The value of buy-to-let (BTL) mortgage loans for property remortgaging in the UK was forecast to continue to increase in 2025, after plummeting in 2023. In 2023, buy-to-let mortgages originated for a property purchase amounted to nine billion British pounds, while remortgage originations totaled 11 billion British pounds. By 2026, mortgage lending for purchases was forecast to remain stable, while remortgage lending was expected to rise to 28 billion British pounds.

The share of residential mortgage loans that are written-off in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2022 was 0.004 percent in 2023. In 2024, the mortgage write-offs share is forecast to rise to 0.014 percent, followed by a further increase to 0.06 percent in 2025 and a decline to 0.013 percent in 2026. A written-off mortgages are non-performing loans that cannot be collected from the debtor.

Mortgage rates increased at a record pace in 2022, with the **-year fixed mortgage rate doubling between March 2022 and December 2022. With inflation increasing, the Bank of England introduced several bank rate hikes, resulting in higher mortgage rates. In April 2025, the average **-year fixed rate interest rate reached **** percent. As borrowing costs get higher, demand for housing is expected to decrease, leading to declining market sentiment and slower house price growth. How have the mortgage hikes affected the market? After surging in 2021, the number of residential properties sold declined in 2022, reaching close to *** million. Despite the number of transactions falling, this figure was higher than the period before the COVID-19 pandemic. The falling transaction volume also impacted mortgage borrowing. Between the first quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024, the value of new mortgage loans fell year-on-year for five straight quarters in a row. How are higher mortgages affecting homebuyers? Homeowners with a mortgage loan usually lock in a fixed rate deal for two to ten years, meaning that after this period runs out, they need to renegotiate the terms of the loan. Many of the mortgages outstanding were taken out during the period of record-low mortgage rates and have since faced notable increases in their monthly repayment. About **** million homeowners are projected to see their deal expire by the end of 2026. About *** million of these loans are projected to experience a monthly payment increase of up to *** British pounds by 2026.

Mortgage Approvals in the United Kingdom decreased to 60.46 Thousand in April from 63.60 Thousand in March of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom Mortgage Approvals - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Mortgage Rate in the United Kingdom decreased to 7.09 percent in May from 7.19 percent in April of 2025. This dataset provides - United Kingdom BBA Mortgage Rate- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Just as in many other countries, the housing market in the UK grew substantially during the coronavirus pandemic, fueled by robust demand and low borrowing costs. Nevertheless, high inflation and the increase in mortgage rates has led to house price growth slowing down. According to the forecast, 2024 is expected to see house prices decrease by three percent. Between 2024 and 2028, the average house price growth is projected at 2.7 percent. A contraction after a period of continuous growth In June 2022, the UK's house price index exceeded 150 index points, meaning that since 2015 which was the base year for the index, house prices had increased by 50 percent. In just two years, between 2020 and 2022, the index surged by 30 index points. As the market stood in December 2023, the average price for a home stood at approximately 284,691 British pounds. Rents are expected to continue to grow According to another forecast, the prime residential market is also expected to see rental prices grow in the next years. Growth is forecast to be stronger in 2024 and slow down in the period between 2025 and 2028. The rental market in London is expected to follow a similar trend, with Central London slightly outperforming Greater London.

