Funding Circle CEO Lisa Jacobs said institutional demand for small business loans has remained resilient despite broader credit market volatility. The London-listed fintech lender entered 2026 with over £2 billion in future funding commitments.
Jacobs noted that investor appetite has held up even as credit spreads and risk sentiment fluctuated. Small business loans, historically a domain of commercial banks, are now attracting institutional investors.
About 50% of credit extended in H2 last year came from outside core term loans, thanks to new products like a cashback credit card and FlexiPay buy-now-pay-later. These have transformed Funding Circle from a periodic lender to a daily financial partner.
Jacobs called for a deliberate approach to fintech regulation in the UK, emphasizing long-term stability for investment. She urged a fintech-first regulatory environment that encourages competition without unfair advantages.
Funding Circle reported a 20% productivity improvement in 2025, attributed to its AI integration. The company sees AI as key to improving customer experience and unlocking new opportunities.
