New figures released by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew by 10% in December 2025 compared with the same month in 2024. In 2025 as a whole, new business in this market was 6% higher than in 2024.

The credit card and personal loans sectors together reported new business 9% higher in December than in the same month in 2024, 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 reported a strong end to 2025 with growth across   most of the main finance products in December. For FLA members, new lending of over £122 billion was a record year.

“With inflation and interest rates on a downward path this should support further growth in 2026 as FLA members continue to support households make essential purchases.”