FLA members provide £56bn of new lending in first four months of 2026

Members of the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) provided £56 billion of new lending during the first four months of 2026, underlining the sector’s continued role in supporting business investment and consumer spending across the UK.

According to new figures released by the FLA, total new lending across the asset finance, consumer finance and motor finance markets increased by 5% compared with the same period in 2025.

Of the £56 billion advanced between January and April, £14 billion was provided to businesses to fund investment in machinery, equipment and vehicles, including £8.8 billion to SMEs. Households received £42 billion of finance, including £15.4 billion used to support new and used car purchases. Non-bank lenders accounted for £22.6 billion of total lending.

The latest data also showed that FLA members provided £13.8 billion of new lending in April alone, up 6% on the same month last year. Business asset finance new business increased by 14% year-on-year to £3.7 billion, while consumer finance grew by 3% to £10.1 billion. Motor finance new business rose by 11% in April.

On a rolling 12-month basis to April 2026, total FLA new business reached £165.7 billion, an increase of 5% compared with the previous year. Asset finance new business totalled £41.1 billion, while consumer finance and motor finance reached £124.7 billion and £55.9 billion respectively.

“Asset finance, motor finance and consumer finance are essential to the UK’s real economy, helping businesses invest, supporting households with major purchases, and keeping activity moving across the country.

“Our latest figures underline that impact, with £56 billion of new lending in the first four months of 2026, up 5% on last year, showing our members continue to deliver even in a challenging environment.

“With the right economic and regulatory environment, our sector can go further, unlocking investment, supporting growth, and making sure people and businesses can access the finance they need.”

	Apr 2026	% change on prev. year	3 months to Apr 2026	% change on prev. year	12 months to Apr 2026	% change on prev. year
Total FLA new business (£m)	13,848	6	43,518	7	165,712	5
By customer:
Business (asset) finance (£m)	3,736	14	11,209	9	41,057	4
Consumer finance (£m)	10,112	3	32,310	6	124,655	6
Within the above:
Motor finance (£m)	4,673	11	15,913	9	55,930	6