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Lloyds Banking Group announces £2 billion of trade finance to support SMEs trade abroad and expand into international markets

Lloyds Banking Group
Published on: 26 January 2026
2 min read
 
  • In 2026, Lloyds Banking Group will make over £35 billion of new finance available to companies operating and investing in the UK.
  • £2 billion of trade finance will be available to help businesses invest and expand abroad as part of the Government’s £11 billion exporter initiative.

 

Lloyds has reaffirmed its commitment to backing British businesses, announcing that it will make up to £2 billion of trade finance available to support growth for SMEs and mid-corporate exporters, allowing them to invest, scale and expand into international markets.

This forms part of Lloyds Banking Group’s plan to make over £35 billion of new finance available to companies operating and investing across the UK in 2026. The £2 billion trade finance pledge includes lending via UK Export Finance (UKEF) backed facilities, as part of the Government’s £11 billion package to help UK firms compete and grow in international markets.

Backing SMEs and mid corporates across the UK

This trade finance commitment, along with our International Trade Portal, will support SMEs - the backbone of the UK economy - while also equipping mid corporate clients with the working capital and trade solutions they need to invest in productivity, supply chains and export growth.

 

 

Helping Britain Prosper

By continuing to provide access to new finance and by supporting the UK’s exporter base, Lloyds is helping to stimulate regional investment, create jobs and drive sustainable growth. Helping businesses thrive and supporting their growth ambitions creates opportunities in regions and communities across the UK, and achieving it requires a clear and committed strategy.

Working alongside UKEF demonstrates how banks and government can come together to unlock the full potential of UK businesses to help them compete and win on the global stage. This dedicated trade finance support will enable more firms to seek new export opportunities, scale internationally and drive investment and jobs back into the UK.

Paul Kempster Managing Director, Commercial Banking Coverage, Lloyds Banking Group

 

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