insights, flags issues, and offers support when it matters – whether it’s new legislation you need to know about, cashflow warnings, or funding guidance. 

• AI when you want it, human when you need it: 75% of binq’s users choose to work with Ali, but human support is always a tap away. binq gives you the control, and on your terms. 

Intelligent Lending is a growing group of fintech's, including consumer brands CredAbility, Ocean, and TotallyMoney. Its mission is to help people and businesses take control of their finances through technology and data. Headquartered in Greater Manchester, the group has offices in London, Cyprus and Italy. 

Start, manage, and grow your business with binq 

Powered by open banking, experts, and AI, binq’s mission is to help SME owners start, manage, and grow their businesses. Its AI business assistant, Ali, delivers real–time recommendations, personalised performance analysis, alerts, and support, 24/7. And when you need to speak to a human, the team of experts are just a tap away.  Proprietary Smart Search technology continuously analyses business open banking data and scans the market, so owners always know their best options. It uses this information and reviews public records to autofill forms, making applications quick and easy. Smart Search is currently live across four key areas, with more being added soon: 

• Funding: With an estimated £65bn SME funding shortfall*, and 60% of owners not looking beyond their own banks for borrowing†, binq partners with specialist lenders to match businesses with better funding. 

• Utilities: No energy price cap for SMEs has meant that costs have soared by 75% since 2021‡. binq scans the market to find cheaper options, so businesses can cut costs and benefit from better support. 

• Insurance: 80% of SMEs are under–insured§, and 2 in 5 have none at all¶. binq finds personalised options for businesses at fair prices, protecting them against costly surprises. 

• Banking: A third of owners use personal accounts for business matters#, and less than 1% of SMEs have switched banks in the last 10 yearsΔ. With a panel of specialist providers, businesses can now unlock their potential, receive improved rates, and experience enhanced service. 

The launch of binq marks a busy 2025 for Intelligent Lending, following the acquisition of personal finance app, TotallyMoney, and its move to a head office in MediaCity, Salford Quays.  Jamie Stewart, founder and CEO of binq comments: “The UK’s 5.5 million SMEs are a significant contributor to both the economy and society, making up 99% of all businesses, employing 16.6 million people, and turning over £2.8 trillion annually.  “However, in recent years, they've faced a sharp rise in operating costs, while the government has withdrawn support and hiked employment tax.  “Running an SME is hard enough, and with binq, we want to make it easier for people to start, manage, and grow their businesses. And that's why we’re supporting owners to finding funding, switch suppliers, and stay on top of the numbers – while giving them something powerful: time back.  “Our AI assistant, Ali doesn’t just answer questions – it knows your business, flags what matters, and offers real support around the clock. And if you want to speak to a human, we’re there when you want.  “It's exciting to be doing this with the support Intelligent Lending – a fast–growing group of businesses who are using technology and AI to improve the finance services.”  Simon Kay, Chair of Intelligent Lending adds: “binq is a brilliant new addition to Intelligent Lending, as we continue to grow at pace, following our recent acquisition of TotallyMoney, and move to Salford’s MediaCity – a global hub for media and tech innovation.  “Jamie Stewart and his team bring years of experience and knowledge in the SME space, and binq’s technology promises to remove many of the barriers which are holding back so many SME owners.”  SME owners now have a more intelligent, AI-supported platform to streamline decision-making and increase financial efficiency thanks to the launch of Intelligent Lending Binq.