New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew by 5% in February 2026 compared with the same month in 2025.  In the first two months of 2026, new business in this market was 4% higher than in the same period in 2025.

The credit card and personal loans sectors together reported new business 4% higher in February than in the same month in 2025, while the retail store and online credit sector reported a fall in new business of 2% over the same period.

Commenting on the figures, Geraldine Kilkelly, Director of Research and Chief Economist at the FLA, said:

“The consumer finance market recorded steady growth in February, with most major product areas seeing year‑on‑year increases in the value of new business. This indicates a degree of resilience in consumer demand, despite continued pressure on household finances.

“The UK economy now faces a more challenging outlook, as the conflict in the Middle East is likely to weigh on activity, confidence and financial conditions. In this environment, the consumer finance market represented by FLA members will continue to play an important role in supporting household spending, while affordability considerations and wider uncertainty shape the pace of growth in the months ahead.”

Source: FLA