The rise of UK retail securities lending
Share this:
Three years ago, UK retail investors had limited access to securities lending. Today, it has become a competitive necessity for UK platforms.
In this feature for Securities Finance Times, Sharegain’s Head of Sales EMEA, Saul Dawes, explores how the UK market has rapidly evolved – from high barriers and no infrastructure to meaningful retail participation. He explores current demand dynamics, examines the UK against more mature US and European markets where securities lending is already the norm, and explains why the business case is now impossible to ignore.
Dawes also addresses barriers still facing UK adoption, how institutional borrowers are actively seeking retail inventory, and why retail investors are set to become the catalyst for doubling the global securities lending market within five years. Essential reading for UK platforms and brokers navigating this transformation.
Related content
Securities Lending as a Service: How it works
5 reasons why securities lending became widely adopted by private banks and wealth managers
How much online brokers made from securities lending
Securities lending: The evolving regulatory landscape
With securities lending, as with other investment activities, your capital may be at risk.
Sharegain Securities Inc. is registered with the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission and is a member of FINRA (CRD# 318555) and SIPC. Sharegain Ltd is registered in England and Wales (no. 09600298) and is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (no. 730395). Registered address: 77 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 3DE. Information regarding Sharegain Securities Inc. may be found at brokercheck.finra.org. Any information published on this website is intended exclusively for institutional investors and financial intermediaries. By using this website, you understand that all material presented here is provided for informational purposes only and agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Nothing in this communication should be construed as investment advice or an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to engage in a securities lending programme. All investing involves risk and past performance is not a guarantee or a reliable indicator of future results. You should seek independent financial and/or tax advice before making any investment decisions. For more information, please contact info@sharegain.com © 2026 Sharegain Ltd