International trade and investment

Key facts about the UK as an international financial centre 2025

15 January 2026
5 minutes
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Our latest 'Key facts about the UK as an international financial centre 2025' report highlights the depth, diversity and global contribution of the UK-based financial and related professional services industry.

The global economy is currently navigating a period of significant transition, marked by uneven inflation, policy uncertainties and shifting international dynamics. Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, evolving energy policies and demographic changes are reshaping markets, while ongoing geopolitical tensions present both challenges and opportunities. Throughout these changes, the UK’s financial and related professional services industry continues to demonstrate resilience and leadership on the global stage.

The UK maintains its position as a leading international financial centre, excelling in cross-border banking, insurance and FinTech investment, further reinforcing its competitiveness and appeal to global investors.

 

Below are some of the key facts about the UK as an international financial centre from the report:

Around
TWICE
as many US dollars are traded in the UK than in the US

Over 564 active sustainable bonds were listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) from over 137 issuers in 2024, which have raised around
£266.4bn

The UK is home to around
200
foreign law firms from around 40 jurisdictions

The UK has
15%
of the global total of crossborder lending

UK private equity funds invested
£46.2bn
in 2024 - the largest amount in Europe

UK FinTech investment reached
£2.8bn
in 2024

The UK’s trade surplus in financial and related professional services in 2024 was
£119.1bn

The UK has
38%
of the global total of foreign-exchange turnover

London hosts more than
160
foreign banks or branches

Read the full report to find out more about how the UK retains its position as one of the world’s foremost international financial and related professional services centres.

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