Professor Michael Mainelli, Lord Mayor of London (2023/24), President of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Chairman of Z/Yen Group

In this exclusive BCR webcast, Professor Michael Mainelli KStJ OMRI FCCA FCSI(Hon) FBCS, Chairman of Z/Yen Group, President...

In this exclusive BCR webcast, Professor Michael Mainelli KStJ OMRI FCCA FCSI(Hon) FBCS, Chairman of Z/Yen Group, President of the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and former Lord Mayor of London, shares his insights on why banks have largely stepped back from SME funding.

He explores the structural and regulatory pressures behind this withdrawal and considers whether banks might one day re-enter this crucial lending space.

Professor Mainelli also discusses whether alternative finance can realistically close the SME funding gap on its own, or if meaningful scale will require collaboration with traditional institutions.

Want to hear more?

Watch the webcast for his full perspective, and join us next week at the 11th Alternative and Receivables Finance Forum 2025 on 26th November, where these themes will continue to shape the debate on the future of SME finance.