The benchmark interest rate in the United Kingdom was last recorded at 4.25 percent. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Interest Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Policy interest rates in the U.S. and Europe are forecasted to decrease gradually between 2024 and 2027, following exceptional increases triggered by soaring inflation between 2021 and 2023. The U.S. federal funds rate stood at 5.38 percent at the end of 2023, the European Central Bank deposit rate at four percent, and the Swiss National Bank policy rate at 1.75 percent. With inflationary pressures stabilizing, policy interest rates are forecast to decrease in each observed region. The U.S. federal funds rate is expected to decrease to 3.5 percent, the ECB refi rate to 2.65 percent, the Bank of England bank rate to 3.33 percent, and the Swiss National Bank policy rate to 0.75 percent by 2025. An interesting aspect to note is the impact of these interest rate changes on various economic factors such as growth, employment, and inflation. The impact of central bank policy rates The U.S. federal funds effective rate, crucial in determining the interest rate paid by depository institutions, experienced drastic changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The subsequent slight changes in the effective rate reflected the efforts to stimulate the economy and manage economic factors such as inflation. Such fluctuations in the federal funds rate have had a significant impact on the overall economy. The European Central Bank's decision to cut its fixed interest rate in June 2024 for the first time since 2016 marked a significant shift in attitude towards economic conditions. The reasons behind the fluctuations in the ECB's interest rate reflect its mandate to ensure price stability and manage inflation, shedding light on the complex interplay between interest rates and economic factors. Inflation and real interest rates The relationship between inflation and interest rates is critical in understanding the actions of central banks. Central banks' efforts to manage inflation through interest rate adjustments reveal the intricate balance between economic growth and inflation. Additionally, the concept of real interest rates, adjusted for inflation, provides valuable insights into the impact of inflation on the economy.

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Loan Servicing Software Market Size 2025-2029

The loan servicing software market size is forecast to increase by USD 3.43 billion at a CAGR of 13.4% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for operational efficiency in the lending industry. Automation of manual processes and improved data management are key drivers, enabling lenders to streamline operations, reduce errors, and enhance customer experience. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions among market participants further fuel market expansion, as they collaborate to offer comprehensive solutions and expand their reach. Creditworthiness is assessed using credit scoring algorithms, alternative data sources, and AI, ensuring lenders mitigate default risk. However, regulatory hurdles impact adoption, as stringent regulations necessitate robust compliance features and data security measures. Consumer preferences for convenience and quick approval processes have led to the rise of digital lending platforms, enabling businesses to access working capital without the need for collateral or extensive documentation. Additionally, the threat from open-source loan servicing software challenges market growth, as some lenders opt for cost-effective alternatives, potentially limiting revenue opportunities for proprietary software companies. 
To capitalize on market opportunities and navigate challenges effectively, companies must focus on offering flexible, scalable, and secure solutions that cater to evolving regulatory requirements and customer needs.

What will be the Size of the Loan Servicing Software Market during the forecast period?

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The market is witnessing significant activity and trends as servicing systems evolve to optimize loan administration and collection processes. These solutions now offer automated workflows for loan origination, disbursement, and foreclosure management, ensuring compliance with regulations. Data migration and quality are crucial aspects, with cloud-based solutions and predictive modeling enabling business continuity and cost optimization. UI/UX design and mobile apps enhance user experience, while performance analysis and monitoring tools provide valuable insights. Compliance solutions, data encryption, and fraud prevention are essential features for data security. Hybrid solutions and third-party integrations cater to small businesses, offering scalable infrastructure and open APIs for customization. Fintech companies employ credit scoring algorithms, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to assess creditworthiness and manage risk. However, regulatory issues and default risk remain concerns for both borrowers and financial institutions.
Enterprise solutions now offer advanced capabilities like default management, system monitoring, customer segmentation, and reporting tools. Disaster recovery and data governance are critical components, ensuring business continuity and data visualization for informed decision-making. Performance analysis and cost optimization remain key priorities, with on-premise and cloud-based solutions catering to varying business needs.

How is this Loan Servicing Software Industry segmented?

The loan servicing software industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Application

  Banks
  Credit unions
  Mortgage lenders
  Brokers
  Others


Deployment

  Cloud-based
  On-premises


Component

  Software
  Services


Sector

  Large enterprises
  Small and medium enterprises


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The banks segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Loan servicing software is a vital tool for financial institutions, enabling them to manage and process various types of loans, including residential mortgages, asset servicing, auto loans, business loans, and consumer loans, among others. The market is witnessing significant trends, such as the integration of user interfaces that offer mobile accessibility, making it easier for borrowers to apply for loans and make payments online. Workflow management systems are streamlining processes, reducing turnaround time by up to 50%, and enhancing operational efficiency. One major trend is the adoption of advanced technology in microfinancing, enabling faster and more efficient loan processing and underwriting. This technology includes mobile applications, biometric identification, and artificial intelligence. Cloud computing and agile development are driving digital transformation in the l

