The lenders have responded to increased demand for non-bank finance and in the process helped to create 11,500 new businesses, supported over 20,000 jobs and aided 42,000 people avoid high-cost credit.
The alternative lenders – known as community development finance institutions (CDFIs) – are social businesses that provide fair, affordable credit to consumers and enterprises, and are the focus of the CDFA’s ‘Inside Community Finance’ report.
‘Inside Community Finance’ maps CDFI lending against bank lending, and clearly shows for the first time how these alternative lenders are serving the neighbourhoods where banks aren’t lending. These are also the UK’s most deprived areas.
Ben Hughes, chief executive of the CDFA, said: “The role of CDFIs in reaching underserved communities is indisputable. They are not only helping customers denied access to mainstream finance, they are pumping millions back into Britain’s economy.
“CDFIs are bringing diversity, and values, back to the financial services industry, and their reach is growing. This year CDFIs made over 55,000 loans and since the 2009 recession have lent over £1 billion. Built on sustainable, ethical and entrepreneurial principles, CDFIs are increasing the wealth and prosperity of Britons everywhere.”
