New figures released today by the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) show that consumer finance new business grew in November 2025 by 3% compared with the same month in 2024. In the eleven months to November 2025, new business in this market was 5% higher than in the same period in 2024.
The credit card and personal loans sectors together reported new business 3% higher in November than in the same month in 2024, while the retail store and online credit sector reported a fall in new business of 3% over the same period.
Commenting on the figures, Geraldine Kilkelly, Director of Research and Chief Economist at the FLA, said:
“The consumer finance market overall continued to grow in November although at a slower pace than might have been expected in the run-up to Christmas. The retail store and online credit sector recorded its highest monthly new business total of the year so far, but lower than in November 2024.
“The lower inflation and interest rate environment should help growth prospects, but weak consumer confidence has led to a more cautious industry outlook. The FLA’s latest research suggests that the proportion of consumer finance providers anticipating some increase in new business over the next year fell from 86% to 69% between Q3 and Q4 2025.
“As always, customers who are worried about meeting payments should speak to their lender as soon as possible to find a solution.”
