FLA partners with Nihal Arthanayake in 2026

Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) has announced a new partnership with award-winning broadcaster, interviewer and author Nihal Arthanayake, who will collaborate with the organisation across a series of key activities throughout 2026.

The partnership that will run throughout 2026 supports the FLA’s ambition to bring thoughtful, engaging and inclusive conversations to the heart of the finance and leasing sectors, reflecting the vital role its members play in the real economy.

Through the collaboration, the FLA aims to bring those stories to life, exploring how finance shapes everyday lives, the wider economy and society, while supporting members as they respond to a changing environment with confidence and clarity.

Nihal’s involvement will begin as compère for the FLA Annual Dinner on 10 February 2026, before extending across a number of flagship FLA events and into a new FLA podcast series.

Nihal Arthanayake has worked across national radio, television and digital platforms, creating intelligent and inclusive conversations spanning culture, politics, business and public life. He is the author of Let’s Talk: How to Have Better Conversations and is widely recognised for his ability to put people at ease, ask insightful questions and connect complex issues to lived experience.

The collaboration also supports a key FLA priority: unlocking finance. Through live events, in-conversation sessions and podcasts, Nihal will highlight the positive role responsible finance plays for people and businesses, while addressing the major issues shaping the sector, including trust and confidence, leadership and culture, access to credit and the future of finance.

Shanika Amarasekara MBE, Chief Executive Officer of the Finance & Leasing Association, said: “Our members represent the real economy, supporting people, households and businesses every day.

“We were keen to work with someone who could help us tell those stories with depth, curiosity and credibility. Nihal’s ability to bring thoughtful, human conversation to complex issues makes him a natural partner for the FLA, and we’re really excited about what this collaboration will bring to our events and content across the year.”

Nihal Arthanayake added: “I’m always drawn to conversations that go beyond the surface – listening to people, understanding what sits behind the headlines, and exploring how decisions play out in real life. The work FLA members do has a direct impact on people, businesses and communities, and I’m really looking forward to working with the FLA to help tell those stories and support a more open, confident conversation about the role of finance.”