Commercial Finance Conference 2025

Our popular Commercial Finance Conference returns on Tuesday 20 May 2025 and the theme of this year’s conference is 'Unlocking Growth: Supporting businesses to develop and succeed in challenging times'.

As the government continues to seek out all opportunities to stimulate economic growth, against an increasingly uncertain geopolitical backdrop, the commercial finance sector’s role in supporting businesses up and down the country is even more important than ever. Understanding how the sector can help to unlock growth, and the current economic conditions facing SMEs, will be key in improving the country’s economic trajectory and the success of our wider business community.

This year’s event will bring together leading experts from the commercial finance industry, regulators, stakeholders, and the political sphere to provide attendees with the insights needed to navigate these challenges and capitalise on emerging opportunities.

Delegates will benefit from in-depth discussions on the critical areas shaping the commercial finance sector. The event will cover the intersection of economic policy and commercial finance, exploring how the sector can support the government's growth agenda. We will delve into the latest trends in commercial lending, including digital transformation, regulation and strategies for sustainable growth.

This year's conference is free to attend for UK Finance members. Spaces are limited, so secure your place today to join the conversation.

Key themes

Join us at this flagship conference to deepen your insight on key topics affecting the industry, including:

The commercial lending landscape in 2025
How the Bank of England and Government can support growth and financial stability
Prospects for growth in the wider economy: the impact of domestic and international politics
Digital Transformation
Supporting vulnerable business customers: navigating the FCA's enhanced expectations
Sustainable finance trends

Why should I attend?

By attending this conference, you will gain valuable insights into the evolving commercial finance landscape, network with influential figures in the industry, and enhance your understanding of the regulatory and economic trends shaping the future of commercial finance. This event offers a unique opportunity to:

Engage with industry leaders: interact with policymakers, government officials, and industry experts to gain a deeper understanding of the sector's challenges and opportunities.
Network strategically: connect with peers and potential partners to foster new relationships and collaborations.
Stay informed: hear about the latest developments in commercial finance, ensuring you remain ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing environment.
Enhance your expertise: return to your organisation equipped with actionable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of commercial finance.

Previous attendees

Previous attendees have included financial institutions from across UK Finance’s membership, as well as representatives from HM Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority, the British Business Bank and several business trade associations.

Confirmed organisations in attendance for 2025 include:

ABN AMRO
Aldermore Bank
Atom Bank
Barclays
Department for International Trade (DIT)
EY
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
HSBC
Lloyds Banking Group
Mastercard
Metro Bank
NatWest
Pinsent Masons LLP
Santander
Virgin Money

Sponsorship opportunities:

We are proud to partner with organisations on our events. To discuss sponsorship opportunities at the Commercial Finance Conference 2025, please contact sponsorship@ukfinance.org.uk.

For more information about how you can support our 2025 events, please contact our associate membership team.

Area of expertise:

Capital markets & wholesale Commercial finance Data & analysis Economic crime Invoice finance & asset-based lending Mortgages Payments, innovation & resilience Personal banking UK Finance

