Small business lender Funding Circle’s revenue jumped more than 50 per cent in the first half of 2026, while chief executive Lisa Jacobs announced plans to step down from the role.

In its half-year results, the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lender reported “record” revenue of £138.2m, while profit before tax (PBT) increased to £24.1m.

Funding Circle also said that credit extended increased 52 per cent to £1.7bn, with the lender backing a “record” 18,000 UK SMEs during the first half of 2026.

Term loan originations grew 43 per cent to £1.05bn, while PBT increased to £28.6m.

Read more: Castlelake backs Funding Circle with £500m for UK SMEs

“It has been another strong half for Funding Circle, reflecting the momentum across our business and continued execution against our multi-product strategy,” said Lisa Jacobs, chief executive of Funding Circle.

At the same time, Jacobs also announced plans to step down as chief executive, having held the role since January 2022 and joined the firm in January 2012.

Jacobs said she will step down from the role by no later than September 2027, with the board now commencing a formal search for her successor.

Read more: Funding Circle extends Bayview partnership with lending surpassing £1bn

“I have loved being part of Funding Circle’s growth story over the last 14 years,” said Jacobs.

“Today’s results show that the business is in the best position that it has ever been. We have shown strong growth and profitability and great foundations for the future – and now feels like the right time to start the process of handing over the reins.”

Read more: Funding Circle swings into profit in “transformative year”