Oxbury Bank, established in 2021 as the United Kingdom’s first specialist agricultural bank in nearly a century, has quickly become a cornerstone of support for the nation’s farming and food production sectors. Headquartered in Chester, the bank was founded by co-CEOs James Farrar and Nick Evans, seasoned entrepreneurs with deep roots in finance and agriculture, to address the long-standing retreat of traditional lenders from rural economies. With a singular focus on farmers, food producers, and the broader rural community, Oxbury offers tailored lending products designed to fuel farm growth, development, and operational improvements. Complementing its lending arm, the bank provides FSCS-protected savings accounts with competitive rates, allowing individuals and businesses to invest directly in the rural economy—every pound saved helps preserve the countryside and bolster food security. This dual-service model, powered by the proprietary Oxbury Earth digital banking platform, sets it apart as a tech-driven innovator in an industry often hampered by outdated financial tools.

At the core of Oxbury’s ethos is a profound commitment to sustainability and farmer empowerment, recognizing the urgent challenges posed by climate change and evolving regulatory landscapes. The bank’s network of on-farm relationship managers—experts with hands-on agricultural experience—works closely with over 30,000 customers to deliver personalized advice, from cashflow management to ESG-compliant financing. Initiatives like the Oxbury New Gen lending scheme, launched to support young and new entrants into farming, exemplify this dedication by offering up to 100% financing for initial cashflow needs without requiring prior trading history or personal funds. In just three years, Oxbury has achieved remarkable milestones: surpassing £1.1 billion in drawn lending, attracting £2.3 billion in savings deposits, and reaching profitability in 2023—a feat that positions it among the fastest-growing British fintechs. These accomplishments not only validate its model but also underscore its role in fostering resilient, productive farms amid post-Brexit transitions and net-zero ambitions.

Oxbury has been in the spotlight recently for its groundbreaking partnership expansions that amplify its impact on sustainable agriculture. In February 2025, the bank announced a globally unique Transition Facility, a blended finance model developed over two years to help farmers fund emissions-reducing practices and enhance resilience against climate risks. This initiative integrates with government grants and private-sector payments, creating accessible pathways for eco-friendly upgrades like precision irrigation and soil regeneration. Complementing this, Oxbury secured a significant boost from the British Business Bank, increasing its ENABLE Guarantee transaction to £300 million—unlocking an additional £150 million in SME lending with incentives for ESG-aligned projects. These developments, announced on February 18, 2025, have been hailed as a game-changer for rural SMEs, accelerating Oxbury’s capacity to drive positive environmental outcomes while supporting economic vitality in farming communities.

Building on this momentum, Oxbury continued to generate positive headlines throughout 2025 with strategic enhancements and celebrations of its inclusive programs. In June, the bank adopted the advanced MORS treasury management system to strengthen risk oversight and operational efficiency, further solidifying its fintech credentials. A collaborative report with the Environmental Farmers Group, released on June 24, highlighted opportunities in nature markets as a new income stream for farmers, positioning Oxbury as a thought leader in natural capital accounting. Most recently, in late September 2025, Oxbury marked the third anniversary of its New Gen scheme, reflecting on its success in aiding succession planning and youth entry into agriculture—aiming for it to comprise up to 10% of its loan book by 2024’s end.

Looking forward, Oxbury is poised to exceed £1.5 billion in lending by the end of 2025, continuing its mission to build a modern, sustainable agricultural sector that benefits from innovation and collaboration. By blending cutting-edge technology with boots-on-the-ground expertise, the bank not only finances farms but cultivates a thriving rural ecosystem. As positive news like these funding triumphs and program milestones ripple through the industry, Oxbury exemplifies how targeted financial support can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring British agriculture remains a global powerhouse for generations to come.

Source: https://www.oxbury.com