The "United Kingdom Alternative Lending Market Size Forecast by Value and Volume Across 100+ KPIs by Type of Lending, End-User Segments, Loan Purpose, Finance Models, Distribution Channels, and Payment Instruments Databook Q4 2025 Update" has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.
The UK's alternative lending market is poised for sustained growth, with projections indicating an annual rise of 14.3%, reaching US$40.46 billion by 2025. Previously, from 2020-2024, the market saw a formidable CAGR of 15.2%. This momentum is expected to persist, with a CAGR of 12.4% from 2025 to 2029, ultimately expanding from US$35.39 billion in 2024 to approximately US$64.56 billion by 2029.
This report delivers a data-centric analysis of the UK alternative lending industry, offering insights into key market segments, distribution channels, and lending models. It covers diverse KPIs, such as loan disbursement value and volume, alongside borrower demographics, providing a comprehensive view of market size, lending behavior, and risk dynamics.
Key Trends Drivers: The sector is entering a mature, regulated phase. BNPL is transitioning to full FCA oversight, while open banking becomes integral to credit decision-making. Embedded lending is consolidating among major retailers, driving SME growth through partnerships. Data and credit-information reforms promise enhanced underwriting and inclusion, with success hinging on compliance, data agility, and strategic alliances.
Regulatory Shifts: BNPL's regulatory oversight will start transitioning to the FCA's purview. This shift broadens BNPL's risk profile, requiring explicit rules on creditworthiness and complaints handling. Open banking expands its role as a credit infrastructure, with VRP gaining traction, improving cash-flow insights for lenders.
Market Consolidation: In embedded lending, major retailers leverage co-built credit products to enhance conversion rates, while SME growth is steered by forward-flow partnerships. Data rights reform and governance improvements will be pivotal in reshaping underwriting processes.
Competitive Dynamics: The competition landscape is consolidating, with well-capitalized lenders gaining an edge through embedded partnerships and early compliance adoption. Regulation acts as a filter, emphasizing consumer protection, underwriting precision, and governance. SME lending is moving towards hybrid bank-fintech models, with BNPL players facing margin pressures.
Strategic Movements: Industry leaders are strategically diversifying and expanding their footprints. Funding Circle, for instance, has expanded its product mix and secured new partnerships. Meanwhile, Klarna, Zilch, and others continue to maneuver through acquisitions and strategic alliances to bolster their positions.
Recent Partnerships and M&A Activity:
- Shawbrook's acquisition of ThinCats integrates SME lending within a bank capital model.
- Klarna reconfigures strategy with the sale of a UK loan book portion to Elliott.
- Allica's acquisition of Tuscan Capital strengthens its property-backed lending foothold.
Key Attributes
| Report Attribute | Details |
| No. of Pages | 200 |
| Forecast Period | 2025-2029 |
| Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 | $40.46 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 | $64.56 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 12.4% |
| Regions Covered | United Kingdom |
Key Topics Covered:
- 1. About this Report
- 1.1. Summary
- 1.2. Methodology
- 1.3. Definition
- 1.4. Disclaimer
- 2. United Kingdom Economic Indicators
- 3. United Kingdom Broader Market Enablers Digital Infrastructure
- 4. United Kingdom Overall Lending Industry Attractiveness
- 5. United Kingdom Overall Lending Market Size and Forecast by Type of Lending
- 5.1. United Kingdom Overall Lending Market Share by Type of Lending, 2024
- 5.2. Overall Lending by Alternative Lending
- 5.3. Overall Lending by Bank-based NBFC Lending
- 6. United Kingdom Overall Lending Market Size and Forecast by End-User
- 6.1. United Kingdom Overall Lending Market Share by End-User, 2024
- 6.2. United Kingdom End User of Overall Lending by Retail Lending
- 6.3. United Kingdom End User of Overall Lending by SME MSME Lending
- 7. United Kingdom Retail Lending Market Size and Forecast by Loan Purpose Use Case
- 8. United Kingdom SME/MSME Lending Market Size and Forecast by Loan Purpose Use Case
- 9. United Kingdom Overall Lending Market Size and Forecast by Distribution Channel
- 10. United Kingdom Alternative Lending Industry Attractiveness
- 11. United Kingdom Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by End-User
- 12. United Kingdom Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Finance Models
- 13. United Kingdom Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Finance Models and End-User Segments
- 14. United Kingdom Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Loan Purpose Use Case Retail (Consumer Lending)
- 15. United Kingdom Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Loan Purpose Use Case SME/MSME (SME/MSME Lending)
- 16. United Kingdom Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument
- 17. United Kingdom Alternative Lending by Finance Models across Payment Instruments
- 18. United Kingdom Alternative Lending Analysis by Consumer Demographics Behavior
For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/wwykbx
About ResearchAndMarkets.com
ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251118845141/en/
Contacts:
ResearchAndMarkets.com
Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470
For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630
For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900