FLA members provided £98bn of new lending in the 7 months to July 2026
New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that FLA members across the asset finance, consumer finance and motor finance markets provided £98.2bn of new lending in the first seven months of 2026, 4% higher than in the same period in 2025. Of this total:
- £24.5bn was provided to businesses for investment in machinery, equipment, and vehicles, including £15.3bn to SMEs.
- £73.6bn was provided to households, including £26.0bn for new and used car purchases.
- £40.2bn was provided by non-bank lenders.
The figures underline the vital role specialist lenders play in funding the investment that drives productivity, competitiveness and growth. At a time when public finances remain constrained, access to competitive finance helps businesses expand, households manage major purchases, and strengthens local economies across the UK.
Shanika Amarasekara, CEO of the FLA, said: “The latest figures tell a clear story: when finance is available, businesses invest, consumers spend and the economy grows.
“FLA members provided more than £167bn of finance over the last 12 months, supporting investment in productive assets, helping households make essential purchases and driving economic activity across the UK.
“As attention turns to the Autumn Budget, the priority should be to strengthen the conditions for investment. Policies that improve access to finance, encourage business investment and provide greater regulatory certainty would help boost productivity, support competitiveness and unlock stronger long-term growth.”
| Jul 2026 | % change on prev. year | 3 months to Jul 2026 | % change on prev. year | 12 months to Jul 2026 | % change on prev. year | |
| Total FLA new business (£m) | 13,884 | 0% | 41,979 | 3% | 167,406 | 5% |
| By customer:
| ||||||
| Business (asset) finance (£m) | 3,560 | 2% | 10,578 | 6% | 41,669 | 6% |
| Consumer finance (£m) | 10,324 | -1% | 31,401 | 2% | 125,737 | 5% |
| Within the above: | ||||||
| Motor finance (£m) | 4,580 | 1% | 14,256 | 6% | 56,781 | 7% |