Funding Circle CEO Lisa Jacobs to step down

Jacobs joined Funding Circle in 2012 and has served as CEO since January 2022. She will remain in the role during the succession process, continuing to oversee the company’s growth and strategic plans and working with the Board to support the transition.

Funding Circle said it will provide a further update on the succession process in due course.

During Jacobs’ time with the business, Funding Circle has provided more than £18 billion of credit to over 135,000 SMEs. As CEO, she has also overseen the transformation plan announced in March 2024, focused on creating a simpler, higher-growth and more profitable business.

Ken Stannard, Chair of Funding Circle, said: “On behalf of the Board and all our Circlers, I want to thank Lisa for her outstanding and ongoing contribution to Funding Circle. She has transformed the business, advanced our mission and built a great team.

“Lisa is determined to leave Funding Circle in the strongest position possible and ensure a smooth transition. The Board and I are fully focused on finding the right candidate who will build on our strong platform for growth.”

Jacobs said the company’s current performance meant it was the right time to begin planning for a leadership transition.

She added: “I have loved being part of Funding Circle’s growth story over the last 14 years. I’m proud of what we have achieved together for the business, Circlers and the small businesses we have backed up and down the country.

“We have shown strong growth and profitability and great foundations for the future – and now feels like the right time to start the process of handing over the reins.”

Jacobs said she would remain fully committed to delivering Funding Circle’s growth plans until her successor takes over.