Mortgage interest rates worldwide varied greatly in 2024, from less than four percent in many European countries, to as high as 44 percent in Turkey. The average mortgage rate in a country depends on the central bank's base lending rate and macroeconomic indicators such as inflation and forecast economic growth. Since 2022, inflationary pressures have led to rapid increase in mortgage interest rates. Which are the leading mortgage markets? An easy way to estimate the importance of the mortgage sector in each country is by comparing household debt depth, or the ratio of the debt held by households compared to the county's GDP. In 2023, Switzerland, Australia, and Canada had some of the highest household debt to GDP ratios worldwide. While this indicator shows the size of the sector relative to the country’s economy, the value of mortgages outstanding allows to compare the market size in different countries. In Europe, for instance, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France were the largest mortgage markets by outstanding mortgage lending. Mortgage lending trends in the U.S. In the United States, new mortgage lending soared in 2021. This was largely due to the growth of new refinance loans that allow homeowners to renegotiate their mortgage terms and replace their existing loan with a more favorable one. Following the rise in interest rates, the mortgage market cooled, and refinance loans declined.

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Home Equity Lending Market Size 2025-2029

The home equity lending market size is forecast to increase by USD 48.16 billion at a CAGR of 4.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the massive increase in home prices and the resulting rise in residential property values. This trend presents a substantial opportunity for lenders, enabling them to offer larger home equity loans to borrowers. However, the market also faces challenges, including the lengthy procedures associated with home equity lending. Despite these challenges, companies can capitalize on the market's growth by streamlining their application processes and offering competitive interest rates.
Additionally, they can explore alternative lending models, such as digital platforms, to provide a more convenient and efficient borrowing experience for customers. By addressing these challenges and leveraging the market's growth drivers, home equity lenders can effectively navigate the strategic landscape and position themselves for success.

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The market continues to evolve, shaped by dynamic market conditions and diverse applications across various sectors. Homeowners seek second mortgages and home equity loans to address educational expenses, retirement planning, home improvement projects, and debt consolidation. Credit risk, loan approval, and loan term are critical factors in this market, with lenders assessing loan-to-value ratios and debt-to-income ratios to manage default risk. Fixed-rate loans offer stability, while variable-rate loans present interest rate risk. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are increasingly integrated into digital mortgage applications, streamlining origination and underwriting processes. However, concerns surrounding mortgage fraud, predatory lending, and equity extraction persist, necessitating rigorous regulatory oversight and financial literacy initiatives.
Cash-out refinances and reverse mortgages provide liquidity, while origination fees and closing costs impact affordability. Subprime lending targets borrowers with lower credit scores, increasing equity risk. Mortgage servicing, fair housing act compliance, and managing loan payments are essential components of the home equity lending landscape. 

How is this Home Equity Lending Industry segmented?

The home equity lending industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Source

  Mortgage and credit union
  Commercial banks
  Others


Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Purpose

  Home Improvement
  Debt Consolidation
  Investment


Loan Type

  Fixed-Rate
  Variable-Rate


Geography

  North America

    US
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Source Insights

The mortgage and credit union segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Home equity lending is a popular financial solution for homeowners seeking to access the value of their property. Mortgage and credit unions serve as trusted providers in this market, offering various types of loans, including home equity loans and second mortgages. The loan approval process considers factors like loan-to-value ratio, debt-to-income ratio, and credit score. Reverse mortgages and cash-out refinances are alternative options for older homeowners or those in need of large funds. Interest rate risk is a significant concern for borrowers, with variable-rate loans carrying more uncertainty than fixed-rate loans. Preventing predatory lending and mortgage fraud requires vigilance. Digital mortgage applications streamline the process, while origination fees and closing costs add to the overall cost.