Time:	Session:
08:30 - 09:30	Registration opens and networking coffee
09:30 - 09:40	UK Finance welcome David Raw, Managing Director, Commercial Finance, UK Finance
09:40 - 09.45	Headline partner welcome DLA Piper
09:45 - 10:10	Opening keynote address “Exile Economics” – whether the global drive for greater national economic self-sufficiency is feasible and what impact this may have on efforts to kickstart economic growth across the country Ben Chu, Policy and Analysis Correspondent, BBC Verify and former Economics Editor at Newsnight
10:10 - 10:55	Panel discussion Market insights: the state of commercial lending in 2025 As we move further into 2025, the landscape of commercial lending continues to evolve at a rapid pace. This session will explore some of the key trends and challenges reshaping the industry, from the impact of digital transformation to shifting regulatory demands and economic pressures. Our expert panellists will delve into how the commercial finance sector can play a critical role in unlocking growth for SMEs by providing tailored financing solutions, enhancing access to capital, and leveraging data analytics to meet the unique needs of smaller businesses. Join us for a forward-looking discussion on what the future holds for commercial lending, how lenders are adapting to a more competitive environment, and the vital role they play in driving the success and growth of SMEs. Speakers: Hannah Bernard OBE, Head of Business Banking, Barclays Matt Adey, Chief Economist, British Business Bank Jim Higginbotham, Chief Executive, The National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB)
10:55 - 11:20	Networking break
11:20 - 11:35	UK Public and Private Capital Markets: a unified strategy for growth and prosperity Speaker: Julie Shacklady, Director, Primary Markets and Corporate Finance, UK Finance
11:35 - 12:05	Fireside chat Commercial finance and economic growth: an in-depth conversation on the UK's future Our panellists will discuss today’s rapidly changing economic landscape in an increasingly uncertain international climate, and the role the financial services industry can play in supporting UK businesses through these times. Themes for discussion will include: the outlook for the UK economy and domestic pressures faced by UK businesses; the turbulent international environment and its likely impact on UK businesses; the Financial Services industry’s role in supporting businesses during these uncertain times; and the role of financial regulation – its relationship to economic growth and its role in international competitiveness. Moderator: David Raw, Managing Director, Commercial Finance, UK Finance Speaker: David Postings, Chief Executive, UK Finance
12:05 - 12:50	Panel discussion The state of SMEs in the real economy: prospects for growth in 2025 SMEs are a vital part of the UK economy, but in 2025, they are facing an array of challenges that threaten their prospects for growth. This session will examine the current performance of SMEs, highlighting key hurdles such as rising operational costs, access to labour, the impact of supply chain disruptions, and continued economic uncertainty. Our expert panel will discuss how SMEs are navigating these obstacles and what support is needed to foster sustainable growth. Looking ahead, we'll explore the short to medium-term prospects for SMEs, focusing on innovation, access to finance, and new market opportunities.
12:50 - 13:50	Networking lunch
13:50 - 14:10	Ministerial address Government's approach to growth and the role the commercial finance industry can play in driving it forward With the Government in the midst of creating its Small Business Strategy, this is a timely opportunity for the industry to hear from the Minister.
14:10 - 14:55	Panel discussion ESG trends in a new political landscape Many lenders and businesses have developed detailed Environment Social and Governance (ESG) strategies and reporting approaches in recent years, based on the view that ESG is good for business and for planet. However, political support around the world is fracturing with some politicians believing that ESG undermines economic growth and household living standards. This session will consider how lenders can manage these competing views.
14:55 - 15:20	Networking break
15:20 - 16:05	Digital transformation in commercial finance Our three experts will each pitch an innovation that could transform how SMEs engage with financial services. [Potential innovations/developments include the following (session won’t cover all of these – topics dependent on sponsor and speakers): Digital Company ID SME ‘credit passport’ / tools to improve ability to access finance Open Finance AI in commercial finance Regulated liabilities network Speaker: Mark Devlin, Managing Director Client Services, Business and Commercial Banking, Lloyds Banking Group
16:05 - 16:25	Supporting vulnerable business customers: navigating the FCA's enhanced expectations This session will explore the critical aspects of identifying vulnerability in business customers and understanding its impact on their needs and experiences. It will provide guidance on developing effective policies and implementing support mechanisms and training to ensure the fair treatment of vulnerable customers, aligning with the FCA's expectations.
16:25 - 16:30	Closing remarks
16:30 - 17:30	Drinks reception

Please note session times are subject to change.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacifi...

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, positioning us to help clients with their legal needs around the world.

We believe great businesses can make a better world. Forward-thinking, innovative organisations can find the answers to today’s most difficult questions. That’s why, every day, we help them succeed.

Our bold and dynamic culture means we think big and act decisively. Because relationships are at the heart of everything we do for our clients and communities.

Let’s make business better. Together.

Climate X

Climate X’s climate risk data and analytics platform, Spectra, is an award-winning solution that helps organisations become more resilient to the impa...

Climate X’s climate risk data and analytics platform, Spectra, is an award-winning solution that helps organisations become more resilient to the impacts of climate change by quantifying the probability and severity of weather events decades before they happen. With the latest regulatory requirements in mind, you can trust Spectra to provide explainable and understandable data to strengthen your climate financial risk disclosures and plans for ICAAP, stress testing, origination and TCFD reporting.

Spectra delivers location-specific risk ratings, EPC ratings for transition risk and climate-adjusted loss estimates between now and 2100 under multiple climate emission pathways via an easy-to-use SaaS platform or integrated API.

FXE Technologies

FXE Technologies develops digital technology that enables applicants to receive personalised finance offers instantly and supports the full lending li...

FXE Technologies develops digital technology that enables applicants to receive personalised finance offers instantly and supports the full lending lifecycle. Built from nearly a decade of experience powering a digital credit broking marketplace, its white-label solutions serve banks, lenders, and the wider SME finance ecosystem. Leveraging live, validated transactional data from the UK’s advanced data environment, FXE Technologies drives accurate decisioning and proactive engagement. Its products are used by over 80 leading high street and challenger banks and specialist lenders. Recognised as a commercial lending innovator, the company has received multiple international awards, including a BCR grant.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacifi...

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 countries throughout Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, positioning us to help clients with their legal needs around the world.

We believe great businesses can make a better world. Forward-thinking, innovative organisations can find the answers to today’s most difficult questions. That’s why, every day, we help them succeed.

Our bold and dynamic culture means we think big and act decisively. Because relationships are at the heart of everything we do for our clients and communities.

Let’s make business better. Together.

Previous attendees have included financial institutions from across UK Finance’s membership, as well as representatives from HM Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, the Financial Conduct Authority, the Prudential Regulation Authority, the British Business Bank and several business trade associations.

Members:
- All Commercial Finance members
- Heads of business banking and lending
- Senior business/product roles
- Senior business support
- Senior regulatory affairs
- Senior lawyers
Associate members:
- Law firms
- Insolvency practitioners
- Any involved in SME credit data, other SME data or Open Finance
- AI providers or specialists
Other target audience includes:
- Business groups
- Government departments
- Policymakers
- Regulators

Commercial Finance Conference 2025

Key themes

Why should I attend?

Previous attendees

Sponsorship opportunities:

DLA Piper

Climate X

FXE Technologies

DLA Piper

In association with