HSBC UK boosts support for SMEs trading internationally
- UK bank with 160 years’ international experience expands partnership with UK Export Finance (UKEF) to signal financial support for SMEs1
- HSBC UK pledges to make £3bn in lending available through its work with UKEF
HSBC UK has extended its partnership with UKEF to boost support for UK businesses, helping them to access the finance and advice they need to seize international opportunities.
With exports accounting for ~30% of UK GDP, according to UKEF, trade represents one of the most significant growth opportunities for UK businesses. Yet many face barriers to accessing the capital and support they need to go global.
As UK businesses seek to develop both new and existing export markets, our network of teams across 57 countries and territories is well placed to help connect leaders to global opportunities.
Alongside providing businesses with access to its international expertise, HSBC UK pledges to make available £3bn in lending to support working capital financing for UK exporters, with UKEF guaranteeing up to 80% of eligible facilities.
Stephanie Betant, Head of Global Trade Solutions, says: “Amid geopolitical volatility, UK businesses continue to reap the benefits of global trade. Recent HSBC UK research found that 82% of businesses that trade overseas expect to grow over the next two years2.
“As a UK bank providing market leading international services, we help companies to invest, innovate, and export with confidence. We look forward to continuing this work, using our international connections to help leaders navigate complexities and unlock sustainable growth overseas.”
UKEF Chief Executive Tim Reid said: “British exporters are at the heart of economic growth. This partnership unlocks billions of pounds to help UK businesses compete to win overseas contracts, showing how UKEF stands behind companies with global ambitions.”
HSBC and UKEF will also continue to collaborate in the development of propositions to help exporters navigate global markets, seize export opportunities and scale. This partnership reinforces HSBC UK’s role as a trusted growth partner and UKEF’s position as one of the UK Government’s most powerful growth levers.
Eligibility is assessed by HSBC UK under UKEF’s existing lending scheme.3
Media enquiries to:
Hannah Langston
+44 (0) 7384 792248
UKPressOffice@hsbc.co.uk
Notes to editors:
1UKEF defines SMEs as businesses with an annual turnover of less than £44m
2Source: Supporting your global business ambitions | HSBC UK
3Lending is subject to credit status and T&Cs.
HSBC UK
HSBC UK serves over 15 million active customers across the UK, supported by 23,900 colleagues. HSBC UK offers a complete range of retail banking and wealth management to personal and private banking customers, as well as commercial banking for small to medium businesses and large corporates. HSBC UK is a ring-fenced bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc.
HSBC Holdings plc
HSBC Holdings plc, the parent company of HSBC, is headquartered in London. HSBC serves customers worldwide from offices in 57 countries and territories. With assets of US$3,234bn at 30 September 2025, HSBC is one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.