Mortgage servicing, property value assessment using automated valuation models, and financial planning are essential aspects of home equity lending. Homeowners may consider equity extraction for educational expenses, home improvement, or debt consolidation. Retirement planning and managing liquidity risk are also crucial considerations. Credit counseling and financial literacy are essential for making informed decisions. Regulations, such as the Fair Housing Act, protect consumers from discrimination. Machine learning and online lending platforms enhance the lending experience, offering personalized services. Mortgage lenders must manage credit risk and equity risk, ensuring a balanced portfolio. Homeowners should be aware of the potential impact of inte

Base Year 2023 Forecast Period 2024-2028 Market Growth X.XX%*

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Personal Loans Market Size 2025-2029

The personal loans market size is forecast to increase by USD 803.4 billion at a CAGR of 15.2% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced technologies in loan processing and the rise of cloud-based personal loan servicing software offerings. These technological advancements enable faster application processing, improved customer experience, and enhanced operational efficiency for lenders. However, market expansion is not without challenges. Compliance and regulatory hurdles impact adoption, with stringent regulations governing the collection, storage, and sharing of borrower data. Additionally, ensuring data security and privacy remains a critical concern for both lenders and borrowers.
Navigating these challenges requires a strategic approach, including robust compliance frameworks, data security measures, and transparent communication with regulators and customers. Companies that effectively address these challenges while leveraging technological innovations will be well-positioned to capitalize on the market's growth potential and meet the evolving needs of consumers seeking flexible and convenient personal loan solutions.

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In the dynamic market, borrowers seek flexibility and efficiency in their loan applications. The loan approval process, influenced by credit utilization rate and debt-to-income ratio, is streamlined through digital marketing and financial planning tools. Financial advisors and coaches employ credit risk modeling to assess applicants' creditworthiness, ensuring a responsible lending environment. Mortgage debt and student loan debt continue to dominate borrowers' financial landscapes, necessitating loan comparison tools and debt consolidation loans. Prepayment penalties, late payment fees, and interest rate calculation are crucial elements in financial planning, as borrowers navigate their loan amortization schedules. Customer onboarding is optimized through user-friendly loan application processes and financial literacy resources.
Credit score simulators and line of credit options offer borrowers greater control over their credit utilization and financial wellness. Title loans and payday loans, despite high-interest rates and potential risks, remain attractive for some due to their quick approval processes. Search engine optimization and social media marketing are essential for lenders to reach potential customers, while customer service and loan default management remain key differentiators. Installment loans and credit card debt management tools further cater to borrowers' diverse financial needs.

How is this Personal Loans Industry segmented?

The personal loans industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Application

  Short term loans
  Medium term loans
  Long term loans


Type

  P2P marketplace lending
  Balance sheet lending


Channel

  Banks
  Credit union
  Online lenders


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Application Insights

The short term loans segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

Personal loans continue to gain traction in the US market, catering to various financial needs and empowering consumers with quick access to credit. Digital lending platforms have revolutionized the industry, enabling automated decisioning and streamlined loan origination through online applications. Responsible lending practices are prioritized, ensuring fair lending and consumer protection. Peer-to-peer lending and alternative lending solutions provide access to credit for the unbanked and underserved communities, fostering financial inclusion. Credit history and credit scores are crucial factors in determining loan terms and affordability. Personal finance tools and financial literacy programs help consumers improve their creditworthiness and make informed borrowing decisions.

Medical expenses, home improvement projects, and emergency funds are common loan purposes, with short-term loans offering quick relief for immediate financial needs. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics enable fraud detection and credit score monitoring, ensuring a secure and transparent lending experience. Consumer education and financial wellness initiatives promote financial planning and debt management, while debt counseling and credit repair services help consumers navigate complex financial si

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Micro Lending Market Size 2025-2029

The micro lending market size is forecast to increase by USD 532.1 billion at a CAGR of 28.1% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced technology in microfinancing. This technological evolution is enabling financial institutions to expand their reach and provide more accessible and efficient services to a larger population, particularly in developing nations. However, despite this progress, there remains a substantial untapped market due to the lack of awareness about financial services in certain regions. This presents both opportunities and challenges for market participants. On the one hand, there is a vast potential customer base waiting to be served, offering significant growth prospects. On the other hand, there are complexities in reaching and serving these customers effectively, requiring innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
One major trend is the adoption of advanced technology in microfinancing, enabling faster and more efficient loan processing and underwriting. This technology includes mobile applications, biometric identification, and artificial intelligence. Another trend is the increasing adoption of micro lending in developing nations, where access to traditional banking services is limited. Companies seeking to capitalize on this market opportunity must navigate these challenges with agility and a deep knowledge of local market dynamics. By leveraging technology, building strong partnerships, and addressing the unique needs of the market, businesses can effectively serve this growing customer base and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape.

