Commercial Finance

This community focuses on SME loans, the fastest-growing product in the FLA's figures: up 20% in the first half of 2026 and 26% over twelve months, against 8% and 4% for lease and hire purchase. Technology has made onboarding almost frictionless, and brokers and borrowers like it: in our 2026 survey of asset finance leaders, speed of decision ranked first among the drivers of loan choice and total cost last. Agentic AI promises a better journey still. Loans are taking share. Over the same periods receivables fell 37% and 13%*, and business equipment fell 3% in the first half. The question is how loans, asset finance and receivables finance can be delivered to SMEs coherently and in a customer-centric way. A minority of lenders (38% in our survey) offer loans alongside asset or receivables finance, and partnership models are emerging. This matters more as SME lenders take responsibility for conduct across the distribution chain, and as Consumer Credit Act reform may move the perimeter further into SME lending. *UK Finance data on receivables is under review.