About us

We advance prosperity by ensuring no viable UK export fails for lack of finance or insurance, doing that sustainably and at no net cost to the taxpayer.


We are the UK’s export credit agency and a government department, working alongside the Department for Business and Trade as an integral part of its strategy and operations.

We work with over 100 private credit insurers and lenders to help UK companies access export finance (the particular class of loans, insurance policies or bank guarantees that enable international trade to take place as easily and securely as possible). We exist to complement not compete with the private sector.

We help UK companies to:

  • win export contracts by providing attractive financing terms to their buyers
  • fulfil contracts by supporting working capital loans
  • get paid by insuring against buyer default

We can support exports for any size of company and across all sectors, from capital goods to services and intangibles such as intellectual property.

How we work

Our export finance managers provide free and impartial consultations. They help UK companies to check they are getting the appropriate support and, if not, explore how to bridge any gaps.

Arrange a consultation with your local export finance manager.

Find out more about our products and read our success stories, describing real-life examples of our support.

Who we are

We employ more than 450 staff. Our office is in London, but our network of export finance managers are located across the UK. They are the first point of contact for guidance for UK exporters of all sizes and in all sectors.

We are supported by an advisory non-departmental body.

Read our 2020 to 2024 business plan.

UK Export Finance is the operating name of the Export Credits Guarantee Department (ECGD).

You can also read relevant legislation: the Export and Investment Guarantees Act 1991, as amended by the Industry and Exports (Financial Support) Act 2009 and the Small Business Enterprise and Employment Act 2015.

Business integrity

UK companies that do business with integrity are better positioned to reduce risks and capitalise on commercial opportunities.

Doing business with integrity means ensuring compliance with the UK Bribery Act and insisting local partners, agents and distributors adhere to the same high standards. It also means being vigilant for modern slavery and other human rights abuses, both in operations and supply chains, in line with the UK Modern Slavery Act 2015.

Companies that make integrity core to their business protect and strengthen brand reputation, enjoy greater and more sustainable commercial success over the long-term, and minimise the risk of prosecution.

Tackling bribery and corruption creates more prosperous and healthy communities and a better business environment. It also enables the UK to maintain its status as a global leader in the fight against corruption.

Corporate information

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Jobs and contracts

Read about the types of information we routinely publish in our Publication scheme. Our Personal information charter explains how we treat your personal information.