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The market continues to gain momentum as a critical component of global financial inclusion efforts. This market encompasses various financial inclusion strategies, including digital financial inclusion, loan disbursement through fintech platforms, and microfinance trends that prioritize responsible lending and sustainable finance. Financial inclusion policies have driven market growth, enabling greater financial resilience and empowerment for individuals and communities. Despite the market's progress, challenges persist, such as loan default, financial literacy programs, and debt management. Impact measurement, social impact reporting, and financial inclusion metrics are essential for assessing the market's success and addressing these challenges. Regulations and best practices play a crucial role in ensuring microfinance remains an effective solution for inclusive finance.
Borrowers, often from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, use these loans for various purposes, including starting small businesses in retail, food services, handicrafts, livestock rearing, transportation, recycling, and health services. Micro lending plays a crucial role in addressing income inequality by providing access to financial services for those excluded from the formal banking sector. Collateral is usually not required for these loans, making them more accessible than traditional loans. Financial inclusion initiatives have seen significant investment opportunities, with fintech startups and alternative data sources driving innovation. The market's future direction lies in data-driven lending, financial inclusion frameworks, and inclusive finance that caters to the unique needs of microenterprises and their development. Overall, the market's continued growth and evolution reflect its vital role in fostering financial inclusion and promoting economic prosperity.

How is this Micro Lending Industry segmented?

The micro lending industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Source

  Banks
  NBFCs
  MFIs


End-user

  Small enterprises
  Solo entrepreneurs
  Micro-entrepreneurs


Geography

  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  Europe

    Germany
    UK


  North America

    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Source Insights

The banks segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Micro lending banks provide financial services, such as loans, savings accounts, and insurances, to individuals with limited income. Established by various entities, including individuals, community organizations, private corporations, and foreign investors, these banks focus on economically disadvantaged clients, low-income households, and unbanked populations, including marginalized groups like women, youth, disabled individuals, and informal sector operators, such as micro-entrepreneurs

Bank Lending Rate in the United Kingdom remained unchanged at 8.58 percent in May. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Prime Lending Rate - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

August 2024 marked a significant shift in the UK's monetary policy, as it saw the first reduction in the official bank base interest rate since August 2023. This change came after a period of consistent rate hikes that began in late 2021. In a bid to minimize the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank of England cut the official bank base rate in March 2020 to a record low of *** percent. This historic low came just one week after the Bank of England cut rates from **** percent to **** percent in a bid to prevent mass job cuts in the United Kingdom. It remained at *** percent until December 2021 and was increased to one percent in May 2022 and to **** percent in October 2022. After that, the bank rate increased almost on a monthly basis, reaching **** percent in August 2023. It wasn't until August 2024 that the first rate decrease since the previous year occurred, signaling a potential shift in monetary policy. Why do central banks adjust interest rates? Central banks, including the Bank of England, adjust interest rates to manage economic stability and control inflation. Their strategies involve a delicate balance between two main approaches. When central banks raise interest rates, their goal is to cool down an overheated economy. Higher rates curb excessive spending and borrowing, which helps to prevent runaway inflation. This approach is typically used when the economy is growing too quickly or when inflation is rising above desired levels. Conversely, when central banks lower interest rates, they aim to encourage borrowing and investment. This strategy is employed to stimulate economic growth during periods of slowdown or recession. Lower rates make it cheaper for businesses and individuals to borrow money, which can lead to increased spending and investment. This dual approach allows central banks to maintain a balance between promoting growth and controlling inflation, ensuring long-term economic stability. Additionally, adjusting interest rates can influence currency values, impacting international trade and investment flows, further underscoring their critical role in a nation's economic health. Recent interest rate trends Between 2021 and 2024, most advanced and emerging economies experienced a period of regular interest rate hikes. This trend was driven by several factors, including persistent supply chain disruptions, high energy prices, and robust demand pressures. These elements combined to create significant inflationary trends, prompting central banks to raise rates in an effort to temper spending and borrowing. However, in 2024, a shift began to occur in global monetary policy. The European Central Bank (ECB) was among the first major central banks to reverse this trend by cutting interest rates. This move signaled a change in approach aimed at addressing growing economic slowdowns and supporting growth.

