Funding Circle to share SME lending growth strategy at Autumn Conference 2026

Funding Circle will open the Finance Connect UK Autumn Conference 2026 on 24 November at Kings Place, London, with a discussion exploring where growth in SME lending is coming from and how asset and receivables finance providers should respond.

The opening plenary session, ‘Where is the Growth?’, will examine the increasing popularity of commercial loans and the implications for traditional asset and receivables finance lenders, as the industry considers how best to achieve sustainable growth while meeting the needs of SME customers.

Recent figures from the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) highlight the changing market dynamics. Other finance (loans) grew by 20% in the first half of 2026 and 26% over twelve months, compared with growth of 8% and 4% respectively for lease and hire purchase.

Finance Connect’s latest research among lenders also reveals a potential gap between growth expectations and strategies. Around 60% of respondents expect to outperform the market, with many focusing on winning business from competitors, while nearly half identify the wider economy as their biggest growth opportunity.

Most asset finance lenders surveyed do not currently offer short-term loans, and relatively few plan to introduce them, citing concerns around credit appetite and conduct risk. The findings raise questions about whether lenders are viewing the growth of commercial loans primarily through a compliance lens rather than recognising the competitive challenge they present.

Funding Circle’s approach to growth

The discussion will explore how Funding Circle is using its multi-product lending range to drive growth, with a particular focus on increasing share of wallet, data-led credit decisions and the role of artificial intelligence in making lending faster and more cost-effective.

The conversation will offer insights into how a multi-product approach can help lenders respond to changing SME financing needs and create new opportunities for growth.

Industry panel: responding to the growth challenge

Following the interview, a panel of industry leaders will examine how asset and receivables finance providers should respond to the changing competitive landscape.

The panel will feature Jim Higginbotham, CEO of NACFB; Mike Randall, CEO of Simply Asset Finance; and Jason Hurwitz, CEO of STAR Asset Finance.

Drawing on published FLA figures, Finance Connect’s lender survey findings and UK Finance receivables data, the discussion will explore where future growth opportunities lie and how specialist finance providers can adapt their strategies.

Panellists will also consider how the industry can balance investor expectations, regulatory priorities, customer interests and preferences, while ensuring that commercial ambitions translate into appropriate outcomes for SME customers.

The opening plenary will set the scene for the wider Finance Connect UK Autumn Conference 2026, which brings together the Asset Finance, Auto Finance, Equipment Finance, Receivables Finance and Commercial Finance communities for a day of industry insight, debate and networking.

The Finance Connect UK Autumn Conference 2026 takes place on Tuesday 24 November at Kings Place, London.Find out more about the programme and register to attend on the conference website.

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact sales@finance-connect.com