Mortgage rates in the Netherlands increased sharply in 2022 and 2023, after declining gradually between 2008 and 2021. In December 2022, the average interest rate for new mortgage loans stood at 1.65 percent, and by the end of 2023, it had risen to 4.13 percent. The 10-year interest rate was the lowest, at 2.96 percent; the floating and less than one-year interest rates amounted to 5.13 and 4.62 percent, respectively. In early 2024, mortgage rates decreased notably. Are mortgage rates in the Netherlands different from those in other European countries? When comparing this ranking to data that covers multiple European countries, the Netherlands’ mortgage rate was similar to the rates found in Spain, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. It was, however, a lot lower than the rates in Eastern Europe. Hungary and Romania, for example, had some of the highest mortgage rates. For more information on the European mortgage market and how much the countries differ from each other, please visit this dedicated research page. How big is the mortgage market in the Netherlands? The Netherlands has overall seen an increase in the number of mortgage loans sold and is regarded as one of the countries with the highest mortgage debt in Europe. The reason behind this is that Dutch homeowners were able to for many years to deduct interest paid from pre-tax income (a system known in the Netherlands as hypotheekrenteaftrek). Total mortgage debt of Dutch households has been increasing year-on-year since 2013.

In April 2025, global inflation rates and central bank interest rates showed significant variation across major economies. Most economies initiated interest rate cuts from mid-2024 due to declining inflationary pressures. The U.S., UK, and EU central banks followed a consistent pattern of regular rate reductions throughout late 2024. In early 2025, Russia maintained the highest interest rate at 21 percent, while Japan retained the lowest at 0.5 percent. Varied inflation rates across major economies The inflation landscape varies considerably among major economies. China had the lowest inflation rate at -0.1 percent in April 2025. In contrast, Russia maintained a high inflation rate of 10.2 percent. These figures align with broader trends observed in early 2025, where China had the lowest inflation rate among major developed and emerging economies, while Russia's rate remained the highest. Central bank responses and economic indicators Central banks globally implemented aggressive rate hikes throughout 2022-23 to combat inflation. The European Central Bank exemplified this trend, raising rates from 0 percent in January 2022 to 4.5 percent by September 2023. A coordinated shift among major central banks began in mid-2024, with the ECB, Bank of England, and Federal Reserve initiating rate cuts, with forecasts suggesting further cuts through 2025 and 2026.

As of December 2024, the Croatian banking sector had the highest coverage ratio of non-performing loans and advances (NPL) in Europe. The non-performing loan coverage ratio looks at a banks ability to absorb future losses. Banks understand not every loan that they lend will be paid in full, so by predicting the rate of non-performing loans, banks can be prepared to cover these future losses. The higher the coverage ratio, the better prepared a countries banks are for such an outcome. How have evolved NPLs in different European countries? In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, approximately one percent of loans were non-performing (NPL), whereas less economically stable countries such as Greece have seen NPL’s reach worryingly high levels. Nevertheless, the southern-European country has reduced the size of its NPLs quite fast during the past years. Italy's coverage ratio ramains stable The coverage ratio of NPLs in Italy has remained relatively stable during the past years. That stability was reached after the coverage ratio grew at a fast pace between 2015 and 2018. When looking at the coverage ratio of non-performing mortages, the ranking looked slightly different, with Poland being at the top.